Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

UNIMIN BENTONITE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Thickener in adhesives and paints; plasticising agent in cements and plaster; dam sealing
and stabilisation; civil engineering application (e.g. diaphragm walls, caisson sinking
and pile boring); foundry and refractory sand bonding. Also used in animal feed
pelletising.

SYNONYMS

"aluminium silicate, hydrated", "sodium modified bentonite", Stockfeed, PV53, Bengel

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.  

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.  

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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal route of exposure is usually by inhalation. Overexposure  from breathing dust may cause coughing, sneezing, irritation and damage to  the lungs. Respiratory disease and disorders will be aggravated by this  product. Persons who smoke will be at increased risk from exposure to this  product. This product contains crystalline silica (quartz).  Inhalation of dusts containing quartz may lead to silicosis, a disabling  pulmonary fibrosis that takes many years to develop because the effects of  repeated inhalations of dusts are cumulative and progressive.