Material compositon
Most metal products contain tunesten carbide and cobalt. Other substances that may be presentin hard metal are titanium carbide, tantalum carbide, niobium carbide, chromium carbide.molybdenum carbide or vanadium carbide. Some grades contain titanium carbonitride and/ornickel.
Routes of exposure
Grinding or heating of hard metal blanks or hard metal products will produce products that give ofdangerous dust and fumes. Avoiding ingestion and contact with skin or eyes is very important.
Acute toxicity
Intake of the aforementioned substances is toxic. inhalation may cause irritation and inflammationof the airways. Significantly higher acute inhalation toxicity has been reported during simultaneousinhalation of cobalt and tungsten carbide compared to inhalation of cobalt alone.

Skin contact can cause irritation and rash. Sensitive individuals may even experience an alergicreaction.
Chronic toxicity
Repeated inhalation of aerosols containing cobalt may cause obstruction of the airways. Prolongedexposure to increased concentrations may cause lung fibrosis or lung cancer. 

Epidemiologicalstudies indicate that workers previously exposed to high concentrations of tungsten carbide/coballcarried an inereased risk of developing lung cancer.Cobalt and nickel are potent skin sensitizers. Repeated or prolonged contact can cause irritationand sensitization.
Risk phrases
Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation

Toxie when inhaled
Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.
May cause sensitization by inhalation and skin contact
Preventive measures

Avoid formation and inhalation of dust. Use adeguate local exhaust ventilation to keep personalexposure well below nationally authorised limits.
If ventilation is not available or adeguate, use respirators appropriately approved for the purposeWse safety gogsles or glasses with side shields when necessary.

Avoid repeated skin contact. Wear suitable gloves. Wash skin thoroughly after handling

Use suitable protective clothing. Launder clothing if needed.

Do not eat, drink or smoke in the working area. wash skin thoroughly before eating, drinking orsmoking.