Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VEITSCH ANKERMIX-NC20

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Refractory brick. Dust from old, fired refractories may be more hazardous than new
materials. Use respiratory protection when rebuilding or demolishing old furnaces.

SYNONYMS

"refractory brick"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Toxic by inhalation.
May cause CANCER.
May cause SENSITIZATION by inhalation and skin contact.
May cause heritable genetic damage.
Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through
inhalation.
Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.
Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long- term adverse effects in the aquatic
environment.

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.  Not normally a hazard due to physical form of product.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  

SKIN

  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  Skin contact is not thought to have harmful health effects, however the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions.  Sensitization may result in allergic dermatitis responses includingrash, itching, hives or swelling of extremities.  Bare unprotected skin should not be exposed to this material.  

INHALED

  If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons.  Used, fired refractory materials are potentially more harmful than new refractories. Chromite containing materials when exposed to high temperatures in oxidising furnaces may be converted or part converted to chromium VI compounds, i.e. chromates; these materials present an increased hazard for skin contact or if present in inhaled dust. Chromates are recognised as carcinogens and have a much lower Exposure Standard than chromite, i.e. chromium III compounds. Exposure to fired refractories is more likely when rebricking, repairing, rebuilding and demolishing old furnaces. Chromates are water soluble and hence may be spread if water spray is used to suppress dust.  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

  Inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Skin contact with the material is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  There is ample evidence that this material can be regarded as being able to cause cancer in humans based on experiments and other information.  Based on experiments and other information, there is ample evidence to presume that exposure to this material can cause genetic defects that can be inherited.  

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of generated dust skin contact with the material.  Sensitization reactions may appear suddenly after repeatedsymptom free exposures.  Sensitization may give severe responses to very low levels of exposure, i.e. hypersensitivity. Sensitized persons should not be allowed to work in situations where exposure may occur.  Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.