Target Silica Abrasive

Principle Routes of Exposure

Skin Absorption: No Skin Contact: Yes Eye Contact: Yes Ingestion: Yes Inhalation: Yes Emergency Overview: Sand (silicon dioxide) may contain crystalline quartz, which has been classified as a carcinogen by The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It has been concluded that crystalline silica in the form of quartz or cristobalite from occupational sources should be Sand Blasting Products\Sand Blasting - 1 - classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). The major route of entry is inhalation, but the sand in this product is such that dusting of the silica is minimal. Respirable silica dust (10µparticle size) is less than 0.005%. When sand blasting, the abrasive is being used to remove and clean a surface. The substance that has been removed may contain materials that represent health hazards that cannot be addressed in the Material Safety Data Sheet. The employer must ensure that a risk assessment is done before any abrasive blasting activity which may cause release of a harmful level of an air contaminant from a surface or coating containing a toxic heavy metal or asbestos. This blasting abrasive must NOT be reused unless it is being used in a fully enclosed, vented cabinet designed to recirculate the abrasive material.

Potential Acute Health Effects

Inhalation: Inhalation of sand particles may cause irritation to the upper respiratory tract. Exposure may cause sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and the production of phlegm in the throat. Nosebleeds may occur in cases of those with sensitive nose membranes due to abrasion of sensitive tissue. Skin Contact: Sand is mildly abrasive to skin, but may aggravate tender skin causing rash, cuts or sores. Skin Absorption: Not applicable Eye Contact: Contact with the eye will cause tearing and irritation from the “foreign” object in the eye. Rubbing of the eye may cause abrasion of the cornea. Ingestion: No evidence of ill effects from ingestion of sand.

Potential chronic health

Excessive inhalation of crystalline silica dust may result in respiratory disease, including silicosis, scarring of lung tissue, cancer, pneumoconiosis, or pulmonary fibrosis. Prolonged contact with sand by sensitive skin may result in skin redness, rash and sores.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Respiratory problems may be aggravated by pre-existing lung disease such as bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.