BNZ Insulating Fire Brick (All Grades)

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW This product contains crystalline silica, a chronic health hazard by inhalation. Prolonged exposure to crystalline silica may cause permanent and irreversible lung damage, including silicosis, and increase the risk of lung cancer, kidney and liver damage. Silicosis is a rapidly progressive, non-cancerous lung disease that is often fatal. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, fever, weight-loss and chest pain. Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of silicosis, bronchitis, pneumoconiosis, and lung cancer in persons also exposed to crystalline silica. Crystalline silica, inhaled in the form of quarts and/or cristobalite, has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 - known human carcinogen, and by the Association of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) as a Group A2 - suspected human carcinogen.

NFPA Ratings

Health 1 Fire 0 Reactivity 0 Special Hazard 0

HMIS® ratings

Health 2 Fire 0 Reactivity 0 PPE Code E

Hazard categories

Acute (Immediate) Health Hazard; Chronic (Delayed) Health Hazard Routes of Entry Lungs and respiratory system via respirable dust (inhalation), and eyes via coarse dust and particulates. Target Organs Lungs, respiratory system, and eyes. Signs and Symptoms of Overexposure Inhalation Respirable airborne particulates may cause transitory irritation to the lungs and upper respiratory system. Symptoms of overexposure may include shortness of breath, coughing and chest pain. Skin Contact Long-term exposure to product dust may cause dryness and/or irritation. Eye Contact Product dust is a mechanical irritant which may cause moderate to severe eye irritation and dryness. Ingestion Non-hazardous when ingested. May cause mild irritation to the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract and mouth if excessive quantities are ingested.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Medical conditions which may be aggravated by exposure to this product include, dry skin and/or dermatitis, and pre-existing chronic upper respiratory Exposure and lung diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. Carcinogenicity Crystalline silica, inhaled in the form of quarts and/or cristobalite, has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 - known human carcinogen, and by the Association of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) as a Group A2 - suspected human carcinogen.