MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
MSDS No. M0026
Effective Date: 12/29/2009
1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
Product Group: POLYCRYSTALLINE FIBER PRODUCT
Chemical Name: POLYCRYSTALLINE ALUMINOSILICATE FIBERS
Synonym(s): Polycrystalline fiber, mullite, man-made mineral fiber (MMMF), synthetic fiber
Trade Names: FIBERMAX® MULLITE FIBER PRODUCTS, INCLUDES:
FIBERS
Fibermax® Bulk; Fibermax®-A; Fibermax®-TG
MATS
Fibermax® Mat; Fibermax® LS Mat
MODULES
ANCHOR-LOC® 3000 MODULES
Power-Loc® 30; Screw-Loc® 30; Thread-Loc® 30; Weld-Loc® 30
Manufacturer/Supplier:Unifrax I LLC
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
2. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
COMPONENTSCAS NUMBER
% BY WEIGHT
Aluminosilicate fiber (polycrystalline) 1302-93-8
100
(See Section 8 "Exposure Controls / Personal Protection" for exposure guidelines)
3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

WARNING!
POSSIBLE CANCER HAZARD BY INHALATION.
(See Section 11 for more information)


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) as a substance reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen. 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.



OTHER POTENTIAL EFFECTS
TARGET ORGANS:
Respiratory Tract (nose & throat), Eyes, Skin

RESPIRATORY TRACT (nose & throat) IRRITATION:
If inhaled in sufficient quantity, may cause temporary, mild mechanical irritation to respiratory tract. Symptoms may include scratchiness of the nose or throat, cough or chest discomfort.

EYE IRRITATION:
May cause temporary, mild mechanical irritation. Fibers may be abrasive; prolonged contact may cause damage to the outer surface of the eye.

SKIN IRRITATION:
May cause temporary, mild mechanical irritation. Exposure may also result in inflammation, rash or itching.

GASTROINTESTINAL IRRITATION:
Unlikely route of exposure.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE:
Pre-existing medical conditions, including dermatitis, asthma or chronic lung disease may be aggravated by exposure; individuals who have a history of allergies may experience greater amounts of skin and respiratory irritation.

The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) –

Health 1*Flammability 0Reactivity 0Personal Protection Index: X (Employer Determined)
(* denotes potential for chronic effects)

4. FIRST AID MEASURES

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.

5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
NFPA Codes: Flammability: 0Health: 1Reactivity: 0Special: 0


NFPA Unusual Hazards: None
Flammable Properties: None
Flash Point: None
Hazardous Decomposition Products: None
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard: None
Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing media suitable for type of surrounding fire.

6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

SPILL PROCEDURES

Minimize 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.

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE

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.


8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
EXPOSURE GUIDELINES

COMPONENTSOSHA PELMANUFACTURER REG
Aluminosilicate fiber (polycrystalline)None Established*0.5 f/cc, 8-hr. TWA**

* There is no specific regulatory standard for polycrystalline fiber 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.
** Unifrax has sponsored comprehensive toxicology and epidemiology studies to identify potential health effects [see Section 11 for more details], consulted experts familiar with fiber and particle science, conducted a thorough review of the scientific literature, and further evaluated the data in a state-of-the-art quantitative risk assessment. Based on these efforts and in the absence of an OSHA PEL, Unifrax has adopted a recommended exposure guideline, as measured under NIOSH Method 7400 B. The manufacturers’ REG is intended to promote occupational health and safety through prudent exposure control and reduction and it reflects relative technical and economic feasibility as determined by extensive industrial hygiene monitoring efforts undertaken pursuant to an agreement with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

OTHER OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LEVELS (OEL)

ACGIH TLV's : Polycrystalline fiber -- Particulates Not Otherwise Classified (PNOC) : Inhalable particulate -- 10 mg/m³. Respirable particulate -- 3 mg/m³. The evaluation of occupational exposure limits and determining their relative applicability to the workplace is best performed, on a case-by-case basis, by a qualified Industrial Hygienist.

