Staurolite Sands, Starblast, Starblast XL, Starblast Ultra

Principle Routes of Exposure

Nasal EYE: Abrasion injuries possible if safety glasses are not worn. Eye contact with mineral sands may cause irritation with discomfort, tearing, and blurring of vision. SKIN: Abrasion injuries possible during blasting operations or similar exposure, with high velocity direct exposure to skin. INGESTION: N/A INHALATION: The product, as shipped, does not pose any inhalation health hazard because it contains essentially no particles in the respirable size range. However, if during handling or use, the particles are broken down to a size that can be inhaled, the dusts may be harmful to the respiratory system.

Potential chronic health

The predominant effect of overexposure to airborne quartz in humans is silicosis. Silicosis is a chronic disease characterized by the formation of silica-containing scar tissue in the lungs with symptoms of coughing, dyspnea, wheezing and nonspecific respiratory ailments. Very high short exposures to crystalline silica may lead to fatality from gross overexposure. Individu- als with preexisting diseases of the lungs may have increased susceptibility to the toxicity of excessive exposures. Several recent epidemiology studies have shown, that in addition to silicosis, there is limited evidence of an excess of lung cancer in occupations involving exposures mainly to crystalline silica, such as stone cutters and granite industry workers. Occupational exposures at the recommended AEL of 0.1 mg/m³ should protect workers from silicosis and lung tumors. Respiratory illness as a result of long-term exposure to particulates is possible. NIOSH-approved particulate respirators should be used during blasting operations. CARCINOGENICITY INFORMATION: The following components are listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA or ACGIH as carcinogens. Material: Quartz, IARC = 1, NTP = X, OSHA = n/a, ACGIH = A2. Dupont controls quartz as a carcinogen.