Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

MAGNESIUM SILICATE, ACTIVATED

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Technical grade is used as extender, filler pigment in paint, rubber, ink, coated papers
and in plastics. Used in dry and liquid lubricants. Filter aid. Should not be confused
with other forms of magnesium silicate which include magnesium orthosilicate, magnesium
metasilicate, magnesium trisilicate, serpentine (antigorite and chrysotile forms). Talc
and asbestos are also forms of magnesium silicate.

SYNONYMS

3MgSiO3, 2MgO.5SiO2, Florisil, Florasil, (misspelling)

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 to be non toxic.  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.  Not considered an irritant through normal use.  

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 eye contact.  The material is harmful if inhaled.  Inhalation of dust is an acute and chronic hazard.  The overuse of talc in nursing infants has resulted in pulmonary oedema,  pneumonia and death within hours of inhaling talcum powder.  The powder dries the mucous membranes of the bronchioles, disrupts  pulmonary clearance, clogs smaller airways. Victims display wheezing, rapid  or difficult breathing, increased pulse, cyanosis, fever.  Mild exposure may cause relatively minor inflammatory lung disease.  Long term exposure may show wheezing, weakness, productive cough, limited  chest expansion, scattered rales, cyanosis.