SDS

SAFETY DATA SHEET FILE NO.: SDS.NATURALSTONE.01
NATURAL STONE SDS DATE: January 2015
PAGE 7 OF 8
SECTION 11: TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION - CONTINUED
EFFECTS OF ACUTE EXPOSURE TO PRODUCT
SKIN Direct contact may cause irritation by mechanical abrasion. Some components of material may cause mild
corrosive effects to skin and mucous membranes. Skin absorption usually is not a significant route of exposure.
EYES Direct contact may cause eye irritation by mechanical abrasion with discomfort or pain, local redness, and
swelling of the conjunctiva may occur.
INHALATION If inhaled in the form of dust, it may cause nose, throat, and respiratory tract irritation by mechanical abrasion or
corrosive action. Exposures in excess of appropriate exposure limits may cause coughing, sneezing, chest pain,
shortness of breath, inflammation of mucous membrane, and flu-like fever may occur.
INGESTION Small amounts (a tablespoonful) swallowed during normal handling operations are not likely to cause injury.
Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastro-intestinal irritation and/or blockage. Use of marble, limestone,
onyx, or travertine for construction purposes should not cause acute toxic effects. However, inhaling respirable
dust may aggravate existing respiratory system disease(s) and/or dysfunctions. Exposure to dust may aggravate
existing skin and or eye conditions.
EFFECTS OF CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO LIMESTONE DUST
Quartz is a natural constituent of the Earth’s crust and is not chemically combined with any other substance. Limestone, quartz
monzonite, and granodiorite contain 70% to 77% silica. Exposure to silica-containing dust at any time poses a potential health
hazard. Repeated overexposure to very high levels of respirable crystalline silica (quartz, cristobalite, tridymite) for periods of six
months or more have caused acute silicosis. Not all individuals with silicosis will exhibit symptoms (signs) of the disease. Acute
silicosis is a rapidly progressive, incurable lung disease that is typically fatal. Symptoms can appear at any time, even years after
exposure has ceased. Symptoms include (but are not limited to): shortness of breath, diminished work capacity, cough, fever, right
heart enlargement and/or failure, weight loss, and chest pain. Excessive inhalation of dust may result in respiratory disease,
including silicosis, pneumoconiosis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Persons with silicosis have an increased risk of pulmonary
tuberculosis infection. Smoking may increase the risk of developing lung disorders, including emphysema and lung cancer.
Respirable dust containing newly broken silica particles has been shown to be more hazardous to animals in laboratory tests than
respirable dust containing older silica particles of similar size.
SECTION 12: ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
No data available
SECTION 13: DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD:
Waste Treatment Methods Can be deposited in landfills, sent to an incineration or other appropriate means of disposal provided
they meet the requirements of local laws.
Methods of Disposal The generation of waste should be avoided or minimized wherever possible. Dispose of in accordance
with local regulations.
Contaminated Packaging This material and its package must be disposed of in a safe way
SECTION 14: TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Transportation – Hazardous Materials Regulations (USA) & Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations (Can).
Limestone does not appear on the above regulatory listings.