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DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (UNCALCINED) ICSC: 0248
Date of Peer Review: March 2001

 Amorphous diatomaceous earth
Diatomite, uncalcined
Diatomaceous earth, natural
CAS # 61790-53-2 SiO2
RTECS # VV7311000 Molecular mass: 60.8
UN #
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 PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. (Extra personal protection: P1 filter respirator for inert particles.)

EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE


IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 2005

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (UNCALCINED) ICSC: 0248
IMPORTANT DATA
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
FINE WHITE POWDER

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Heating the material at high temperatures results in the formation of crystalline silica (see ICSC 0809 Cristobalite).

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV (as silica amorphous): 10 mg/m³ E,I (ACGIH 2000). TLV (as silica amorphous): 3 mg/m³ E,R (ACGIH 2000). TLV: Intended change silica amorphous - insufficient data
MAK: 4 mg/m³ (Inhalable fraction) Pregnancy risk group: C (DFG 2005).
 		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 when dispersed.

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
Melting point: 1710°C
Density: 2.3 g/cm³
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. Another synonym is Kieselguhr.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


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© IPCS, CEC 2005 



    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations