International Chemical Safety Cards

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (UNCALCINED)

ICSC: 0248

Amorphous diatomaceous earth
Diatomite, uncalcined
Diatomaceous earth, natural
SiO₂
Molecular mass: 60.8
ICSC # 0248
CAS # 61790-53-2
RTECS # VV7311000
March 15, 2001 Peer reviewed

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; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. (Extra personal protection: P1 filter respirator for inert particles.)

R:
S:

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 (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (UNCALCINED)

ICSC: 0248

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A

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:

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV (as silica amorphous): 10 mg/m³ E,I (ACGIH 2000). TLV (as silica amorphous): 3 mg/m^3 E,R (ACGIH 2000).
MAK: 4 mg/m³; respirable fraction (2000)
OSHA PEL: TWA 20 mppcf (80 mg/m³/%SiO2)
NIOSH REL: TWA 6 mg/m³
NIOSH IDLH: 3000 mg/m³

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 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
Melting point: 1710°C
Density: 2.3
g/cm3

Solubility in water:
none

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

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

ICSC: 0248	DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (UNCALCINED)
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, 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. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.