International Chemical Safety Cards

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (UNCALCINED) ICSC: 0248
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (UNCALCINED)
Amorphous diatomaceous earth
Diatomite, uncalcined
Diatomaceous earth, natural
SiO2
Molecular mass: 60.8
CAS # 61790-53-2
RTECS # HL8600000
ICSC # 0248
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible.

In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!

  • INHALATION
    		• Cough.
    		Local exhaust or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• Dry skin. Roughness.
    		Protective gloves.
    		Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
  • EYES
    		• Redness. Pain.
    		Safety goggles.
    		First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
  • INGESTION

    		• Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Sweep spilled substance into containers. Wash away remainder with plenty of water (extra personal protection: P1 filter respirator for inert particles).


    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0248 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (UNCALCINED) ICSC: 0248

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     ODOURLESS, FINE AMORPHOUS POWDER.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:
     Heating the material at high temperatures results in the formation of crystalline silica (see ICSC 0807, Silica, crystalline-Cristobalite).

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV: ppm; 10 mg/m3 as TWA (ACGIH 1993-1994).


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
     The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

    INHALATION RISK:
     Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
     The substance may have effects on the lungs , resulting in mild fibrosis (see Notes).
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: >2200°C
    Relative density (water = 1): 2.3
    		 Solubility in water: none
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
    NOTES
    Literature suggests that the fibrosis may be due to crystalline contaminants. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. Do NOT take working clothes home.
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0248 DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (UNCALCINED)
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.