Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

KROSAKI CIC CRD-BFT

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Alumina- silicon carbide- carbon brick for blast furnace taphole. Used according to
manufacturer' s directions.

SYNONYMS

"alumina silicon carbide carbon refractory taphole brick"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through
inhalation.

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

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.  

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.  Not normally a hazard due to physical form of product.  Inhalation of dust may aggravate a pre-existing respiratory condition such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema.  Used, fired refractory materials are potentially more harmful than new refractories. Silica containing materials when exposed to high temperatures maybe devitrified (i.e. converted or part converted to crystalline forms) - this may present a higher hazard if inhaled. Crystalline silicas are more likely to produce lung changes (fibrosis) and have a much lower occupational exposure levels (OELs) than non crystalline silicas. Exposure to fired refractories is more likely when repairing, rebuilding or demolishing old structures.  Devitrified, after-service alkaline earth silicate (AES) wools and refractory ceramic fibres (RCF) insulation containing crystalline silica, show no adverse reactions in toxicity assays. CMS fibres heated to 1000 deg. C. for 2 weeks were not cytotoxic to macrophage-like cells at concentrations up to 320 ug/cm2. In the same test, samples of crystalline quartz were significantly active at 20 ug/cm2. These findings are consistent with IARC's evaluation, which states "Crystalline silica inhaled in the form of quartz or cristobalite from occupational sources is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1)" and additionally notes, in respect of devitrified wools and fibres that "carcinogenicity in humans was not detected in all industrial circumstances studied. Carcinogenicity may be dependent on inherent characteristics of the crystalline silica or on external factors affecting its biological activity or distribution of its polymorphs" (IARC Monograph Vol 68, 1997).  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact and inhalation of generated dust.  Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.  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.