Mulcoa 47/Mulgrain 47

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Non-flammable gray to white granular material. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause upper respiratory irritation. Particulate matter may scratch the eyes. This product contains crystalline silica (cristobalite). Once inhaled, cristobalite can remain in the lungs causing scarring, stiffening and difficulty breathing. The most common type of silicosis develops following repeated inhalation over time; however inhalation of high dust concentrations may cause short-term (acute) silicosis. Repeated inhalation of crystalline silica can also increase the risks of developing respiratory cancer. Avoid dust creation. Do not inhale dusts from this product. Do not use compressed air or dry sweeping to remove dusts from the work area. Use a vacuum with adequate filtration or wet clean-up methods to remove dusts.

Potential health effects

EYE: Particulate matter may scratch the cornea or cause other mechanical injury to the eye. SKIN: None anticipated. INGESTION: Practically non-toxic. Ingestion is not anticipated under normal working conditions. INHALATION: Inhalation may cause respiratory irritation and coughing. Exposures to very high concentrations of crystalline silica in a short period of time have on rare occasions been reported to cause acute or rapidly-developing silicosis. Acute silicosis can develop 1-2 months following exposure and has caused severe respiratory symptoms and death. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: Scratching or physical damage to the eyes can cause irritation, redness, pain, tear formation, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. Symptoms of silicosis include phlegm, coughing, and characteristic x-rays. The damaged lungs will become increasingly less able to provide the body with oxygen causing tiredness, shortness of breath, decreased capacity to work, and can result in death by cardiac failure or by the destruction of lung tissue. Shortness of breath upon exertion is one of the most common symptom of silicosis and limited chest expansion is the most common physical sign. (continued) TARGET ORGANS: Lungs CARCINOGENICITY: NTP: Yes IARC: Yes (Group 1) OSHA: Yes IARC and NTP classify respirable crystalline silica as a confirmed or known human carcinogen. Although OSHA has not promulgated a specific standard for crystalline silica, materials that contain > 0.1% crystalline silica should be treated as a confirmed carcinogen for hazard communication purposes (29 CFR 1910.1200).

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Long-term dust exposure may aggravate pre- existing respiratory disease. Persons who develop silicosis have greatly increased risks of developing tuberculosis and workers who are exposed to crystalline silica and smoke have increased risks of lung damage. CHRONIC: Reported inhalation of respirable cristobalite over a number of years can cause lung disease (silicosis) and increase the risks of developing respiratory cancer. Silicosis is a progressive fibrotic pneumoconiosis which greatly decreases the ability of the lungs to provide oxygen (decreased pulmonary capacity). The disease may progress even if the worker is removed from exposure. The extent and severity of lung injury depends on a variety of factors including particle size, percentage of silica, natural resistance, dust concentration and length of exposure. Long-term exposure to kaolin dust has caused fibrosis in experimental animals and workers.