Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

KMC BENTONITE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Oil well drilling fluids; cement slurries for oil- well casings; bonding agent in foundry
sands and pelletizing of iron ores; sealant for canal walls; thickener in lubricating
greases and fireproofing compositions; cosmetics; decolourising agent; filler in ceramics,
refractories porcelain enamels, paper coatings; asphalt modifier; polishes and abrasives;
food additive; catalyst support. Ingredient of welding fluxes.

SYNONYMS

"Kota Minerals and Chemicals", "sodium montmorillonite", "filter clay", "earth bentonite",
"natural clay"

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.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  The solid/dust is.  slightly.  discomforting.  to the gastrointestinal tract.  

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).  The dust may produce eye discomfort and abrasive eye inflammation.  

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 may be.  abrasive.  to the skin.  

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 is.  discomforting.  to the upper respiratory tract.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  Effects on lungs are significantly enhanced in the presence of respirableparticles.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Chronic dust inhalation has been associated with lung disease.  (Source: NIOSHTIC). Symptoms are those of nodular fibrosis and  respiratory impairment is characterised by obstruction and restriction  of lung function. (Source: Occupational Diseases)  Clays may contain a significant level of respirable crystalline silicas.