Asbestos
Synonyms & Trade Names
Actinolite, Actinolite asbestos, Amosite (cummingtonite-grunerite), Anthophyllite, Anthophyllite asbestos, Chrysotile, Crocidolite (Riebeckite), Tremolite, Tremolite asbestosExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca See Appendix A See Appendix COSHA PEL
[1910.1001] [1926.1101] See Appendix CPhysical Description
White or greenish (chrysotile), blue (crocidolite), or gray-green (amosite) fibrous, odorless solids.Molecular Weight
VariesBoiling Point
DecomposesMelting Point
1112°F (Decomposes)Solubility
InsolubleVapor Pressure
0 mmHg (approx)Ionization Potential
NASpecific Gravity
?Flash Point
NAUpper Exposive Limit
NALower Explosive Limit
NA
Noncombustible Solids
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
None reportedExposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
Asbestosis (chronic exposure): dyspnea (breathing difficulty), interstitial fibrosis, restricted pulmonary function, finger clubbing; irritation eyes; [potential occupational carcinogen]Target Organs
respiratory system, eyesCancer Site
[lung cancer]Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:Daily
Remove:No recommendation
Change:Daily
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 an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
See also
INTRODUCTION- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division