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DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (UNCALCINED)ICSC: 0248 (March 2001)
Amorphous diatomaceous earth
Diatomite, uncalcined
Diatomaceous earth, natural
CAS #: 61790-53-2

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Not combustible.        In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.   

 PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!  
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Cough.  Use 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.  Wear safety goggles.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion   Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.   

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
 

STORAGE
 
PACKAGING
 
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (UNCALCINED) ICSC: 0248
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

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). 

Chemical dangers
 

Formula: SiO2
Molecular mass: 60.8
Boiling point: >2200°C
Melting point: 1710°C
Density: 2.3 g/cm³
Solubility in water: none 


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. 

Effects of short-term exposure
 

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. This may result in mild fibrosis. See Notes. 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
MAK: (inhalable fraction): 4 mg/m3; pregnancy risk group: C 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
Literature suggests that the fibrosis may be due to crystalline contaminants.
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
Another synonym is Kieselguhr. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations