Plaster of Paris - Hobby & Craft

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA Emergency Overview: A white to off-white powder product with a little or no odor. WARNING! May cause eye, skin, nose, throat and respiratory tract irritation. Removal of this product after use or by dry sanding will generate dust and exposure to this dust may be irritating to the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Avoid skin and eye contact. May cause burns. If dry-sanded, exposure to dust may result in build-up of material in eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Refer to other MSDS sections for other detailed information. Effects Of Overexposure - Eye Contact: May cause eye irritation. Effects Of Overexposure - Skin Contact: May cause skin irritation. May cause dry skin. Effects Of Overexposure - Inhalation: Prolonged, repeated, or high exposures may cause irritation to the respiratory tract (nose, mouth, mucous membranes). Effects Of Overexposure - Ingestion: Ingestion may result in obstruction when material hardens. Irritating to mouth, throat and stomach. Effects Of Overexposure - Chronic Hazards: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that crystalline silica in the form of quartz or cristobalite that is inhaled from occupational sources is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1- carcinogenic to humans). Refer to IARC Monograph 68, Silica, Some Silicates and Organic Fibres (published in June 1997) in conjunction with the use of these materials. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) classifies respirable crystalline silica as "known to be a human carcinogen". Refer to the 9th Report on Carcinogens (2000). The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) classifies crystalline silica, quartz, as a suspected human carcinogen (Group A2). Breathing dust containing respirable crystalline silica may not cause noticeable injury or illness even though permanent lung damage may be occurring. Inhalation of dust may have the following serious chronic health effects: Excessive inhalation of respirable dust can cause pneumoconiosis, a respiratory disease, which can result in delayed, progressive, disabling and sometimes fatal lung injury. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, non-specific chest illness and reduced pulmonary function. Smoking exacerbates this disease. Individuals with pneumoconiosis are predisposed to develop tuberculosis. There is some evidence that breathing respirable crystalline silica or the disease silicosis is associated with an increased incidence of significant disease endpoints such as scleroderma (an immune system disorder manifested by fibrosis of the lungs, skin and other internal organs) and kidney disease.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Skin Contact, Inhalation, Ingestion, Eye Contact Medical Conditions which May be Aggravated by Exposure: If dry sanded, asthma and asthma-like conditions may worsen from prolonged or repeated exposure to dust. Carcinogenicity: CAS No. Chemical Name ACGIH