Document ev8zNE0VQZR479Nj7B7Y2xqVm

' . Gro:\ in.j&r-Pit tSD-jrgh, Pa. ui' _e f>ir.- General Offices February 21, 1963 Dr. P. J. Castalll Medical Director Universal-Cyclop* Steel Corporation Brldgevllle Plant Bridgevllla, Pennsylvania X-ref: All Pydrauls Orig. filed: Pydraul 60 Dear Dr. caatellii Thank you for your latter of Pebruary 13 asking for Information on our\Pydraul synthetic flulda. This aarlaa of formulated product* raprasanta a number of various compositions designed to maat apaolfic physical qualifications dspandlng on tha lntandad usa. We do hava animal toxicity data on aaoh of tha fluids which wa can stake avallabla. In general, tha oral lethal dost in rats varias from about 5 grama par kilogram to mora than 30 grams par kilogram of body weight. In a mora sensitive animal, the rabbit, the oral lethal doss varies from 3 to 10 grains par kilogram. Similarly whan applied undiluted to tha skin of rabbits, the minimum lethal doss following absorption, varias from 1 to 10 grams par kilogram of body weight. In appropriate studies for skin and aye irritation potential, none of tha fluids appear to oa primary irritants. Nona of tha compo nents have a history' of sensitisation in humane. we do recommend that prolonged or repeated skin contest be avoided since these fluids are excellent solvents for tha normally occurring fats snd oils on ths skin and prolonged exposure can lead to drying and cracking. Whan tha fluids are instilled undiluted into the eyas of rabbits and allowed to remain, tha degree of irritation does not appear to be significant. On the other hand, wa do know that whan.tha fluid ie accidentally splashed or Wiped into the eyes of workmen, trie degree of pain la out of proportion to the degree of irritation oaused in the animals. Although a nurabor of such aooldents have occurred and have been reported to ua, there has bean no indication of any permanent daroage to aye tissues. Such Incidents hava confirmed ths animai work that no permanent eye injury would be expected as a result of such accidents. DSW 018580 " STLCOPCB4005124 Dr. t. J. Castelli - Page 2 - Peonury 21, IJ63 Oar usual suggestion for treatment of accidental eye oantact is pretty muoh the practice followed for any chemical that get* into the eye. We reoomnend that the eyes be flushed with ooploua quantities of water for at least fifteen minutee. Sub sequent madioal treatment might include the uae of anethe.tio eye drop* such aa pontooai it arid opthalmic cortisone drop3 cr ointments whioh aeema to speed up recovery of the irritated tlseuee. The fluid)C when handled at root*', temporature, prese.nt^i.o vrpor inhalation hsrard* because of low volatility. Anir..l atvu.i er. in which the fluid was allowed to contcct heated mett.i surfsore up to ii'oOF and thua thermally deconpcee, indicated that such decomposition products were little If any .more toxic then fcne amoi'e, vapors, fumes, etc. from thermal decanposilion oi petro leum hydraulic fluids. several instancen where hydraulic- line* have ruptured and \ sprayed fluid onto molten metal or other heated met&l surfaces, \ cuouda of smoke and vapors have resulted depending or. how ravioli fluid sprayed onto the aeta.1. Such decomposition product* aru obnoxious arid irritating to the degraa that no workman will voluntarily subject hioaeuf to seriously toxic concentrer.lon*. In other words, no one has suffered any eerioue injury fro.- exposui'ee liralt-ed to the time neoeasary to scut down equipment and leave the area or don appropriate respiratory protective) equipment. In no case has there been a flash of fliuut or Lserious fir* which uiiplit have enveloped the workmen nad a flamrarblt- fluid been in use. Although 1 have not had any experience with any caeet;, I would expect that treatment of any workman who had Inhaled the de composition products would be aymtomatle for the relief of respiratory tract Irritation. . If I can bo of any further r.n&istance, please at rot hetilvlr to lot me know. . Very truly yours. RSKiBf R. Brnnet Kelly, K. ih Medicr.i Director OSM 018581 STLCOPCB4005125