Instruction manual

Instruction Manual
IM-106-880 Original Issue
February 2005
A-17
OCX 8800
3) A statistical "trend" was observed in the exposed population between
the duration of exposure to RCF and a decrease in some measures of
pulmonary function. These observations are clinically insignificant. In
other words, if these observations were made on an individual
employee, the results would be interpreted as being within the normal
range.
4) Pleural plaques (thickening along the chest wall) have been observed
in a small number of employees who had a long duration of
employment. There are several occupational and non-occupational
causes for pleural plaque. It should be noted that plaques are not
"pre-cancer" nor are they associated with any measurable effect on
lung function.
TOXICOLOGY
A number of studies on the health effects of inhalation exposure of rats
and hamsters are available. Rats were exposed to RCF in a series of
life-time nose-only inhalation studies. The animals were exposed to 30,
16, 9, and 3 mg/m
3
, which corresponds with approximately 200, 150, 75,
and 25 fibers/cc.
Animals exposed to 30 and 16 mg/m
3
were observed to have developed a
pleural and parenchymal fibroses; animals exposed to 9 mg/m
3
had
developed a mild parenchymal fibrosis; animals exposed to the lowest
dose were found to have the response typically observed any time a
material is inhaled into the deep lung. While a statistically significant
increase in lung tumors was observed following exposure to the highest
dose, there was no excess lung cancers at the other doses. Two rats
exposed to 30 mg/m
3
and one rat exposed to 9 mg/m
3
developed
masotheliomas.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reviewed the
carcinogenicity data on man-made vitreous fibers (including ceramic fiber,
glasswool, rockwool, and slagwool) in 1987. IARC classified ceramic fiber,
fibrous glasswool and mineral wool (rockwool and slagwool) as possible
human carcinogens (Group 2B).
EMERGENCY FIRST AID PROCEDURES
• EYE CONTACT - Flush eyes immediately with large amounts of water
for approximately 15 minutes. Eye lids should be held away from the
eyeball to insure thorough rinsing. Do not rub eyes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists.
• INHALATION - Remove person from source of exposure and move to
fresh air. Some people may be sensitive to fiber induced irritation of the
respiratory tract. If symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing,
wheezing or chest pain develop, seek medical attention. If person
experiences continued breathing difficulties, administer oxygen until
medical assistance can be rendered.
• INGESTION - Do not induce vomiting. Get medical attention if irritation
persists.
• SKIN CONTACT - 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. Get medical attention if irritation persists.