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 engineering and/or administrative controls are insufficient to maintain workplace concentrations within the 0.5 f/cc REG, the use of appropriate respiratory protection, pursuant to the requirements of OSHA Standards 29 CFR 1910.134 and 29 CFR 1926.103, is recommended. The following information is provided as an example of appropriate respiratory protection for polycrystalline fibers. 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.


MANUFACTURER’S RESPIRATORY PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS
WHEN HANDLING POLYCRYSTALLINE FIBER PRODUCTS
Respirable Airborne Fiber Concentration
(levels are 8-hr. time-weighted averages)		Respirator Recommendation†
Not yet determined but expected to be below 5.0 f/cc based on operationA respirator with a filter efficiency of at least 95%
"Reliably" less than 0.5 f/ccOptional
0.5 f/cc to 5.0 f/ccA single use respirator or half-face, air purifying respirator with a filter efficiency of at least 95%
5.0 f/cc to 25 f/ccFull-facepiece, air purifying respirator equipped with a NIOSH certified particulate filter cartridge with a filter efficiency of at least 95% or PAPR
Greater than 25 f/ccPAPR with tight-fitting full facepiece or a supplied air respirator in continuous flow mode
When individual workers request respiratory protection as a matter of personal comfort or choice where exposures are "reliably" below 0.5 f/ccA NIOSH certified respirator, such as a single use particulate respirator with a filter efficiency of at least 95%.

†The 95% filter efficiency recommendation is based on NIOSH respirator selection logic sequence for exposure to particulates. Selection of filter efficiency (i.e. 95%, 99% or 99.97%) depends on how much filter leakage can be accepted. Higher filter efficiency means lower filter leakage. Other factors to consider are the NIOSH filter series N, R or P. (N) Not resistant to oil, (R) Resistant to oil and (P) oil Proof. These recommendations are not designed to limit informed choices, provided that respiratory protection decisions comply with 29 CFR 1910.134.

Other Information:

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.

9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

ODOR AND APPEARANCE:White, odorless, fibrous material
CHEMICAL FAMILY:Polycrystalline Aluminosilicate Fibers
BOILING POINT:Not Applicable
WATER SOLUBILITY (%):Not Soluble in Water
MELTING POINT:1760° C (3200° F)
SPECIFIC GRAVITY:2.50 – 2.75
VAPOR PRESSURE:Not Applicable
pH:Not Applicable
VAPOR DENSITY (Air = 1):Not Applicable
% VOLATILE:Not Applicable
MOLECULAR FORMULA:Not Applicable
10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
CHEMICAL STABILITY:Stable under conditions of normal use.
INCOMPATIBILITY:Soluble in hydrofluoric acid, phosphoric acid, and concentrated alkali.
CONDITIONS TO AVOID:None.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:None.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:Not Applicable.

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

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

In order to determine possible human health effects following RCF exposure,the University of Cincinnati in the United States and the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) in Europe have conducted medical surveillance studies on RCF workers in U.S. and European manufacturing facilities. The University of Cincinnati study has been in progress for over 20-years, collecting data from respiratory questionnaires, lung function tests, chest X-rays, exposure monitoring, and worker mortality.

The results of this study of RCF plant workers exposed from 1953 to the present have shown (LeMasters et al, 2003):

The initial cross-sectional spirometry studies in the U.S. (LeMasters et al.1998) and Europe (Cowie et al.2001) revealed lung function decrements in the RCF-exposed cohort that were associated with heavier historical exposures. Subsequently, longitudinal studies have revealed no RCF exposure related decrements in lung function associated with current exposure levels.

Through 1996, pleural plaques seen on chest X-rays in 2.7% of the workers. Pleural plaques are considered a marker of exposure and not disease. The prevalence of pleural plaques has remained relatively constant over time, perhaps as a result of lower current exposure levels.

Thus, this long term epidemiology study has demonstrated an absence of interstitial fibrosis, no increased mortality risk and no decrement in lung function associated with current exposures. TOXICOLOGY

Early animal studies of RCF effects by intraperitoneal and intrapleural injections, as well as by inhalation, resulted in mostly negative results. In an effort to eliminate any questions posed by the results of these early studies, a definitive Maximum Tolerated Dose Study (MTD) by nose only, lifetime inhalation in rats and hamsters, was designed in the 1980s. The MTD study appeared to confirm that RCF was an animal carcinogen under certain test conditions, e.g., extremely high concentrations of approximately 200 f/cc inhaled directly into the lungs.

