[deltaboss]

Well in an attempt to make ferrofluid I burned some steel wool and ground it into powder with my hands. I was not expecting iron oxide to not only cover my hands but stick to them. This made me curious, how easily is iron absorbed into the skin? Iron oxide suspended in vegetable oil was on my hands as well. I was trying to get the lumps out of the fluid.The suspension and dry iron oxide was on my hands for a total of around 5 minutes. Should I be concerned? How easily can iron oxide dust get into your skin.

I would appreciate any information on how readily iron is absorbed into the skin.

P.S. I should mention that i washed my hands wit soapy water right after handling.

[billnotgatez]

From a MSDS
http://www.pestell.com/msds/Red%20Iron%20Oxide.pdf

Skin Contact Wash exposed area with soap and water. Get medical advice is irritation develops

It has only tinted my skin red for a while even after I washed my hands.
I have never left it for long times before washing.
I never had skin irritation.
I assume some people are sensitive and need medical attention.

[deltaboss]

Thanks, that pretty much answered my concerns.

[billnotgatez]

Let us know how the ferrofluid turned out.
I would use a mortar and pistil next time.
I would be more concerned that I might get splinters (ouch) from the steel wool.