Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

KAISER AEROTECH GRAPHITE SHAPES - GRA-S

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Not specified.

SYNONYMS

"graphite shapes"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through
inhalation.

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

  Primary route of exposure is usually by inhalation of generated dust.  Prolonged or repeated inhalation of dust may result in pneumonconiosis  (lung disease caused by inhalation dust).  Graphite workers have reported symptoms of headaches, coughing, depression,  low appetite, dyspnoea (difficult breathing) and black sputum.  Workers suffering from graphite pneumonconiosis have generally worked in the  industry for long periods, 10 years or more. Although some cases have been  reported after as little as four years.  A number of studies have indicated that graphitosis is a progressive and  disabling disease and that the presence of crystalline silica and some  silicates have a synergistic effect. Pre-employment and periodic  examinations should be directed towards detecting significant respiratory  disease through chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests.               [ILO Encyclopaedia]