Product Group:	POLYCRYSTALLINE FIBER PRODUCT
Chemical Name:	POLYCRYSTALLINE ALUMINOSILICATE FIBERS
Synonym(s):	Polycrystalline fiber, mullite, synthetic vitreous fiber (SVF), man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF), man-made mineral fiber (MMMF)
Trade Names:	FIBERFRAX® TOPCOAT™ M
Manufacturer/Supplier:	Unifrax Corporation 2351 Whirlpool St. Niagara Falls, NY 14305-2413
	Product Stewardship Information Hotline 1-800-322-2293 (Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST)
	For additional MSDSs, visit our web page, http: //www.unifrax.com, or call Unifrax Customer Service at (716) 278-3872
CHEMTREC Assist:	CHEMTREC will provide assistance for chemical emergencies. Call 1-800-424-9300

CHRONIC EFFECT
There has been no increased incidence of respiratory disease in studies examining occupationally exposed workers. Polycrystalline aluminosilicate fibers have not been specifically classified. However, the Seventh Annual Report on Carcinogens (1994), prepared by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), classified respirable RCF (another aluminosilicate, but vitreous, fiber product) and glasswool as substances reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified refractory ceramic fiber as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals, but insufficient data in humans.

The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) –

(* denotes potential for chronic effects)

FIRST AID PROCEDURES

RESPIRATORY TRACT (nose & throat) IRRITATION:
If respiratory tract irritation develops, move the person to a dust free location. Get medical attention if the irritation continues. See Section 8 for additional measures to reduce or eliminate exposure.

EYE IRRITATION:
If eyes become irritated, flush 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, remove soiled clothing. 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.

GASTROINTESTINAL IRRITATION:
If gastrointestinal tract irritation develops, move the person to a dust free environment.

NOTES TO PHYSICIANS:
Skin and respiratory effects are the result of temporary, mild mechanical irritation; fiber exposure does not result in allergic manifestations.

NFPA Unusual Hazards: None
Flammable Properties: None
Flash Point: None
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Decomposition products may include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxides of phosphorus, smoke, and fumes.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard: None
Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing media suitable for type of surrounding fire.

SPILL PROCEDURES

Avoid creating airborne dust. Dust suppressing cleaning methods such as wet sweeping or vacuuming should be used to clean the work area. If vacuuming, the vacuum must be equipped with a HEPA filter. Compressed air or dry sweeping should not be used for cleaning.

STORAGE

Store in original container in a dry area. Keep container closed when not in use.

HANDLING

Handle fiber carefully. Limit use of power tools unless in conjunction with local exhaust. Use hand tools whenever possible. Frequently clean the work area with HEPA filtered vacuum or wet sweeping to minimize the accumulation of debris. Do not use compressed air for clean-up.

EMPTY CONTAINERS

Product packaging may contain residue. Do not reuse.

EXPOSURE GUIDELINES

*There is no specific regulatory standard for FIBERMAX® in the U.S. OSHA's "Particulate Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR)" standard [29 CFR 1910.1000, Subpart Z, Air Contaminants] applies generally; Total Dust 15 mg/m³; Respirable Fraction 5 mg/m³.

OTHER OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LEVELS (OEL)
ACGIH TLV's : Mullite -- None established. Aluminum oxide (non-fibrous) -- 10 mg/m³ TWA. Kaolin -- 2 mg/m³ TLV. Polycrystalline fiber -- Particulates Not Otherwise Classified (PNOC) : Inhalable particulate -- 10 mg/m³. Respirable particulate -- 3 mg/m³. Methyl cellulose -- None established. Aluminum phosphate -- None established.

** 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

Use engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation, point of generation dust collection, down draft work stations, emission controlling tool designs, and materials handling equipment designed to minimize airborne fiber emissions.


PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT


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 the 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.

Skin Protection:

Wear gloves, head coverings and full body clothing as necessary to prevent skin irritation. Washable or disposable clothing may be used. If possible, do not take unwashed clothing home. If soiled work clothing must be taken home, employers should ensure employees are thoroughly trained on the best practices to minimize or avoid non-work dust exposure (e.g., vacuum clothes before leaving the work area, wash work clothing separately, rinse washer before washing other household clothes, etc.).

Eye Protection:

Wear safety glasses with side shields or other forms of eye protection in compliance with appropriate OSHA standards to prevent eye irritation. The use of contact lenses is not recommended, unless used in conjunction with appropriate eye protection. Do not touch eyes with soiled body parts or materials. If possible, have eye-washing facilities readily available where eye irritation can occur.

Employees engaged in manufacturing Fibermax® Mullite Fibers are subject to an ongoing medical surveillance program. This study has indicated no increased incidence of respiratory disease nor other significant health effects.

This product is a synthetic, aluminosilicate, polycrystalline (mullite) fiber. There has been no specific toxicological testing of this fiber. Many other fiber compositions have been tested extensively. The information provided below is for a vitreous (not polycrystalline) aluminosilicate fiber (refractory ceramic fiber) which suggests that you should use caution when handling this fiber.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

The University of Cincinnati is conducting an ongoing epidemiologic investigation. The evidence obtained from employees in U. S. RCF manufacturing facilities is as follows:

1) There is no evidence of any fibrotic lung disease (interstitial fibrosis) from evaluations of chest X-rays.

