ISOFRAX® YARN / TEXTILES EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/02/2002
1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PRODUCT AND OF THE COMPANY
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
2. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
DESCRIPTION White, odorless yarn / textile. COMPOSITION CAS Number % by Weight Amorphous magnesium silicate (alkaline-earth-silicate) MIXTURE 75-80 (SiO2 70-80 %, MgO 18-27 %, trace elements 0-4 %) Iconel (nickel-chromium) wire NA 10-15 Continuous filament fiberglass 65997-17-3 5-10 Rayon/cellulose fiber 61788-77-0 2-4
3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
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.
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
FIRST AID PROCEDURES
EYE IRRITATION
5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Non-combustible (does not burn) product. Packaging and surrounding materials may be combustible. Use extinguishing agent suitable for surrounding combustible materials.
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
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.
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
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.
8. EXPOSURE CONTROL / PERSONAL PROTECTION
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE STANDARDS AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Oxidizing properties None
10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
CONDITIONS OR MATERIALS TO AVOID
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
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.
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
No ecological concerns have been identified.
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
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.
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Product should remain in sealed containers during transportation.
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
Key statutory and regulatory classification or listings for the product, as manufactured, which may impact product storage, use, handling or disposal:
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 04/07/2000 MSDS.