Genesee Coal Ash

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview: Genesee Coal Ash is a dark grey odourless powder which contains solidified masses and is neither combustible nor explosive. Periodic short-term exposure to the dry product poses little hazard. Skin Contact: Coal Ash may cause dry skin and irritation. Eye Contact: Irritation and inflammation of the eye may be caused by on contact or symptoms may develop sometime after contact. Chronic Inhalation: Risk of illness increases with the higher level and duration of exposure: Silicosis: Chronic inhalation of crystalline silica contain in Coal Ash can cause silicosis, a fatal lung disease. Tuberculosis: Chronic inhalation may result in a higher risk of contracting tuberculosis associated with silicosis. Renal Disease: Exposure to crystalline silica has been linked to kidney disease by some studies. Acute Inhalation: Breathing air containing large amounts of Coal Ash dust may cause nose, throat or lung irritation. In extreme instances, choking may result. Carcinogenicity: Coal Ash contains crystalline silica which is a suspected human carcinogen. Autoimmune Disease: Some studies show a link between chronic exposure to crystalline silica and autoimmune disorders. It is inconclusive if a link exists as a result of chronic exposure or as a result of silicosis. Ingestion: Distress of the digestive track may result from the ingestion on Coal Ash.