Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

ZIRCAR GROUP 1 & 8 ALUMINA-SILICA CERAMIC FIBRE BLANKET

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used according to manufacturer' s directions.

SYNONYMS

"Group 1 Blanket type ASB-2300, ASB-2600", "Group 8 Textile type AS-1260, ASBF, ASBF-1"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  The material has NOT been classified as "harmful by ingestion". This is because of the lack of corroborating animal or human evidence. 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, unintentional ingestion is not thought to be cause for concern.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  The dust may be discomforting.  

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.  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.  All man-made mineral fibres, in common with their natural counterparts, may produce mild irritation and inflammation which results in itching or, in the case of certain sensitive individuals, a slight reddening of the skin. This is due to entirely to a mechanical reaction to the sharp, broken fibre ends and does not involve chemical or allergic effects. Itching and possible inflammation are mechanical reactions to coarse fibres greater than 5 micron in diameter These symptoms occur particularly in folds of skin around wrists, collars and waistbands. Perspiration aggravates the condition. Irritation is accentuated by fibre adhering to sweaty skin at elevated temperatures. Symptoms generally abate within a short time after exposure ceases. When products are handled continually, the skin itching often diminishes.  

INHALED

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material, if inhaled, can irritate the throat and lungs of some persons.  Although inhalation is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still produce health damage, especially where pre-existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally confined to doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-  health).  Loose and granular forms produce more dust than preforms (batts) but handling of batts results in fibre dislodgement and dusting. Nose and throat irritation may be transitory. Material may be dampened with a dedusting oil to mitigate problems.  There is little evidence for acute toxicity after inhalation of mineral fibres. Rockwool/ glasswool administered by inhalation produce little fibrosis in experimental animals [IARC Monograph 43].  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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Loose and granular forms produce more dust than preforms (batts) but handling of batts results in fibre dislodgement and dusting.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 man-made mineral fibres (MMMF). Chronic inhalation of respirable fibres lead to pulmonary fibrosis  Rockwool contains a small proportion of respirable fibres. [CCINFO, ILO ENCYCLOPEDIA] Glasswool administered by inhalation produces little pulmonary fibrosis in experimental animals. No increase in the occurrence of mesothelioma has been observed in man-made mineral fibre / glass fibre production workers. [IARC Monograph 43].