Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VISY BRONZE BLAST

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Abrasive blast cleaning. Material is used in accordance with manufacturer' s directions
and precaution requirements.

SYNONYMS

"milled ground glass powder", "glass grit"

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.  

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.  Effects on lungs are significantly enhanced in the presence of respirableparticles.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Hazard also relates to nature of dust of materials being removed.  Though considered relatively non-toxic, irritation responses result from  contact because of the highly abrasive nature of the particles.  Treat as a nuisance dust particulate.  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.  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.