manufacture, processing and use of stainless steel - International ...

Results from a single intra-muscular carcinogenicity study provide no evidence for the
carcinogenicity in animals of metallic stainless steel.
When data concerning the hazardous properties of metallic stainless steels are
evaluated against the current EU classification criteria, there appears to be no basis for
classifying stainless steels for any of the toxicological end-points.
There are gaps in the database for metallic stainless steels for acute toxicity,
carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and reproductive effects. However, based on the
physical properties of the material and the negligible bioavailability of stainless steel
constituents, further testing using internationally agreed protocols would not be
expected to generate much useful information. Alternative approaches could be
considered in order to further examine the carcinogenic potential of stainless steels.
Stainless steel manufacture
Within this review, the manufacture of stainless steel is considered to include the
stages of stainless steel production from melting through to finishing. Stainless steel
production gives rise to a mixture of airborne dusts and fumes, and thus presents the
potential for inhalation exposure in the occupational setting. The airborne dusts and
fumes may contain various metal oxides and other metal compounds. Chromium
predominantly occurs in the trivalent state, although hexavalent chromium may occur.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are only likely to occur if casting is
performed using moulds containing binders and other additives. There are few
qualitative and quantitative exposure data available for this industry.
With regard to long-term effects on health among workers engaged in the
manufacture of stainless steel, only a few investigations have been conducted.
Morbidity studies show no evidence of adverse effects on respiratory health in
workers engaged in the melting stages of stainless steel production which might be
associated with chromium exposure, although the available data preclude wider
conclusions being drawn regarding the health of workers in the stainless steel
manufacturing industry. Epidemiological studies do not provide convincing evidence
of elevated lung cancer risk in workers involved in stainless steel manufacture. One
epidemiological study provided some evidence of excess lung cancer risk in stainless
steel foundry workers; an occupation which nowadays employs very few workers in
Europe.
Identified research needs include the collection of qualitative and quantitative data on
exposure for the stainless steel manufacturing industry, and further investigation of
morbidity among workers in the industry.
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