Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

UNIFRAX FIBERFRAX CHOPPED FIBER

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Refractory ceramic fibre material

SYNONYMS

refractory, ceramic, fibre, cloth, RCF, synthetic, vitreous, fiber, SVK, man-made, MMVF,
mineral, MMMF

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.
Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through
inhalation.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects following ingestion (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, adverse systemic effects have been produced following exposure of animals by at least one other route and good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum.  

EYE

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

SKIN

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons.  Skin contact is not thought to produce harmful health effects (as classified using animal models). Systemic harm, however, has been identified following exposure of animals by at least one other route and the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  All man-made mineral fibres, in common with their natural counterparts, may produce mild irritation and inflammation which results in itching or, in the case of certain sensitive individuals, a slight reddening of the skin. This is due to entirely to a mechanical reaction to the sharp, broken fibre ends and does not involve chemical or allergic effects. Itching and possible inflammation are mechanical reactions to coarse fibres greater than 5 micron in diameter These symptoms occur particularly in folds of skin around wrists, collars and waistbands. Perspiration aggravates the condition. Irritation is accentuated by fibre adhering to sweaty skin at elevated temperatures. Symptoms generally abate within a short time after exposure ceases. When products are handled continually, the skin itching often diminishes.  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.  The material is mildly abrasive and may produce discomfort which results in a temporary skin rash. Discomfort is accentuated by fiber adhering to sweaty skin at higher temperatures.  

INHALED

  There is some evidence to suggest that the material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  Loose and granular forms produce more dust than preforms (batts) but handling of batts results in fibre dislodgement and dusting. Nose and throat irritation may be transitory. Material may be dampened with a dedusting oil to mitigate problems.  There is little evidence for acute toxicity after inhalation of mineral fibres. Rockwool/ glasswool administered by inhalation produce little fibrosis in experimental animals [IARC Monograph 43].  Effects on lungs are significantly enhanced in the presence of respirableparticles.  The dust may produce upper respiratory tract discomfort. Nose and throat discomfort may be transitory. Cutting and trimming may result in fiber dislodgment and dust production.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There has been concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations, but there is not enough data to make an assessment.  

  Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation.  This material can cause serious damage if one is exposed to it for long periods. It can be assumed that it contains a substance which can produce severe defects. This has been demonstrated via both short- and long-term experimentation.  Inhalation of dusts containing crystalline silicas may lead to silicosis. Effects are cumulative, with scarring, impairment of breathing, emphysema, and restriction and obstruction of lung function. Chronic symptoms include decreased lung capacity and chest infections. Scarring often does not appear until after many months of exposure, and smoking increases the risk. Silicosis can progress even when exposure is removed. It has been claimed that silicosis can increase the risk of cancer of the lung and bronchi developing. Some jurisdictions require health surveillance be conducted on workers occupationally exposed to crystalline silica.