Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VETROTEX CONTINUOUS FILAMENT FIBRE GLASS

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Fibre reinforced polyester rein laminates and other reinforced plastics. Optical fibre,
transmission cables. Component of electrical insulation for high temperature service.
Reinforced plastics used in domestic commercial and public buildings, industrial plants,
vehicles, white goods, appliances.

SYNONYMS

"fibers glass fibres fibreglass fibre fiber fiberglass fibrous glass", "monofilament mono
filament"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Not normally a hazard due to the physical form of product. The material is a physical irritant to the gastrointestinal tract.  Seek immediate medical attention.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Irritation and skin reactions are possible with sensitive skin.  The material is mildly abrasive and may produce discomfort which results in a temporary skin rash. Discomfort is accentuated by fiber adhering to sweaty skin at higher temperatures.  Bare unprotected skin should not be exposed to this material.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  The dust may produce upper respiratory tract discomfort. Nose and throat discomfort may be transitory. Cutting and trimming may result in fiber dislodgment and dust production.  Effects on lungs are significantly enhanced in the presence of respirableparticles.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of generated dust and skin contact with the material.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.  Repeated exposure results in immune response (toughening of skin) so that  irritation (rash) often subsides in 2-3 weeks. The irritation and response  recurs if exposure is intermittent. If irritation persists, worker exposure  must be terminated and medical opinion sought.  There is little evidence for acute toxicity after inhalation of glass dusts.  Glasswool administered by inhalation produces little pulmonary fibrosis in  experimental animals.   [IARC Monograph #43]  No increase in the occurrence of mesothelioma has been observed in man-made  mineral fibre / glass fibre production workers. [IARC Monograph #43]