Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

UNIMIN GYPSUM

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used in the manufacture of paints and adhesives.

SYNONYMS

"calcium (II) sulphate dihydrate", "gypsum stone", "native calcium sulphate", "calcium
sulphate", CaSO4.2H2O, "hydrous calcium sulphate", G75, G100, FG

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

None

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.  Sulfates are not well absorbed orally, but can cause diarrhea.  

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 causing smarting, pain and redness.  

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.  Solution of material in moisture on the skin, or perspiration, mayincrease irritant effects.  

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.  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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of generated dust and skin contact/eye contact.  Inhalation may cause sneezing and coughing, while repeated exposure may  lead to laryngitis, pharyngitis, impaired sense of smell and taste,  bleeding of the nose and irritation to the tracheal and bronchial membranes.  Simultaneous tobacco smoking is an important factor in the cause of  chronic respiratory disease in workers exposed to gypsum dust. [ILO]  Constant cleaning of hands to remove gypsum dust may result in skin  reaction which may lead to dermatitis.  Repeated eye contact may result in continuous blinking, tearing, mild  temporary pain, conjunctivitis and chronic rhinitis.