SDS

Road Rescue Asphalt: SDS for Limestone Rock Asphalt (LRA)
March 2015
SECTION XI – TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION, CONTD.
Limestone:
Exposure Route: Eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion.
Target Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system
Acute Effect: Direct eye and skin contact with dust may cause irritation by mechanical abrasion or burning sensations, pain or
blisters from corrosive/irritant effects. Dusts may irritate the nose, throat, gastrointestinal region and respiratory tract by
mechanical abrasion or corrosive/irritant action. Coughing, sneezing, chest pain, shortness of breath, inflammation of mucous
membrane, and flu-like fever may occur following exposures in excess of appropriate exposure limits. Small amounts (a
tablespoonful) swallowed during normal handling operations are not likely to cause injury. Ingestion of large amounts may cause
gastrointestinal irritation and blockage. Other conditions related to acute exposure to some of the metal oxides in limestone
include stupor, shock, acidosis, abdominal pain, hematemesis, bloody diarrhea, coma, vomiting, diarrhea, mild lethargy, benign
pneumoconiosis, sore throat, burning sensation, inflammation of the respiratory passages, ulceration, perforation of the nasal
septum, pneumonia and conjunctivitis.
Chronic Effect: Repeated exposure to respirable dust in excess of appropriate exposure limits has caused silicosis, a progressive
pneumoconiosis (lung disease) and lung cancer. Restrictive and/or obstructive lung function changes may result from chronic
exposure. Chronic tobacco smoking may further increase the risk of developing chronic lung problems. On occasion workers
chronically exposed to the metal oxides in limestone have developed severe pulmonary reactions, effects on the central nervous
system, irritability, nausea or vomiting, normocytic anemia, fibrosis of the pancreas, diabetes mellitus, liver cirrhosis, and “mixed
dust pneumoconiosis.”
Asphalt Bitumen:
Exposure route: Inhalation, ingestion, skin/eye contact.
Target organs: Eyes, skin and respiratory system
Acute effect: If product is heated or comes in contact with heated surfaces, exposure to asphalt fumes may increase. Asphalt
fumes can cause ocular and respiratory irritation leading to coughing, shortness of breath, and headaches. Ingested asphalt has low
toxicity however chewing of asphalt can cause gastric masses and stomach obstructions. Contact with hot asphalt can cause
second and third degree burns.
Chronic effect/carcinogenicity: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.
In the event of significant heating, thermal decomposition or a fire, various gases may be released. Use of hot mixed asphalt in
paving operations may also result in the release of some of the following products. The health effects of these products are
described below:
Carbon Monoxide:
Exposure route: Inhalation.
Target organs: Respiratory system, cardiovascular system, blood, central nervous system.
Acute effect: Inhalation of carbon monoxide causes cell oxidation to be inhibited which results in a reduction of the oxygen
carrying capacity to all organs of the body. Resulting acute effects may include confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea,
unconsciousness and weakness. High level exposures can result in death.
Chronic effect/carcinogenicity: Prolonged exposure may have effects on the nervous system and the cardiovascular system.
Suspected to cause reproductive effects such as neurological problems, low birth weight, increased still births and congenital heart
problems.