CH1057 Earthenware Clay

Hazard statements (CLP)

H373

Code

Statements

H373

May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Directive 67/548/EEC: Classification of the substance or mixture Products contain crystalline silica and therefore are classified as STOT RE2 according to criteria defined in the Regulation

2.2 Label elements

– CAS No. 1332-58-7 WARNING STOT RE2

Hazard statements

H373 - May cause damage to lungs through prolonged or repeated exposure by inhalation.

Precautionary statements

P260 - Do not breathe dust P285 - In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection P501 - Dispose of contents/containers in accordance with local regulations

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

Products contain crystalline silica and therefore are classified as STOT RE2 according to criteria defined in the Regulation EC 1272/2008 and harmful according to criteria defined in Directive 67/548/EEC due to the potential to generate respirable dust. This could arise when the product is allowed to dry out. Particular attention should be given to controlling spillages. Prolonged/repeated exposure to high concentrations of respirable free crystalline silica dust may cause delayed lung injury (silicosis) The WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluation for silica states “Crystalline silica inhaled in the form of quartz or cristobalite from occupational sources is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1)” but additionally notes “carcinogenicity in humans was not detected in all industrial circumstances studies. Carcinogenicity may be dependent on inherent characteristics of crystalline silica or on external factors affecting its biological activity or distribution of polymorphs” (IARC Monograph, Volume 68, 1997). In June 2003, SCOEL (the EU Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits) concluded that the main effect in humans of the inhalations of respirable crystalline silica dust is silicosis. “There is sufficient information to conclude that then relative risk of lung cancer is increased in persons with silicosis (and, apparently, not employees without silicosis exposed to silica dust in quarries and in the ceramic industry). Therefore preventing the onset of silicosis will also reduce the cancer risk …”(SCOEL SUM Doc 94-final, June 2003). So, there is a body of evidence supporting the fact that increased cancer risk would be limited to people already suffering from silicosis. Worker protection against silicosis should be assured by respecting existing regulatory occupational exposure limits and implementing additional risk management measures where required. 1 Detailed reviews of the scientific evidence on the health effects of crystalline silica have been published by HSE (Health and Safety Executive UK) in the Hazard Assessment Documents EH75/4 (2002) and EH75/5 (2003). The HSE points out on its website that “Workers exposed to fine dust containing quartz are at risk of developing a chronic and possibly severely disabling lung disease known as silicosis. In addition to silicosis, there is now evidence that heavy and prolonged workplace exposure to dust containing crystalline silica can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer. The evidence suggests that an increased risk of lung cancer is likely to occur only in those workers who have developed silicosis.