Limestone

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Physical hazards

Not classified.

Health hazards

Carcinogenicity Category 1A Specific Target Organ Toxicity, Category 2 Repeated Exposure

Signal word

Danger

Hazard statements

May cause cancer. May cause damage to organs (lung) through prolonged or repeated exposure.

Prevention

Obtain special instructions before use. Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.

Response

If exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention.

Storage

Restrict or control access to stockpile areas. Engulfment hazard: To prevent burial or suffocation, do not enter a confined space, such as a silo, bulk truck or other storage container or vessel that stores or contains aggregates without an effective procedure for assuring safety.

Disposal

Dispose of contents/container in accordance with l o c a l /regional/national/international regulations. Hazard(s) not otherwise None known.

Additional information

Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) may cause cancer. Limestone is a naturally occurring mineral complex that contains varying quantities of quartz (crystalline silica). In its natural bulk state, limestone is not a known health hazard. Limestone may be subjected to various natural or mechanical forces that produce small particles (dust) which may contain respirable crystalline silica (particles less than 10 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter). Repeated inhalation of respirable crystalline silica (quartz) may cause lung cancer according to IARC and NTP; ACGIH states that it is a suspected cause of cancer. Other forms of RCS (e.g., tridymite and cristobalite) may also be present or formed under certain industrial processes.