Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

ZIRCON SAND

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

In refractories, as foundry moulding sand; as an opacifier in glazes, ceramics and
porcelain enamels; cements; casting mould coatings; As polishing materials; gem stones;
source of zirconium oxide, zirconium and hafnium metals. Also used in foundry cores;
linings for glass furnaces; in refractory porcelain i.e. laboratory crucibles; in frit
glass filters. Catalyst in alkyl and alkenyl hydrocarbon manufacture; stabiliser in
silicone rubbers. In Europe, a component of cosmetic creams and powders. Welding flux
ingredient.

SYNONYMS

"zircon sand flour"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Because inorganic zirconium is poorly absorbed from the digestive tract, acute oral toxicity is low. Injection is much more dangerous, causing progressive depression until death.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  

SKIN

  Skin contact is not thought to have harmful health effects, however the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions.  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons.  Irritation and skin reactions are possible with sensitive skin.  The external application of zirconium can cause nodules in the skinof the armpits.  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.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of dusts, or fume, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  Effects on lungs are significantly enhanced in the presence of respirableparticles.  Zirconium workers exposed to fume for 1-5 years showed no abnormalities due to zirconium. Animal studies also reveal a low order of hazard from inhaled zirconium.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Repeated exposures, in an occupational setting, to high levels of fine- divided dusts may produce a condition known as pneumoconiosis which is the lodgement of any inhaled dusts in the lung irrespective of the effect. This is particularly true when a significant number of particles less than 0.5 microns (1/50,000 inch), are present. Lung shadows are seen in the X-ray. Symptoms of pneumoconiosis may include a progressive dry cough, shortness of breath on exertion, increased chest expansion, weakness and weight loss. As the disease progresses the cough produces a stringy mucous, vital capacity decreases further and shortness of breath becomes more severe. Pneumoconiosis is the accumulation of dusts in the lungs and the tissue reaction in its presence. It is further classified as being of noncollagenous or collagenous types. Noncollagenous pneumoconiosis, the benign form, is identified by minimal stromal reaction, consists mainly of reticulin fibres, an intact alveolar architecture and is potentially reversible.  Zirconium can accumulate in the spleen. Oral administration has not beenshown to cause any ill effects.  One report of a man with a granulomatous lung condition after 7 years regular exposure in a zirconium and hafnium processing plant and previous beryllium exposure [ILO].  Overexposure to zirconium silicate as fume in welding may cause irritation of the respiratory system and effect the lungs.  Commercial zircon may contain up to 0.2% of crystalline silica, small  amounts of which may be respirable.  [Eutectic Corp. New York]