A later review of the MTD pathology indicated that the animals’ lungs were likely “overloaded” because of large quantities of non-fibrous particles, and that this overload condition was likely responsible for the disease observed. In fact, evaluation of the aerosol samples used confirmed the presence of significant quantities of particulate matter.

In a subsequent multi-dose animal inhalation study at 25 f/cc, 75 f/cc, and 115 f/cc; a no observed effect level (NOEL) was found at 25 f/cc. This level is 50 times the RCFC recommended REG of 0.5 f/cc for humans.

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



12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

No ecological concerns have been identified.
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
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.

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT)

Hazard Class:Not RegulatedUnited Nations (UN) Number:Not Applicable
Labels:Not ApplicableNorth America (NA) Number:Not Applicable
Placards:Not ApplicableBill of Lading:Product Name

INTERNATIONAL

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











15. REGULATORY INFORMATION

UNITED STATES REGULATIONS

EPA:Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III - This product does not contain any substances reportable under Sections 302, 304, 313, (40 CFR 372). Sections 311 and 312 (40 CFR 370) apply (delayed hazard).
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) - All substances in this product are listed, as required, on the TSCA inventory.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Clean Air Act (CAA) - This product contains fibers with an average diameter greater than one micron and thus is not considered a hazardous air pollutant.
OSHA:Comply with Hazard Communication Standards 29 CFR 1910.1200 and 29 CFR 1926.59 and the Respiratory Protection Standards 29 CFR 1910.134 and 29 CFR 1926.103.

INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS


Canada:Canadian Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) – RCF (another aluminosilicate, but vitreous, fiber product) is classified as Class D2A – Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) - All substances in this product are listed, as required, on the Domestic Substance List (DSL)
16. OTHER INFORMATION


PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

Unifrax has established a program to provide customers with up-to-date information regarding the proper use and handling of polycrystalline fiber. In addition, Unifrax 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 Product Stewardship Information Hotline at 1-800-322-2293.



DEFINITIONS

ACGIH:American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
ADR:Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (International Regulation)
CAA:Clean Air Act
CAS:Chemical Abstracts Service
CERCLA:Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
DSL:Domestic Substances List
EPA:Environmental Protection Agency
EU:European Union
f/cc:Fibers per cubic centimeter
HEPA:High Efficiency Particulate Air
HMIS:Hazardous Materials Identification System
IARC:International Agency for Research on Cancer
IATA:International Air Transport Association
IMDG:International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
mg/m³:Milligrams per cubic meter of air
mmpcf: Million particles per cubic meter
NFPA:National Fire Protection Association
NIOSH:National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
OSHA:Occupational Safety and Health Administration
29 CFR 1910.134 & 1926.103:OSHA Respiratory Protection Standards
29 CFR 1910.1200 & 1926.59:OSHA Hazard Communication Standards
PEL:Permissible Exposure Limit (OSHA)
PIN:Product Identification Number
PNOC:Particulates Not Otherwise Classified
PNOR:Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated
PSP:Product Stewardship Program
RCFC:Refractory Ceramic Fibers Coalition
RCRA:Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
REG:Recommended Exposure Guideline (RCFC)
REL:Recommended Exposure Limit (NIOSH)
RID:Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (International Regulations)
SARA:Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
SARA Title III:Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act
SARA Section 302:Extremely Hazardous Substances
SARA Section 304:Emergency Release
SARA Section 311:MSDS/List of Chemicals and Hazardous Inventory
SARA Section 312:Emergency and Hazardous Inventory
SARA Section 313:Toxic Chemicals and Release Reporting
STEL:Short Term Exposure Limit`
SVF:Synthetic Vitreous Fiber
TDG:Transportation of Dangerous Goods
TLV:Threshold Limit Value (ACGIH)
TSCA:Toxic Substances Control Act
TWA:Time Weighted Average
WHMIS:Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (Canada)

Revision Summary: Sections 1, 8 & 11 updated. Replaces 1/3/07 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 I LLC 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.