Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

JAMES WALKER KAOWOOL

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Thermal insulation.

SYNONYMS

"refractory ceramic fibre", MMMF, MMVF, SMF

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.
Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through
inhalation.
Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.

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.  Not normally a hazard due to the physical form of product. The material is a physical irritant to the gastrointestinal tract.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  

SKIN

  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  The material may accentuate any pre-existing dermatitis condition.  Perspiration or moisture on the skin increases particle adhesion and possible abrasion so may result increased irritation.  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.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  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.  

INHALED

  Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  The material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  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].  Effects on lungs are significantly enhanced in the presence of respirableparticles.  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

  Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation.  This material can cause serious damage if one is exposed to it for long periods. It can be assumed that it contains a substance which can produce severe defects. This has been demonstrated via both short- and long-term experimentation.