Calcium Silicate Board

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview: This product contains crystalline silica which is considered a hazard by inhalation. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified occupational exposures to respirable crystalline silica as being carcinogenic to humans (Class 1). This classification is based on what IARC considered sufficient evidence from epidemiological studies of humans for the carcinogenicity of inhaled silica in the forms of quartz and cristobalite. Crystalline silica is also known to cause Silicosis, a non-cancerous lung disease.

HMIS® ratings

Health 1 Fire: 0

Physical hazards

0 Personal Protection: E WHMIS Class: D-2A - Material causing other toxic effects (VERY TOXIC - Chronic)

Principle Routes of Exposure

Via respirable dust to the lungs and respiratory system and via coarse dust and particulate to the eyes. Primary Target Organs: Lungs, respiratory system and eyes.

Potential health effects

Inhalation: Long term overexposure to respirable crystalline silica dust may cause permanent and irreversible lung damage including silicosis. Skin Contact: Possible dryness or irritation resulting from long term exposures to product dust. Eye Contact: A mechanical irritant which can cause moderate to severe eye irritation. Ingestion: Non-hazardous when ingested. Potentially a mild irritant to the GI tract if excessive quantity is ingested.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Pre-existing chronic upper respiratory and lung diseases such as, but not limited to, bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. Carcinogenicity: This product contains crystalline silica which is classified as a class 1, human carcinogen by IARC, as a suspect carcinogen by NTP and as a possible select carcinogen by OSHA.