4Situations involving a potential exposure to airborne contaminants should be evaluated by a qualified industrial hygienist for the selection of appropriate respiratory protection and air monitoring.

Skin Protection: Wear gloves, head coverings and full body clothing as necessary to prevent skin irritation. Washable or disposable clothing may be used. If possible, do not take unwashed clothing home. Work clothes should be washed separately from other clothing and the washing machine rinsed thoroughly following use. Inform the launderer of the proper procedures.

Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or chemical goggles to prevent eye contact. Do not wear contact lenses unless chemical goggles are also worn. Do not touch eyes with soiled body parts or materials. Have eye washing facilities readily available where eye contact can occur

9. Physical/Chemical Properties

10. Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Materials are stable.

Chemical Incompatibilities: Soluble in hydrofluoric acid, phosphoric acid, and concentrated alkali.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: None.

Hazardous polymerization: Not Applicable.

11. Toxicology

There has been no increased incidence of respiratory disease or other significant health effects in occupationally exposed workers. In animal studies, long-term, high-dose inhalation exposure resulted in the development of respiratory disease in rats and hamsters.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

The University of Cincinnati is conducting an ongoing epidemiologic investigation. The evidence obtained from employees in U. S. RCF manufacturing facilities is as follows:

1) There is no evidence of any fibrotic lung disease (interstitial fibrosis) from evaluations of chest X-rays.

2) There is no evidence of an elevated incidence of lung disease among RCF manufacturing employees.

3) An early statistical "trend" was observed, in the exposed population, between RCF exposure duration and some measures of lung function. The observations were clinically insignificant. If these observations were made on an individual employee, the results would be interpreted as being within the normal (predicted) respiratory range. A more recent longitudinal study of employees with 5 or more pulmonary function tests found that there was no effect on lung function associated with RCF production experience.

4) Pleural plaques (thickening along the chest wall) have been observed in a small number of RCF employees. The best evidence to date indicates that pleural plaques are a marker of exposure only. Under most circumstances, pleural plaques are not associated with pulmonary impairment. The pathogenesis of pleural plaques remains incompletely understood; however, the mechanism appears to be an inflammatory response caused by inhaled fibers.

5) Initial data (circa 1987) seemed to indicate an interactive effect between smoking and RCF exposure; more recent data, however, found no interactive effect. Nevertheless, to promote good health, RCF employees are still actively encouraged not to smoke.

TOXICOLOGY

A number of toxicological studies designed to identify any potential health effects from RCF exposure have been completed. In one study, conducted by the Research and Consulting Company, (Geneva, Switzerland), rats and hamsters were exposed to 30 mg/m³ (about 200 fibers/cc) of specially-prepared RCF for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for up to 24 months. In rats, a statistically significant increase in lung tumors was observed; two mesotheliomas (cancer of the pleural lining between the chest wall and lung) were also identified. Hamsters did not develop lung tumors; however, interstitial fibrosis and mesothelioma was found. Some, in the scientific community, have concluded that the "maximum tolerated dose" was exceeded and that significant particle contamination was a confounding issue; therefore, these study findings may not represent an accurate assessment of the potential for RCF to produce adverse health effects.

In a related multi-dose study with a similar protocol, other rats were exposed to doses of 16 mg/m³, 9 mg/m³, 3 mg/m³ which corresponds to about 115, 75, and 25 fibers per cubic centimeter respectively. This study found no statistically significant increase in lung cancer. Some cases of pleural and parenchymal fibrosis were seen in the 16 mg/m³ dose group. Some cases of mild fibrosis and one mesothelioma were observed in the 9 mg/m³ group. No acute respiratory effects were seen in the rats in the 3 mg/m³ exposure group, which suggests that there may be a dose/response threshold, below which irreversible respiratory impacts do not occur.

Other toxicological studies have been conducted which utilized non-physiological exposure methods such as intrapleural, intraperitoneal and intratracheal implantation or injection. Some of these studies have found that RCF is a potential carcinogen. Some experts, however, suggest that these tests have limited relevance because they bypass many of the biological mechanisms that prevent fiber deposition or facilitate fiber clearance.

