ISOFRAX® 1260C PAPER EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/02/2002
MSDS NUMBER: M0372

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

IDENTIFICATION OF THE PRODUCT

IDENTIFICATION OF THE COMPANY

Unifrax Corporation
2351 Whirlpool St.
Niagara Falls, NY 14305-2413

Product Stewardship Information Line
1-800-322-2293 (Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST)

CHEMTREC Emergency Assistance: 1-800-424-9300

DESCRIPTION

White, odorless paper.

COMPOSITION
CAS Number % by Weight
Amorphous magnesium silicate (alkaline-earth-silicate) MIXTURE 80-90
(SiO₂ 70-80 %, MgO 18-27 %, trace elements 0-4 %)
Acrylic latex MIXTURE 5-10
Aluminum sulfate 10043-01-3 0-5

MAY IRRITATE EYES, SKIN and RESPIRATORY TRACT

May cause temporary mechanical irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract (nose, throat & lungs).

Pre-existing medical conditions, including dermatitis, asthma or chronic lung disease may be aggravated by exposure; individuals who are atopic (with a history of allergies) may experience greater amounts of skin and respiratory irritation.

FIRST AID PROCEDURES

EYE IRRITATION
If eyes become irritated, wash immediately with large amounts of lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Eyelids should be held away from the eyeball to ensure thorough rinsing. Do not rub eyes. Get medical attention if irritation persists.


SKIN IRRITATION
If skin becomes irritated, do not rub or scratch exposed skin. Wash area of contact thoroughly with soap and water. Using a skin cream or lotion after washing may be helpful. Change into clean clothing.

RESPIRATORY TRACT IRRITATION
If respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs) irritation occurs, relocate individual to a dust free environment. Get medical attention, if irritation continues. See Section 8 for additional measures to reduce or eliminate exposure.

Non-combustible (does not burn) product.

Packaging and surrounding materials may be combustible.
Use extinguishing agent suitable for surrounding combustible materials.

SPILL PROCEDURES
Provide workers with respirators, if needed. [See Section 8]
Limit airborne dust dispersion by wetting the materials with water.

CLEAN UP
Use high efficiency vacuum to clean up spilled material. Use wet sweeping or a dust suppressant where sweeping is necessary. Do not use compressed air for clean up.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Clean up spilled material to the extent possible. Package spilled material properly for disposal. Do not allow to be wind blown. Do not flush spilled material into drains. Prevent spilled materials from entering natural water courses. Check with your employer to identify all regulations which may apply.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Minimize airborne dusts by avoiding the unnecessary disturbance of materials.

CLEAN-UP

Clean up dust carefully. Use wet sweeping or high efficiency vacuum to remove dust. Do not use compressed air.

During after-service removal activities, wet exposed material frequently to minimize airborne dust. A surfactant may be added to the water to improve the wetting process. Use only enough water to wet the insulation. Do not allow water to accumulate on floors. [See Section 16 - After-Service Removal]

EMPTY CONTAINERS
Product packaging may contain residue. Do not reuse.

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE STANDARDS AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS

Components OSHA SUPPLIER
Magnesium silicate fiber None established See below**

Acrylic latex None established None established

Aluminum sulfate None established None established

ACGIH TLV'S: Magnesium silicate fiber -- None established. Acrylic latex -- None established. Aluminum sulfate -- None established.


Refer to OSHA guidance regarding "Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated" (PNOR). Control airborne dust levels as follows:

Components Particle Size OSHA
PNOR Total Dust 15 mg/m³
Respirable Dust 5 mg/m³

ACGIH Particulates Not Otherwise Classified (PNOC) -- Inhalable particulate: 10 mg/m³. Respirable particulate: 3 mg/m³.

** As with most industrial materials, it is prudent to minimize unnecessary exposure to respirable dusts. Note that Industrial hygiene standards and occupational exposure limits differ between countries and local jurisdictions. Check with your employer to identify any "respirable dust", "total dust" or "fiber" exposure standards to follow in your area. If no regulatory dust or fiber control standard apply, a qualified industrial hygiene professional can assist with a specific evaluation of workplace conditions and the identification of appropriate respiratory protection practices. In the absence of other guidance, the supplier has found that it is generally feasible to control occupational fiber exposure to 1 f/cc or less.


