Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

UNIFRAX KUB CEMENT

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Refractory cement.

SYNONYMS

"thermal insulation refractory cement"

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.  Ingestion may result in nausea, abdominal irritation, pain and vomiting.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  The dust may produce eye discomfort and abrasive eye inflammation.  

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.  The material may accentuate any pre-existing skin condition.  Handling wet cement can cause dermatitis. Cement when wet is quite alkaline and this alkali action on the skin contributes strongly to cement contact dermatitis since it may cause drying and defatting of the skin which is followed by hardening, cracking, lesions developing, possible infections of lesions and penetration by soluble salts.  

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.  Inhalation of vapor may aggravate a pre-existing respiratory condition.  Effects on lungs are significantly enhanced in the presence of respirableparticles.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of generated dust and skin contact/eye contact with the material.  Cement contact dermatitis (CCD) may occur when contact shows an allergic response, which may progress to sensitization. Sensitization is due to soluble chromates (chromate compounds) present in trace amounts in some cements, cement products. Soluble chromates readily penetrate intact skin. Cement dermatitis can be characterized by fissures, eczematous rash, dystrophic nails, and dry skin; acute contact with highly alkaline mixtures may cause localized necrosis.