MATERIAL SAFETY DATASHEET

1. Product Identification

2. Composition / Information on Ingredients

EXPOSURE GUIDELINES

3. Hazard Identification

The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS)-

Note: * denotes potential for chronic effects.

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: If respiratory tract irritation develops, move the person to a dust free location. 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. Do not rub eyes. Keep hands or contaminated body parts away from eyes. Remove contact lenses. Flush with water. 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.

Notes to Physicians: Skin and respiratory effects are the result of temporary, mild mechanical irritation; fiber exposure does not result in allergic manifestations.
 

5. Fire Fighting Measures

Materials are not combustible. Packaging and surrounding materials may be combustible.
Use extinguishing agent suitable for surrounding combustible materials.

6. Accidental Release Measures

Spill Procedures: Clean up procedures should minimize formation of airborne dusts. Remove dust by vacuuming using HEPA filtration where possible. or use wet sweeping or a dust suppressant where sweeping is necessary.

Release into Air: Prevent release of airborne particulates where possible.

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 in a dry place indefinitely. Physical abrasion may produce small amounts of respirable dusts. Minimize airborne dusts by avoiding the unnecessary disturbance of materials

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 fibers or particulates. While not considered problematic during use, airborne fibers may complicate removal activities. It is recommended that product use be carefully matched to design parameters.

After Service: The fibers used in Soluble Fiber Insulation may devitrify and form cristobalite (a form of crystalline silica) when used at temperatures above 1000°C for extended 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 crystobalite from occupational sources is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1)." OSHA has adopted a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystobalite at 0.05 mg/m³. Appropriate ventilation and respiratory protection should be provided in compliance with OSHA standards. Strict adherence to recommended safe work practices is advised. 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.

8. Exposure Controls 

9. Physical/Chemical Properties

10. Stability and Reactivity

Conditions or materials to avoid: Avoid direct contact with strong acid environments.

Decomposition Products: Fibers contained in this product may form cristobalite when used at temperatures above 1000C for sustained periods of time. See section 7 for more information.

11. Toxicology

Epidemiology: The fibers used in these insulation products have not been the subject of epidemiological studies. Epidemiological studies related to other fiber chemistries of similar solubility have not identified a statistcally significant incidence of exposure-related respiratory disease.

Toxicology: These products have been the subject of limited testing.

A review of available scientific literature suggests an inverse relationship between dissolution rate and potential health effects; i.e. the higher the dissolution rate of a fiber the lower its potential to produce health effects. The dissolution rate of the fiber in these products has been determined through standardized in vitro testing. The dissolution rate of the fiber in these products is higher than that of other fiber types that have been tested in chronic animal studies and did not produce respiratory disease.

These products possesses a fiber chemistry within the regulatory (European Commission Directive 97/69/EC) definition as a "man-made vitreous (silicate) fiber with random orientation with alkaline oxide and alkaline earth oxide (Na2O + K2O + CaO + MgO + BaO) content greater than 18% by weight". The fiber in these products have been tested pursuant to EU protocol ECB/TM/26, rev. 7, Nota Q, Directive 97/69/EC. The results for the short term biopersistence test by inhalation (IH test) was 6 days; well below the regulatory threshold of 10 days cited in Directive 97/69/EC. Based on testing results, the fiber in these products is not regarded as potential carcinogens and they ARE EXEMPT from European classification as such. By virtue of these test results, these products ARE EXEMPT from European regulatory guidelines that require hazard warning labels with specific risk phrases citing respiratory disease potential. In addition, the fiber in these products have been tested in an independent laboratory, by intratracheal (IT test) instillation, under a protocol that was consistent with the requirements of the German Hazardous Substances Ordinance (BGBI. I pp. 1782, 2049, Third Amendment, Appendix V, No. 7). The half-life clearance of the fiber in these products was 32.7 days; well below the applicable regulatory thresholds. Based on the IT test results, Isofrax products ARE EXEMPT from the requirements of the German Ordinance.

The definition of "irritant" contained in the hazard communication standard, 29 CFR 1900.1200, Appendix A, is "...a reversible inflammatory effect on living tissue by chemical action...". The fiber in these products is an inert material which doesn't interact chemically with exposed skin. However, there is a possibility that exposure to this product may cause temporary mechanical irritation to the eyes, skin or respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs). This temporary irritation can be mitigated with proper handling practices designed to limit exposure and the use of protective clothing (glasses, gloves, clothing).

This product has not been specifically evaluated by any regulatory authority or other classification entity, such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) or the National Toxicology Program (NTP). Other types of man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF) have been evaluated and subsequently classified as potential carcinogens. Various classifications, such as "possible carcinogen", "probable carcinogen", and "reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen" have been given to other MMVF's.
 

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicological Information: No ecological concerns have been identified.

.13. Disposal Information

Waste Management: To prevent waste materials from becoming airborne during waste storage, transportation and disposal, a covered container or plastic bagging is recommended.

Disposal: The fiber in these products, as manufactured, is not classified as a hazardous waste according to Federal regulations (40 CFR 261). 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. Disposal regulations vary. Check local, regional, state or provincial regulations to identify all applicable disposal requirements.

European Union: Waste from these products is not classified as “hazardous” or “special” under European Union regulations. Disposal is permitted at landfills licensed for industrial waste.
 

14. Transportation Information

Not regulated hazardous substances, no specific regulations apply.

15. Regulatory Information

US Federal Regulations:

International Regulations:

16. Other

After-Service Insulation Removal

As produced, the fiber in these products are vitreous (glassy) materials, which upon continued exposure to elevated temperatures (above about 800°C) might devitrify, intitially forming magnesia-bearing phases (enstatite). At higher temperatures, (above about 1000°C) crystalline phase silicas may occur. The occurrence and extent of crystalline phase formation is dependent on the duration and temperature of exposure, fiber chemistry and/or the presence of fluxing agents. The presence of crystalline phases can be confirmed only through laboratory analysis of the “hot-face” fiber.

IARC’s evaluation of crystalline silica states “Crystalline silica inhaled in the form of quartz or cristobalite from occupational sources is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1)” and additionally notes “carcinogenicity in humans was not detected in all industrial circumstances studied” (IARC Monograph Vol. 68, 1997). NTP lists all polymorphs of crystalline silica amongst substances which may "reasonably be anticipated to be carcinogens".

During removal operations, the use of a full face respirator is recommended to reduce inhalation exposure along with eye & respiratory tract irritation. A specific evaluation of workplace hazards and the identification of appropriate respiratory protection is best performed, on a case by case basis, by a qualified industrial hygiene professional.

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.