ENGINEERING CONTROLS:

Dust suppressing control technologies such as local exhaust ventilation, point of generation dust collection, down draft work stations, emission controlling tool designs, and materials handling equipment are effective means of minimizing airborne fiber emissions. For additional information, contact the Unifrax Corporation Product Stewardship Information Line at 1-800-322-2293 (See Section 16).

PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

Eye Protection:
In case of overhead work, wear goggles or safety glasses with side shields to prevent eye contact.

Skin Protection:
Wear gloves, head coverings and full body clothing as necessary to prevent skin irritation.

Respiratory Protection:
When effective engineering and/or administrative controls are insufficient, the use of appropriate respiratory protection, pursuant to the requirements of OSHA 1910.134, is recommended. For dust concentrations below applicable exposure limit value, PPE is not required. The evaluation of workplace hazards and the identification of appropriate respiratory protection is best performed on a case by case basis, by a qualified Industrial Hygienist.

Oxidizing properties None
Odor None
Melting point 1500-1550°C (2730-2820°F)
Flammability None
Explosive properties None

CONDITIONS OR MATERIALS TO AVOID

Avoid direct contact with strong acid environments.

DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS

Thermal decomposition of binder from fires or from first heat of product may release oxides of carbon, sodium, and nitrogen, ammonia, acryate monomers and hydrocarbons. Use adequate ventilation or other precautions to eliminate exposure to vapors resulting from thermal decomposition of binder. Exposure to thermal decomposition fumes may cause respiratory tract irritation, bronchial hyper-reactivity or an asthmatic-type response.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

This product has not been the subject of epidemiological study. Epidemiological studies related to other fiber chemistries of similar solubility have not identified a statistically significant incidence of exposure-related respiratory disease.

TOXICOLOGY

This product has been the subject of limited testing.

A review of available scientific literature suggests an inverse relationship between dissolution rate and potential health effects; i.e. the higher the dissolution rate of a fiber the lower its potential to produce health effects. The dissolution rate of Isofrax® fiber has been determined through standardized in vitro testing. The dissolution rate of Isofrax® fibers is higher than that of other fiber types that have been tested in chronic animal studies and did not produce respiratory disease.

This product possesses a fiber chemistry within the regulatory (European Commission Directive 97/69/EC) definition as a "man-made vitreous (silicate) fiber with random orientation with alkaline oxide and alkaline earth oxide (Na2O + K2O + CaO + MgO + BaO) content greater than 18% by weight". Isofrax® fibers have been tested pursuant to EU protocol ECB/TM/26, rev. 7, Nota Q, Directive 97/69/EC. The results for the short term biopersistence test by inhalation (IH test) was 6 days; well below the regulatory threshold of 10 days cited in Directive 97/69/EC. Based on testing results, Isofrax® based products are not regarded as potential carcinogens and they ARE EXEMPT from European classification as such. By virtue of these test results, these products ARE EXEMPT from European regulatory guidelines that require hazard warning labels with specific risk phrases citing respiratory disease potential. In addition, Isofrax fibers have been tested in an independent laboratory, by intratracheal (IT test) instillation, under a protocol that was consistent with the requirements of the German Hazardous Substances Ordinance (BGBI. I pp. 1782, 2049, Third Amendment, Appendix V, No. 7). The half-life clearance of Isofrax® fibers was 32.7 days; well below the applicable regulatory thresholds. Based on the IT test results, Isofrax products ARE EXEMPT from the requirements of the German Ordinance.

The definition of "irritant" contained in the hazard communication standard, 29 CFR 1900.1200, Appendix A, is "...a reversible inflammatory effect on living tissue by chemical action...". Isofrax® fiber is an inert material which doesn't interact chemically with exposed skin. However, there is a possibility that exposure to this product may cause temporary mechanical irritation to the eyes, skin or respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs). This temporary irritation can be mitigated with proper handling practices designed to limit exposure and the use of protective clothing (glasses, gloves, clothing).

This product has not been specifically evaluated by any regulatory authority or other classification entity, such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) or the National Toxicology Program (NTP). Other types of man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF) have been evaluated and subsequently classified as potential carcinogens. Various classifications, such as "possible carcinogen", "probable carcinogen", and "reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen" have been given to other MMVF's.

No ecological concerns have been identified.

As produced, this product is usually accepted for disposal at most sites licensed for the disposal of industrial waste. Check applicable regulations and waste site policies prior to disposal. Waste should be placed in sealed containers for disposal.

In case of contamination, by other materials classified as hazardous waste, expert guidance should be sought.

