Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

WATLOW VITREOUS SILICA INSULATION

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Insulation Used according to manufacturer' s directions.

SYNONYMS

insulation

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  The material has NOT been classified as "harmful by ingestion". This is because of the lack of corroborating animal or human evidence. 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, unintentional ingestion is not thought to be cause for concern.  

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.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  Fumes from burning PTFE-containing materials are irritating to the upper respiratory tract and may be harmful if exposure is prolonged. When heated for a long time a very small amount of hydrogen fluoride, carbonyl fluoride and perfluoroisobutylene is generated. The higher the temperature the greater is the decomposition rate.  Symptoms of exposure to hydrogen fluoride and carbonyl fluoride include burning sensation,  cough, dizziness, headache, labored breathing, nausea, shortness of breathe, sore throat and vomiting. Symptoms may be delayed. These substances are corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Inhalation may produce lung oedema. Prolonged exposures may produce hypocalcaemia High exposures may be fatal. Medical observation is indicated in the event of such exposures.  Symptoms of exposure to perfluoroisobutylene include cough, shortness of breathe, sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed. Symptoms of lung oedema often do not manifest until a few hours have passed and may be aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, or by the doctor authorised by him/ her, should be considered.  Overheated or burnt PTFE evolves highly irritating and corrosive hydrogen fluoride gas with small amounts of highly toxic carbonyl fluoride. Polymer decomposition starts at 400 deg. C. with rapid degradation at 540 deg. C.. Decomposition products are complex.  Solutions of hydrogen fluoride gas in mucous fluids form highly corrosive hydrofluoric acid so that inhalation of decomposition products can cause symptoms of choking, coughing and severe eye, nose and throat irritation. After a symptomless period of 1-2 days, exposed individuals may experience a set of symptoms described as "polymer fume fever"; this is a temporary flu-like illness with fever, chills and, sometimes, a cough and difficult breathing which lasts for approximately 24 hours.  Inhalation or skin contact with carbonyl fluoride vapour may cause irritation with discomfort and rash. In addition, carbonyl fluoride vapours may produce eye corrosion with corneal and conjunctival ulceration, nose and throat irritation, or temporary irritation of the lungs producing cough discomfort, difficult breathing and shortness of breath.  Individuals with pre-existing lung diseases may have increased susceptibility to the toxic effects of thermal decomposition products.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There has been some concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations but there is not enough data to make an assessment.