Porcelain Fired Tile

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA Summary/Overview of Hazards Solid flat rectangles. Dust or powder (particulates), which typically results from cutting, crushing, or otherwise breaking fired tile, can cause irritation of the eyes or respiratory system through eye contact or inhalation. Contains crystalline silica (quartz). When exposed to high temperatures, free quartz can change crystal structure to form tridymite (above 870o C.) or cristobalite (above 1470o C.) which have greater health hazards than quartz due to their more fibrogenic characteristics. Manufacturers who crush, grind or cut ceramic bodies fired to high temperatures should recognize the possible presence of tridymite and/or cristobalite. The following hazards are of minimal concern as long as the material (fired tile) is not being cut, crushed, or otherwise broken, as exposure to particulates should not occur. Potential Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, eye contact. Target Organs: Eyes, respiratory system. Symptoms of Overexposure (by route): Inhalation: Mild irritation of nose and throat. Eye Contact: Mild irritation of eyes. Acute Effects: Irritation of eyes and/or respiratory tract as noted above.

Potential chronic health

This material contains crystalline silica which may cause delayed respiratory disease (silicosis) if inhaled over a prolonged period of time. IARC MONOGRAPH VOLUME 68, 1997 concludes that there is sufficient evidence that inhaled crystalline silica causes cancer in humans. The NTP, in the Sixth Annual Report on Carcinogens, 1991, has added crystalline silica to its list of substances that are “reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens”. 1 This product contains Titanium Dioxide (TiO2). Inhalation may cause damage to the respiratory system. TiO2 is identified as a potential carcinogen by NIOSH. The OSHA TWA for TiO2 is 15 mg/m3.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Pre-existing disorders of the eyes and respiratory tract may be exacerbated by exposure to fired tile particulates.