Kaolin Slurry

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW This product is an aqueous slurry of a chemically inert, non-combustible mineral. A single exposure will not result in serious adverse effects. When this product is in a dryer form, prolonged and excessive inhalation of dust may cause lung disease, pneumoconiosis, with symptoms of shortness of breath and reduced pulmonary function. See "Cancer Status" in this Section

Health hazards

Inhalation: Breathing prolonged and excessive amounts of kaolin dust may not cause noticeable injury or illness even though permanent lung damage may be occurring. Inhalation of dust may have the following serious chronic health effects: Pneumoconiosis: Excessive inhalation of respirable dust may cause pneumoconiosis, a respiratory disease, which can result in delayed, progressive, disabling and sometimes fatal lung injury. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, non-specific chest illness and reduced pulmonary function. This disease is exacerbated by smoking. Individuals with pneumoconiosis are predisposed to develop tuberculosis. Cancer Status: The International Agency for Research on Cancer has determined that crystalline silica inhaled in the form of quartz or cristobalite from occupational sources is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1 - carcinogenic to humans). Refer to IARC Monograph 68, Silica, Some Silicates and Organic Fibres (published in June 1997) in conjunction with the use of these materials. The National Toxicology Program classifies respirable crystalline silica as "known to be a human carcinogen". Refer to the 9th Report on Carcinogens (2000). The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) classifies crystalline silica, quartz, as a suspected human carcinogen (A2). Other Data with Possible Relevance to Human Health: There is some evidence that breathing respirable crystalline silica or the disease silicosis is associated with an increased incidence of significant disease endpoints such as scleroderma (an immune system disorder manifested by fibrosis of the lungs, skin and other internal organs) and kidney disease. For further information consult "Adverse Effects of Crystalline Silica Exposure" published by the American Thoracic Society Medical Section of the American Lung Association, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Volume 155, pages 761-768, 1997. Inhalation of dust may cause irritation of the nose, throat and respiratory passages. Skin Contact: No adverse effects expected. Eye Contact: Contact may cause mechanical irritation and possible injury. Ingestion: No adverse effects expected for normal, incidental ingestion.

Potential chronic health

See "Inhalation" subsection above with respect to silicosis, cancer status and other data with possible relevance to human health.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Individuals with respiratory disease, including but not limited to, asthma and bronchitis, or subject to eye irritation should not be exposed to respirable quartz dust. Signs and Symptoms of Exposure: There are generally no signs or symptoms of exposure to crystalline silica (quartz). See "Inhalation" subsection above for symptoms of silicosis.