CeraTex

Principle Routes of Exposure

Respiratory Tract (nose & throat), Eyes, Skin POSSIBLE CANCER HAZARD BY INHALATION Acute and Chronic Health Hazards: No increased incidence of respiratory disease in studies on occupationally exposed workers. In animal studies, long-term laboratory exposure to doses hundreds of times higher than normal occupational exposures has produced fibrosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma in rats or hamsters. The fibers used in those studies were specially sized to maximize rodent respirability. Other Possible Effects: Inhalation: If inhaled in sufficient amount, it may cause irritation to respiratory tract, scratchiness of the nose or throat, cough or chest discomfort. Eye Irritation: May cause eye irritation by contact.Prolonged contact may cause damage to the outer surface of the eye. Skin Irritation: May cause skin irritation by contact, may also result in inflammation, rash or itching. Gastrointestinal Irritation: Unlikely route of entry.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Asthma, dermatitis, allergies, or chronic lung disease may be aggravated by exposure 1

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

In the following cases, hazard classification are based on results from animal testing. The conclusions are qualitative only and do not rest upon any quantitative analysis suggesting that the hazard actually may occur at current occupational exposure levels. In October 2001, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) confirmed that Group 2b (possible human carcinogen) remains the appropriate IARC classification for RCF including ceramic fiber. Possible cancer hazard by inhalation, especially when the fiber become cristobalite at high temperature above 1,800° F. The Seventh Annual Report on Carcinogens (1994), prepared by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), classified respirable RCF and glasswool as substances reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has classified RCF as "A2-Suspected Human Carcinogen." The Commission of The European Communities (DG XI) has classified RCF as a substance that should be regarded as if it is carcinogenic to man. The State of California, pursuant to Proposition 65, The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, has listed "ceramic fibers (airborne fibers of respirable size)" as a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer. The Canadian Environmental Protection Agency (CEPA) has classified RCF as "probably carcinogenic" (Group 2). The Canadian Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) – RCF is classified as Class D2A – Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) Health 1* Flammability 0 Reactivity 0 Personal Protection Index: X (Employer Determined) (*potential for chronic effects)