the importance of stainless steel equipments in medical industry: what is stainless steel? stainless steel is iron alloy with a specific composition that renders increased resistance to corrosion. steel being an alloy of iron undergoes corrosion when subjected to outside environment. this corrosion is responsible for gradual destruction of materials by converting them into its natural oxides. a minimum of 10. 5 % addition of chromium to a low-carbon steel allows the chromium atoms to combine with oxygen and form a thin layer of oxide called passive layer outside the steel preventing any further surface corrosion. in-addition to carbon and chromium various elements like nickel molybdenum and niobium are added to enhance the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel. if the thin film is cut scratched or disrupted in any other form the steel repairs itself by quickly forming the oxides thus making it more efficient solution to the impending problem of corrosion. stainless-steel in medical industry: these anti corrosion properties of the stainless steel makes it the obvious choice for medical instruments where high degree of quality and precision is required. there are different types of steels which satisfy different amount of needs in medical industry; 304 316 450and 630 stainless steel are some of the most commonly used ones. while the inherent anti-corrosion capacity of stainless steel is considered fit for surgical instruments and appliances the improved medical practices demand a more advanced anti -corrosion capacity. due to their specific nature of the instruments and equipment like operation theatre tables instrument trolleys dressing trolleys and steam sterilizers which serve a multiple purposes have to be built with quality stainless steel that offers a better anti-corrosion property stainless steel 304 is generally used for these purposes. surgical instruments designed today have to be thinner and longer which require materials with increased tensile and fatigue strength. by improving these strengths one has to sacrifice the toughness and ductility as all of these properties are interrelated. stainless steel 465 and 455 can accommodate all these properties thus making them an obvious choice for making instruments of desired quality. source : psbl international
breathed in welding fumes pressure on left side of head confusion and nasal drainage. i was welding on stone steps and there was some type of sealant on the steel part ground it off some left over and melted into fumes while welding i feel confused at times and have a feeling of pressure on back left side of head with nasal drainage. er doctor said it was a cold and gave me cold medicine. i believe he was no help since i do not have insurance. today is third day with this feeling scared it's permanent. started fasting and detoxing to rid body of toxins. advice please! . thanks.