NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

Asbestos CAS 1332-21-4
Hydrated mineral silicates RTECS CI6475000
Synonyms & Trade Names
Actinolite, Actinolite asbestos, Amosite (cummingtonite-grunerite), Anthophyllite, Anthophyllite asbestos, Chrysotile, Crocidolite (Riebeckite), Tremolite, Tremolite asbestos
DOT ID & Guide
2212 171 (blue, brown)
2590 171 (white)
Exposure
Limits
NIOSH REL: Ca See Appendix A See Appendix C
OSHA PEL: [1910.1001] [1910.1101] See Appendix C
IDLH Ca [N.D.] Conversion
Physical Description
White or greenish (chrysotile), blue (crocidolite), or gray-green (amosite) fibrous, odorless solids.
MW: Varies
BP: Decomposes
MLT: 1112°F (Decomposes)
Sol: Insoluble
VP: 0 mmHg (approx)
IP: NA

Sp.Gr: ?
Fl.P: NA
UEL: NA
LEL: NA

Noncombustible Solids
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
None reported
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 7400, 7402; OSHA ID160, ID191
Personal Protection & Sanitation
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: Daily
Remove: No recommendation
Change: Daily

First Aid (See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately

Breathing: Fresh air

Respirator Recommendations NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration: (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 a high-efficiency particulate filter/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Asbestosis (chronic exposure): dyspnea (breathing difficulty), interstitial fibrosis, restricted pulmonary function, finger clubbing; irritation eyes; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs respiratory system, eyes

Cancer Site [lung cancer]
See also: INTRODUCTION