MATERIAL SAFETY DATASHEET

Other Components

Exposure Guidelines

The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS)-

Note: * denotes potential for chronic effects.

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Rinse mouth to clear throat and expel liquid. Blow nose to evacuate dust. Consult a physician if irritation persists.

Eye Contact: Products can be physical irritants to eyes. If eyes become irritated, flush immediately with large amounts of lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Eyelids should be held away from the eyeball to ensure thorough rinsing. Do not rub eyes. Keep hands or contaminated body parts away from eyes. Remove contact lenses. If irritation persists, consult a physician.

Skin Contact: Products are irritants. Wash with soap and water. For dryness, a skin cream may be helpful. Do not apply anything to a rash. Consult a physician if irritation persists.

Ingestion: Drink plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting without advice of a physician. Seek medical attention.

5. Fire Fighting Measures

Materials are not combustible.

Spill Procedures: Contain with absorbent material, such as clay, soil or any commercially available absorbent. Shovel reclaimed liquid and absorbent into recovery or salvage drums for disposal. Clean up procedures should minimize formation of airborne dusts. Remove dust by vacuuming using HEPA filtration where possible. Liquid products (groups 1) should be cleaned up with sponge, mop or cloth.

Large liquid spills: Dike to prevent further movement and reclaim into recovery or salvage drums or tank truck for disposal.

Release into Air: Prevent release of airborne particulates where possible. Not a regulated hazardous substance. See section 8 for appropriate engineering controls.

Release into Water: Release into water is not appropriate. Not a regulated hazardous substance. Landfill dusts and debris consistent with local regulations.

7. Handling and Storage

Storage: These materials are stable and may be stored indefinitely. Physical abrasion may produce small amounts of respirable dusts. Liquid products (group 1) should be stored in a sealed container. See precautions under section 8.

Normal Use: Materials are stable under normal use and are not expected to produce significant hazardous by-products or emissions.

Machining and Cutting: These materials may produce respirable and nuisance dusts when machined or cut. See section 8 for exposure controls and personal protection during machining or installation procedures.

High Temperature Conditions: Service significantly above the product design temperature may increase friability and the possibility of generating airborne particulates. While not considered problematic during use, airborne particulates may complicate removal activities. It is recommended that product use be carefully matched to design parameters.

After Service: As manufactured these products may contain amorphous silica which may transform upon heating (temperatures greater than 1000^oc for extended periods of time) to cristobalite (CAS # 14464-46-1), a form of crystalline silica. Removal of these products after use may generate dusts. Prolonged or repeated inhalation of respirable free crystalline silica dust may cause delayed lung injury (silicosis). The IARC has classified crystalline silica as group 2A, probable human carcinogen. There is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals, but limited evidence in humans. OSHA's final rule limit and ACGIH'S tlv for respirable cristobalite is .05 mg/m³ . Product removal must consider the possibility of usage above design temperatures. See section 8 for appropriate respiratory protection during removal.

Empty Containers: Product packaging may contain residue. Do not reuse.

9. Physical/Chemical Properties

10. Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under conditions of normal use..

Chemical Incompatibilities: Groups 1 and 2: Powerful oxidizers; fluorine, chlorine trifluoride, manganese trioxide, oxygen difluoride, etc. Group 3: Soluble in hydrofluoric acid, phosphoric acid, and concentrated alkali.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Groups 1 and 2: None, Group 3: Decomposition products may include carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

11. Toxicology

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), has concluded that amorphous silica is "not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3)" based on "inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of amorphous silica" and "inadequate evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of synthetic amorphous silica" (IARC Monograph 68, June 1997, p. 210-211).

EPIDEMIOLOGY:

IARC noted that "very little epidemiological evidence was available" for amorphous silica. In evaluating the results of three community-based case-control studies, IARC concluded that "no association was detected for mesothelioma with biogenic amorphous silica fibres." (IARC Monograph 68, June 1997, p. 208).


TOXICOLOGY:

A food-grade miconized synthetic amorphous silica was tested by oral administration to mice and rats. No increased incidence of tumors was seen. In another study in rats, using intrapleural implantation of two different preparations of synthetic amorphous silica, no increased incidence of tumors were observed (IARC Monograph 68, June 1997, p. 209).
12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicological Information: No information available.

Distribution: Silica is naturally occurring and widely distributed in igneous rock. Secondary deposits in sedimentary rock may be found.

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

13. Disposal Information

Disposal: These products are  not classified as hazardous waste according to Federal regulations (40 CFR 261). Check local, regional, state or provincial regulations for applicable requirements for disposal. 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.

Disposal regulations vary. Consult with all applicable regulations prior to disposal.

14. Transportation Information

Not regulated hazardous substances, no specific regulations apply.

15. Regulatory Information

16. Other

After-Service: Removal

The amorphous silica contained in this product may devitrify and form cristobalite (a form of crystalline silica) when used at temperatures above 1000°C for sustained periods. 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 cases by case basis, by a qualified Industrial Hygienist.

The information contained herein is based on data considered to be accurate as of the preparation or revision date. It is provided in good faith and in compliance with state and federal regulations. No warranty or representation, express or implied is made as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Other national, state and/or local regulations may apply.