Soapstone (containing less than 1% quartz)

Synonyms & Trade Names

Massive talc, Soapstone silicate, Steatite

CAS No.

RTECS No.

VV8780000

DOT ID & Guide

Formula

3MgO-4SiO₂-H₂O

Conversion

IDLH

3000 mg/m³
See: soapston

Exposure Limits

NIOSH REL

TWA 6 mg/m³ (total) TWA 3 mg/m³ (resp)

OSHA PEL

TWA 20 mppcf See Appendix C (Mineral Dusts) See Appendix G

Measurement Methods

NIOSH 0500
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods

Physical Description

Odorless, white-gray powder.

Molecular Weight

379.3

Boiling Point

Melting Point

Solubility

Insoluble

Vapor Pressure

0 mmHg (approx)

Ionization Potential

Specific Gravity

2.7-2.8

Flash Point

Upper Explosive Limit

Lower Explosive Limit

Noncombustible Solid

Incompatibilities & Reactivities

None reported

Exposure Routes

inhalation, skin and/or eye contact

Symptoms

Pneumoconiosis: cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty); digital clubbing; cyanosis; basal crackles, cor pulmonale

Target Organs

respiratory system, cardiovascular system

Personal Protection/Sanitation

(See protection codes)
Skin:No recommendation
Eyes:No recommendation
Wash skin:No recommendation
Remove:No recommendation
Change:No recommendation

First Aid

(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately

Breathing:Respiratory support

Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH

Up to 30 mg/m³:
(APF = 5) Any quarter-mask respirator.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.

Up to 60 mg/m³:
(APF = 10) Any particulate respirator equipped with an N95, R95, or P95 filter (including N95, R95, and P95 filtering facepieces) except quarter-mask respirators. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator

Up to 150 mg/m³:
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter.

Up to 300 mg/m³:

(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.

(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode*
(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and a high-efficiency particulate filter*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Up to 3000 mg/m³:
(APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(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

Soapstone (containing less than 1% quartz)

NIOSH REL

OSHA PEL

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