This study reviews available in vitro and in vivo data, including the metal release data, conducted on stainless steel in order to assess the toxicological relevance of this data to human health, to draw conclusions about the toxicity of stainless steel, and to give recommendations for the classification and labelling of stainless steel according to GHS. Special interest is taken in toxic endpoints like sensitization, respiratory tract toxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. The hypothesis of the study has been that the toxicity of stainless steels cannot to be predicted on the basis of the bulk content of individual elements in stainless steel, but, rather, on the basis of the metal release from the stainless steel matrix.

Decades of experience have shown that stainless steel is an exceptionally neutral and corrosion resistant material. For this reason, it is normal choice, e.g. in the food industry, in pharmaceutical production or for medical devices. Over the last few years, there has been extensive research into the behaviour of materials in applications that pertain to human health.

This brochure is available in English and German. Click on the language to download the brochure.

Electric arc welding of steel is at the centre of the industrialised and industrialising world. With an estimated three million workers around the world using it in some form or another and many more exposed at work to fumes arising from the processes, even a slight excess risk of a serious, commonly fatal disease such as lung cancer would result in a significant number of deaths globally. Welders have a 30 - 40% excess risk of developing lung cancer compared to the general population

Occupational exposure to chromium compounds has been reported in various industries including chromium chemicals and metallurgical production. Speciation of chromium is essential in exposure assessment. It has been under discussion whether there is a threshold level for hexavalent chromium exposure, especially in relation to genotoxic effects. Technological innovations in metallurgical industry have reduced the chromium exposure levels during the last decades. Ideal medical examination methods for surveillance for occupational health effects should be non-invasive and non-radiative. They should also give early warning signals.

The review is, necessarily, a highly technical document, covering a wide range of disciplines. We have therefore prepared the résumé in less technical language. This has been approved by the IOH. The résumé describes the scope and structure of the review, and also includes a précis of the overall conclusions that can be drawn from the findings of the review.

This report by Tony Newson first appeared in Medical Advice, Manufacturing & Technology 2002 It reviews the characteristics of the various grades of stainless steel as they relate to the manufacture of medical devices.

The predominant material used for initial piercings in Australia is grade 316L stainless steel. 316L is used for its aesthetic appeal, its ease of fabrication and, most importantly, its established position as an inert and acceptable material for surgical implantation.

Acids used to etch, pickle or passivate in stainless steel fabrication shops are highly corrosive and, under some circumstances, highly reactive. Where these acids are stored, mixed or used, good occupational health and safety practices need to be implemented.

The aim of this paper is to show that stainless steels which have been used in a wide range of applications such as cooking utensils, sinks, food and drink industry equipment, hospital and medical equipment, prothetic human implants, etc. are safe for human health.

This full colour 24 page brochure shows in pictorial form the role of stainless steel in the preparation of healthy and delicious foodstuffs which can be corrosive to other contact materials. It covers the processing of such foods as  Oranges, Chocolate, Beer, Tomatoes, Fish, Cheese, Ice cream and Wine. (Available while stocks last)