2) There is no evidence of an elevated incidence of lung disease among RCF manufacturing employees.

3) In early studies, an apparent statistical "trend" was observed, in the exposed population, between RCF exposure duration and some measures of lung function. The observations were clinically insignificant. If these observations were made on an individual employee, the results would be interpreted as being within the normal (predicted) respiratory range. A more recent longitudinal study of employees with 5 or more pulmonary function tests found that there was no effect on lung function associated with RCF production experience. Initial data (circa 1987) seemed to indicate an interactive effect between smoking and RCF exposure; more recent data, however, found no interactive effect. Nevertheless, to promote good health, RCF employees are still actively encouraged not to smoke.

4) Pleural plaques (thickening along the chest wall) have been observed in a small number of RCF employees. Some studies appear to show a relationship between the occurence of pleural plaques on chest radiographs and the following variables: (a) years since RCF production hire date; (b) duration of RCF production employment; and (c) cumulative RCF exposure. The best evidence to date indicates that pleural plaques are a marker of exposure only. Pleural plaques are not associated with pulmonary impairment. The pathogenesis of pleural plaques remains incompletely understood; however, the mechanism appears to be an inflammatory response caused by inhaled fibers.

TOXICOLOGY

A number of toxicological studies designed to identify any potential health effects from RCF exposure have been completed. In one study, conducted by the Research and Consulting Company, (Geneva, Switzerland), rats and hamsters were exposed to 30 mg/m³ (about 200 fibers/cc) of specially-prepared RCF for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for up to 24 months. In rats, a statistically significant increase in lung tumors was observed; two mesotheliomas (cancer of the pleural lining between the chest wall and lung) were also identified. Hamsters did not develop lung tumors; however, interstitial fibrosis and mesothelioma was found. Some, in the scientific community, have concluded that the "maximum tolerated dose" was exceeded and that significant particle contamination was a confounding issue; therefore, these study findings may not represent an accurate assessment of the potential for RCF to produce adverse health effects.

In a related multi-dose study with a similar protocol, other rats were exposed to doses of 16 mg/m³, 9 mg/m³, 3 mg/m³ which corresponds to about 115, 75, and 25 fibers per cubic centimeter respectively. This study found no statistically significant increase in lung cancer. Some cases of pleural and parenchymal fibrosis were seen in the 16 mg/m³ dose group. Some cases of mild fibrosis and one mesothelioma were observed in the 9 mg/m³ group. No acute respiratory effects were seen in the rats in the 3 mg/m³ exposure group, which suggests that there may be a dose/response threshold, below which irreversible respiratory impacts do not occur.

Other toxicological studies have been conducted which utilized non-physiological exposure methods such as intrapleural, intraperitoneal and intratracheal implantation or injection. Some of these studies have found that RCF is a potential carcinogen. Some experts, however, suggest that these tests have limited relevance because they bypass many of the biological mechanisms that prevent fiber deposition or facilitate fiber clearance.

To obtain more epidemiology or toxicology information, please call the toll free telephone number for the Unifrax Corporation Product Stewardship Program found in Section 16 - Other Information.

No ecological concerns have been identified.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

To prevent waste materials from becoming airborne during waste storage, transportation and disposal, a covered container or plastic bagging is recommended.

DISPOSAL

This product, as manufactured, is not classified as a hazardous waste according to Federal regulations (40 CFR 261). Any processing, use, alteration or chemical additions to the product, as purchased, may alter the disposal requirements. Under Federal regulations, it is the waste generator's responsibility to properly characterize a waste material, to determine if it is a "hazardous" waste. Check local, regional, state or provincial regulations to identify all applicable disposal requirements.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT)

INTERNATIONAL

Canadian TDG Hazard Class & PIN: Not regulated
Not classified as dangerous goods under ADR (road), RID (train) or IMDG (ship).

UNITED STATES REGULATIONS

INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS

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 polycrystalline fiber. 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 Hotline at 1-800-322-2293.



DEFINITIONS

Revision Summary: Section 3: IARC update, Section 8: Respiratory Protection updated, Section 11: Minor changes, Section 16 updated. Replaces 5/27/99 MSDS.

MSDS Prepared By: UNIFRAX RISK MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT


DISCLAIMER

The information presented herein is presented in good faith and believed to be accurate as of the effective date of this Material Safety Data Sheet. Employers may use this MSDS to supplement other information gathered by them in their efforts to assure the health and safety of their employees and the proper use of the product. This summary of the relevant data reflects professional judgment; employers should note that information perceived to be less relevant has not been included in this MSDS. Therefore, given the summary nature of this document, Unifrax Corporation does not extend any warranty (expressed or implied), assume any responsibility, or make any representation regarding the completeness of this information or its suitability for the purposes envisioned by the user.