Product should remain in sealed containers during transportation.

Key statutory and regulatory classification or listings for the product, as manufactured, which may impact product storage, use, handling or disposal:

U.S. FEDERAL REGULATIONS

SARA TITLE III: This product is not regulated under SARA Sections 302, 304, 311/312 and 313.

Comprehensive Environmental Response
Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA):

ISOFRAX® THERMAL INSULATION fibers are composed of fiber with an average diameter greater than 1 micron, and therefore are not considered CERCLA hazardous substances. See 60 FR 30934 (June 12, 1995).

Clean Air Act (CAA):

ISOFRAX® THERMAL INSULATION fibers are composed of fiber with an average diameter greater than 1 micron, and therefore are not considered hazardous air pollutants. See 60 FR 30934 (June 12, 1995).

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA):

All substances in this product are listed, as required, on the TSCA inventory.

STATE REGULATIONS

California: Magnesium silicate fiber has not been listed by the State of California on Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986.

New Jersey: Magnesium silicate fiber is not listed as a special health hazard substance as defined in New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act, New Jersey Administrative Code, Title 8, Department of Health, Chapter 59, Subchapter 10.

Pennsylvania: Magnesium silicate fiber is not listed as a special health hazard substance as defined in Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, Section 3800.

INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS

Canadian Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS):
No Canadian Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) categories apply to this product.

Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA):
All substances in this product are listed, as required, on the Domestic Substances List (DSL).

No chemicals in this product are listed on the Non-Domestic Substances List.

European Directive 97/69/EC
By virtue of testing results, Isofrax® fiber has been exempted from classification and labeling as a potential carcinogen.

German Hazardous Substances Ordinance
By virtue of testing results, Isofrax® fiber may be used without the limitations or concern for requirements imposed on other man-made mineral fibers by the Ordinance.

16. OTHER INFORMATION

After-Service Isofrax® Thermal Insulation: Removal

As produced, Isofrax fibers are vitreous (glassy) materials which do not contain crystalline silica. Continued exposure to elevated temperatures can cause the vitreous magnesium-silicate (alkaline-earth-silicate) fibers to devitrify (become crystalline). Clinoenstatite is the first crystalline formation to occur at approximately 1472° F. (800° C). Clinoenstatite formation peaks at approximately 1832° F. (1000° C), after which Protoenstatite (compositionally the same as Clinoenstatite) begins to form. Crystalline phase silica (Cristobalite) formation is possible at temperatures of approximately 2192° F. (1200° C), however, the formation of crystalline silica is highly dependent on temperature, the duration of time that the fibers are exposured to high temperatures, fiber chemistry and/or the presence of fluxing agents. The formation of crystalline silica can only be confirmed through laboratory analysis of the "hot face" fiber.

IARC's evaluation of crystalline silica states "Crystalline silica inhaled in the form of quartz or cristobalite from occupational sources is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1)" and additionally notes "carcinogenicity in humans was not detected in all industrial circumstances studied" (IARC Monograph Vol. 68, 1997). NTP lists all polymorphs of crystalline silica amongst substances which may "reasonably be anticipated to be carcinogens".

During removal operations, the use of a full face respirator is recommended to reduce inhalation exposure along with eye & respiratory tract irritation. A specific evaluation of workplace hazards and the identification of appropriate respiratory protection is best performed, on a case by case basis, by a qualified industrial hygiene professional. For more detailed information regarding respirable crystalline silica, call the Product Stewardship Information Hotline (see below).

Product Stewardship Program

The Unifrax Corporation has established a program to provide customers with up-to-date information regarding the proper use and handling of fiber-based products, including ISOFRAX® THERMAL INSULATION. In addition, Unifrax Corporation has also established a program to monitor airborne fiber concentrations at customer facilities. If you would like more information about this program, please call the Unifrax Corporation Product Stewardship Information Line at 1-800-322-2293.

Revision Summary: Sections 2 and 16 updated. Updated trademark. Replaces 04/03/2000 MSDS.

MSDS Prepared By: UNIFRAX RISK MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
DISCLAIMER
The information presented herein is based on data considered to be accurate as of the date of preparation of this Material Safety Data Sheet. However, no warranty or representation, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the foregoing data and safety information. In addition, no responsibility can be assumed by vendor for any damage or injury resulting from abnormal use, from any failure to adhere to recommended practices, or from any hazards inherent in the nature of the product.