
Safety Notes
Material Safety Data Sheet
Thermo Scientific 1-7
V. HEALTH HAZARDS C. SUMMARY / RISKS
At this time there are no known published reports that demonstrate an associated
association between RCF exposure and respiratory disease. The following is a
review of the result date:
1. There is no evidence of any fibrotic lung disease (interstitial fibrosis)
whatsoever on x-ray.
2. There is no evidence of elevated lung disease among those employees
exposed to RCF that had never smoked.
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 associated with any measurable effect on lung
function.
A number of studies on health effects of inhalation exposure of rats and hamsters,
have been completed. Rats exposed to doses corresponding to 200 f/cc
developed progressive lung damage (interstitial fibrosis) and cancers of the lung
and of the pleura (lining of the chest wall and lung). Hamsters similarly exposed
developed interstitial fibrosis and pleural cancer, but no lung cancer.
In a multiple dose study in rats, statistically significant increases in lung tumors
were observed following exposure to the highest doses; there were no excess
lung cancers at lower doses.
As a result, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has
classified RCF, along with fibrous glasswool and mineral wool, as possible human
carcinognes (Group 2B) based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals
but insufficient data in humans. IARC has also classified respirable crystalline
silica, which may be found in after- service RCF exposed to temperatures above
1800 °F, as a known carcinogen to humans (Group 1). See Section IX for
additional information concerning after service RCF.
Skin: Wash affected areas gently with soap and water. Do not rub or scratch
exposed skin. Using a skin cream or lotion may be helpful. Get medical
attention if irritation persists.
Eyes: Flush immediately with large amounts of water. Do not rub eyes. Get
medical attention if irritation persists.
Inhalation: Remove affected person from source of exposure. Drink water to clear
throat, and blow nose to expel mist/dust. Avoid tobacco smoke. Get medical
attention if irritation persists.