TaoFibre Board

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW WARNING! POSSIBLE CANCER HAZARD BY INHALATION. (See Section 11 for more information)

Potential chronic health

There has been no increased incidence of respiratory disease in studies examining occupationally exposed workers. In animal studies, long-term laboratory exposure to doses hundreds of times higher than normal occupational exposures has produced fibrosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma in rats or hamsters. The fibers used in those studies were specially sized to maximize rodent respirability. OTHER POTENTIAL EFFECTS TARGET ORGANS: Respiratory Tract (nose & throat), Eyes, Skin RESPIRATORY TRACT (nose & throat) IRRITATION: If inhaled in sufficient quantity, may cause temporary, mild mechanical irritation to respiratory tract. Symptoms may include scratchiness of the nose or throat, cough or chest discomfort. EYE IRRITATION: May cause temporary, mild mechanical irritation. Fibers may be abrasive; prolonged contact may cause damage to the outer surface of the eye. SKIN IRRITATION: May cause temporary, mild mechanical irritation. Exposure may also result in inflammation, rash or itching. GASTROINTESTINAL IRRITATION:

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Pre-existing medical conditions, including dermatitis, asthma or chronic lung disease may be aggravated by exposure; individuals who have a history of allergies may experience greater amounts of skin and respiratory irritation.

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

Although studies, involving occupationally exposed workers, have not identified any increased incidence of respiratory disease, results from animal testing have been used as the basis for hazard classification. In each of the following cases, the conclusions are qualitative only and do not rest upon any quantitative analysis suggesting that the hazard actually may occur at current occupational exposure levels. In October 2001, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) confirmed that Group 2b (possible human carcinogen) remains the appropriate IARC classification for RCF. The Seventh Annual Report on Carcinogens (1994), prepared by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), classified respirable RCF and glasswool as substances reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has classified RCF as “A2-Suspected Human Carcinogen.” The Commission of The European Communities (DG XI) has classified RCF as a substance that should be regarded as if it is carcinogenic to man. The State of California, pursuant to Proposition 65, The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, has listed "ceramic fibers (airborne fibers of respirable size)" as a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer. The Canadian Environmental Protection Agency (CEPA) has classified RCF as "probably carcinogenic" (Group 2). The Canadian Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) – RCF is classified as Class D2A – Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) – Health 1* Flammability 0 Reactivity 0 Personal Protection Index: X (Employer Determined) (* denotes potential for chronic effects)