SDS

Carcinogenicity Listings: NTP: Known carcinogen
OSHA: Not listed as a carcinogen
IARC Monographs: Group 1 Carcinogen
California Proposition 65: Known carcinogen
NTP: The National Toxicology Program, in its “Ninth Report on Carcinogens” (released May 15,
2000) concluded that “Respirable crystalline silica (RCS), primarily quartz dusts occurring in
industrial and occupational settings, is known to be a human carcinogen, based on sufficient
evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in humans indicating a causal relationship between
exposure to RCS and increased lung cancer rates in workers exposed to crystalline silica dust
(reviewed in IAC, 1997; Brown et al., 1997; Hind et al., 1997)
IARC: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (“IARC”) concluded that there was
“sufficient evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of crystalline silica in the forms of quartz or
cristobalite from occupational sources”, and that there is “sufficient evidence in experimental
animals for the carcinogenicity of quartz or cristobalite.” The overall IARC evaluation was that
“crystalline silica inhaled in the form of quartz or cristobalite from occupational sources is
carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).” The IARC evaluation noted that “carcinogenicity was not
detected in all industrial circumstances or studies. Carcinogenicity may be dependent on inherent
characteristics of the crystalline silica or on external factors affecting its biological activity or
distribution of its polymorphs.” For further information on the IARC evaluation, see IARC
Monographs on the Evaluation of carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Volume 68, “Silica, Some
Silicates.” (1997)
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure: Symptoms of excessive exposure to the dust include
shortness of breath and reduced pulmonary function. Excessive exposure to skin and eyes
especially when mixed with water can cause caustic burns as severe as third degree.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Individuals with sensitive skin and with
pulmonary and/or respiratory disease, including, but not limited to, asthma and bronchitis, or subject
to eye irritation, should be precluded from exposure. Exposure to crystalline silica or the disease
silicosis is associated with increased incidence of scleroderma, Tuberculosis and possibly increased
incidence of kidney lesions.
Chronic Exposure: Dust can cause inflammation of the lining tissue of the interior of the nose and
inflammation of the cornea. Hypersensitive individuals may develop an allergic dermatitis. (May
contain trace (<0.05 %) amounts of chromium salts or compounds including hexavalent chromium,
or other metals found to be hazardous or toxic in some chemical forms. These metals are mostly
present as trace substitutions within the principal minerals)
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Individuals with sensitive skin and with
pulmonary and/or respiratory disease, including, but not limited to, asthma and bronchitis, or subject
to eye irritation, should be precluded from exposure.