To obtain more epidemiology or toxicology information, please call the telephone number for the Product Stewardship Program found in Section 16 - Other Information.

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicological Information: No ecological concerns have been identified.

Chemical Fate Information: The relative inertness of these material indicate that they may be highly persistent in the environment. No information regarding any negative effects of this persistence has been noted.

13. Disposal Information

Disposal: Consult with local, state and federal regulations. In most cases these materials may be landfilled safely.

Hazardous Waste Classification: Not listed as a RCRA Hazardous waste (40 CFR 261.31). Not listed under SARA, CERCLA, or the Clean Air Act. Any processing, use, alteration or chemical additions to the product, as purchased, may alter the disposal requirements. Under Federal regulations, it is the waste generator's responsibility to properly characterize a waste material, to determine if it is a "hazardous" waste.

Empty Containers: Empty containers may contain product dust or residue. Do not re-use.

14. Transportation Information

Not regulated hazardous substances, no specific regulations apply.

15. Regulatory Information

Key statutory and regulatory classifications or listings for the product, as manufactured, which may impact product storage, use, handling or disposal:

U.S. FEDERAL REGULATIONS

EPA: Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III - This product does not contain any substances reportable under Sections 302, 304, 313, (40 CFR 372). Sections 311 and 312 (40 CFR 370) apply (delayed hazard).
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) - All substances in this product are listed, as required, on the TSCA inventory. RCF has been assigned a CAS number; however, it is a simple mixture and therefore not required to be listed on the TSCA inventory. The components of RCF are listed on the inventory.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Clean Air Act (CAA) - RCF contains fibers with an average diameter greater than one micron and thus is not considered a hazardous air pollutant.

OSHA: Comply with Hazard Communication Standards 29 CFR 1910.1200 and 29 CFR 1926.59 and the Respiratory Protection Standards 29 CFR 1910.134 and 29 CFR 1926.103.

California: Ceramic fibers (airborne particles of respirable size)" is listed in Proposition 65, The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 as a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.

Other States: RCF products are not known to be regulated by states other than California; however, state and local OSHA and EPA regulations may apply to these products. If in doubt, contact your local regulatory agency.

European Union: European Directive 97/69/EC classified RCF as a Category 2 carcinogen; that is it "should be regarded as if it is carcinogenic to man."

16. Other

After-Service RCF Removal

As manufactured, RCF products are vitreous aluminosilicates which do not contain respirable crystalline silica. However, following sustained, high temperature (>1800°F) use, it is possible for portions of the exposed RCF to devitrify into mullite or crystalline phase silica (cristobalite or quartz). Chronic exposure to respirable crystalline silica may lead to lung disease. IARC has concluded that: "Crystalline silica inhaled in the form of quartz or cristobalite from occupational sources is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1)" [IARC Monograph 68, June 1997, p. 210-211]. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has adopted a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable cristobalite at 0.05 mg/m³. When needed, the use of proper exposure controls and respiratory protection is recommended to reduce potential health risks and to ensure compliance with OSHA requirements. The evaluation of workplace hazards and the identification of appropriate respiratory protection is best performed, on a case-by-case basis, by a qualified Industrial Hygienist. For more detailed information regarding respirable crystalline silica, call the Product Stewardship Information Hotline (see below).

Product Stewardship Program

The RCFC member companies have established a program to provide customers with up-to-date information regarding the proper use and handling of refractory ceramic fiber. In addition RCFC member companies have also established a program to monitor airborne fiber concentrations at customer facilities. If you would like more information about this program, please call the Product Stewardship Information Hotline.

Definitions:

DISCLAIMER

The information presented herein is based on data considered to be accurate as of the date of preparation of this Material Safety Data Sheet. However, no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the foregoing data and safety information. In addition, no responsibility can be assumed by vendor for any damage or injury resulting from abnormal use, from any failure to adhere to recommended practices, or from any hazards inherent in the nature of the product.