Limestone Rock Asphalt (LRA)

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Angular gray particles ranging in size from powder to small stones. Mild petroleum odor. Silica containing respirable dust particles may be generated by handling LRA. Inhalation of excessive particulate matter may cause respiratory problems. Crystalline silica, a component of this product, has been designated as a Group I carcinogen by IARC.

Potential health effects

The information below represents an overview of health effect caused by overexposure to one or more components in LRA. The individual effects are described in Section XI.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation □ Skin □ Ingestion EYE CONTACT: Direct contact with dust may cause irritation by mechanical abrasion. Conjunctivitis may occur. Exposure to asphalt fumes when the LRA is heated may cause irritation, redness or pain. SKIN CONTACT: Direct contact may cause irritation by mechanical abrasion or corrosiveness of product. Contact with heated material can cause serious burns SKIN ABSORPTION: Not expected to be a significant exposure route. INGESTION: Small amounts (a tablespoonful) swallowed during normal handling operations are not likely to cause injury. Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal irritation and blockage. INHALATION: Dusts may irritate the nose, throat, and respiratory tract by mechanical abrasion or corrosive action. Coughing, sneezing, chest pain, shortness of breath, inflammation of mucous membrane, and flu-like fever may occur following exposures in excess of appropriate exposure limits. Repeated excessive exposure may cause pneumoconiosis, such as silicosis and other respiratory effects. Notes on Silicosis: Use of LRA for construction purposes is not believed to cause additional acute toxic effects. Repeated overexposures to respirable crystalline silica (quartz, cristobalite, tridymite) for periods as short as 6 months has caused acute silicosis. Chronic exposure to respirable quartz-containing dust in excess of appropriate exposure limits has caused silicosis, a progressive pneumoconiosis (lung disease). Restrictive and/or obstructive lung function changes may result from chronic exposure. Chronic tobacco smoking may further increase the risk of developing chronic lung problems. Symptoms of acute silicosis include (but are not limited to): shortness of breath, cough, fever, weight loss, and chest pain. Acute silicosis is a rapidly progressive, incurable lung disease and is typically fatal.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Inhaling respirable dust and/or crystalline silica may aggravate existing respiratory system disease(s) and/or dysfunctions. Exposure to dust may aggravate existing skin and/or eye conditions. Smoking and obstructive / restrictive lung diseases may also exacerbate the effects of excessive exposure to this product.