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*                          INFORMATION ALERT                        *  
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*  Produced by:  New Brunswick Occupational Health                  *  
*                and Safety Commission                              *  
*  Provided by:  Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety *  
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INFO ALERT:  31 (NB)  
  
DATE:  NONE  
  
  
*** HAZARD SUMMARY:  ZINC CHROMATE FOUND IN ANTI-CORROSIVE  
                     PAINTS/PRIMERS CAN CAUSE CANCER ***  
  
  Recent health studies have reported an excess of lung cancer in  
  workers exposed to zinc chromate pigments found in some anti-corrosive  
  paints/primers.  Because of this new information, zinc chromate is now  
  classified as a substance recognized to have the potential for causing  
  cancer in humans.  Before, it was classified as a substance suspected  
  of causing cancer.  
  
  Repeated or prolonged exposure to zinc chromates may also cause skin,  
  eye and respiratory tract irritation.  The legal exposure limit for  
  zinc chromates in the workplace has been reduced to on-fifth of its  
  previous limit.  
  
  
*** APPLICABLE SECTION(S) OF INDUSTRIAL REGULATIONS ***  
  
  1.  If possible, substitute with a less toxic product without zinc  
      chromate.  Consult with product manufactures or suppliers.  
  
  2.  Spraying paints/primers containing zinc chromate should be done in  
      a well ventilated booth designed for spray painting operations.  
      Isolate spraying areas to prevent contaminating other work areas.  
  
  3.  Approved continuous air-supplied respirators with full face  
      protection should be used by painters during zinc chromate spraying  
      operations.  
  
  4.  Refer to product Material Safety Data Sheet before using or  
      handling products containing zinc chromates.  (NBOHS Act, Section 42)  
  
  5.  All workers should be trained and educated in the recognition of  
      potential health hazards associated with their work.  
  
  
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