US Product Line

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA Hazards NFPA (USA) WHMIS (Canada) Transport Symbol Not Regulated for Transport Emergency Overview: CertainTeed Finishing Products, Powdered Setting Compounds do not present an inhalation, ingestion, or contact health hazard unless subjected to operations such as sanding or machining which result in the generation of airborne particulate.

Appearance/Odor

Powder, white to light grey, odourless USA: This material is considered hazardous by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). Canada: This product is a controlled product under WHMIS.

Potential health effects

ACUTE (short term): see Section 8 for exposure controls

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation, Skin contact, Eye contact Inhalation: High concentrations of dust from sanding or machining, may cause coughing and mild, temporary irritation following a short-term exposure. Long-term inhalation exposure to crystalline silica can have potentially serious respiratory effects (see Chronic health effects below). Ingestion: Avoid ingesting this product. Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal problems. Skin: Prolonged or repeated contact may cause irritation. Eye: Contact with the eyes causes irritation. continued

Long term hazards

see Section 11 for additional toxicological data Prolonged or repeated exposure to fine airborne crystalline silica dust may cause severe scarring of the lungs, a disease called silicosis. The risk of developing and the severity of silicosis depends on the airborne concentration of respirable-size silica dust to which an employee is exposed and the duration of exposure. Silicosis usually develops gradually over 20 years or more of exposure. Particles with diameters less than 1 micrometer are considered most hazardous. The amount of respirable silica generated from sanding operations will vary. The early symptoms of silicosis are cough, mucous production and shortness of breath upon exertion. Silicosis may continue to develop even after exposure to crystalline silica has stopped. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has concluded that crystalline silica in the form of quartz from occupational sources should be classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Skin contact may aggravate an existing dermatitis. Exposure:

Interactions with other chemicals

Tobacco smoking in combination with long-term high dust exposures may increase both smoking and dust-related pulmonary health problems. Simultaneous exposure to known carcinogens can increase the carcinogenicity of crystalline silica.

Environmental effects

No adverse effects known.