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Asbestos

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Synonyms & Trade Names
Actinolite, Actinolite asbestos, Amosite (cummingtonite-grunerite), Anthophyllite, Anthophyllite asbestos, Chrysotile, Crocidolite (Riebeckite), Tremolite, Tremolite asbestos
CAS No.
1332-21-4
RTECS No.
CI6475000
DOT ID & Guide
2212 171(blue, brown)
2590 171(white)
Formula
Hydrated mineral silicates
Conversion
IDLH
Ca [N.D.]
See: IDLH INDEX
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca See Appendix A See Appendix C
OSHA PEL
[1910.1001] [1926.1101] See Appendix C
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 7400 , 7402;
OSHA ID160 , ID191
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
White or greenish (chrysotile), blue (crocidolite), or gray-green (amosite) fibrous, odorless solids.
Molecular Weight
Varies
Boiling Point
Decomposes
Melting Point
1112°F (Decomposes)
Solubility
Insoluble
Vapor Pressure
0 mmHg (approx)
Ionization Potential
NA
Specific Gravity
?
Flash Point
NA
Upper Explosive Limit
NA
Lower Explosive Limit
NA
Noncombustible Solids
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
None reported
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Asbestosis (chronic exposure): dyspnea (breathing difficulty), interstitial fibrosis, restricted pulmonary function, finger clubbing; irritation eyes; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
respiratory system, eyes
Cancer Site
[lung cancer]
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:Daily
Remove:No recommendation
Change:Daily
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately

Breathing:Fresh air
Respirator Recommendations

(See Appendix E)

NIOSH

At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:


(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters. 


Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health