1332-21-4

Basic information

• Product Name: ASBESTOS
• Synonyms: amorphouscrocidoliteasbestos;asbestos,crocidolite;crocidolite;crocidoliteasbestos;fibrouscrocidoliteasbestos;krokydolith;ncic09007;ASBESTOS
• CAS NO: 1332-21-4
• Molecular Formula: CaMg3(SiO3)4
• Molecular Weight: 0
• EINECS: 603-721-4
• Product Categories: Fibers/Asbestos;UVCBs-inorganic
• Mol File: 1332-21-4.mol
• Article Data: 0

Chemical Properties

• Appearance: /
• Stability: Stable. Non-combustible.
• CAS DataBase Reference: ASBESTOS(CAS DataBase Reference)
• NIST Chemistry Reference: ASBESTOS(1332-21-4)
• EPA Substance Registry System: ASBESTOS(1332-21-4)

Safety Data

• Hazard Codes: T
• Statements: 45-48/23
• Safety Statements: 53-45
• RIDADR: UN 2590 9/PG 3
• WGK Germany: 3
• RTECS: CI6475000
• Hazardous Substances Data: 1332-21-4(Hazardous Substances Data)

Usage

Description

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals, including serpentine and amphibole groups, known for their heat resistance, strength, and flexibility. The most widely used type in the industry is chrysotile, a fibrous form of serpentine. Asbestos is characterized by its chemical and thermal stability, high tensile strength, low electrical conductivity, and large surface area.

Uses

Used in Construction Industry:
Asbestos is used as a reinforcing material for cement products, such as cement sheets, coatings, pipes, and roofing products, due to its strength and resistance to heat and chemicals.
Used in Automotive Industry:
Asbestos is used as friction materials in brake and clutch linings for motor vehicles, taking advantage of its heat resistance and strength.
Used in Textile Industry:
Asbestos is used in the production of textiles, particularly for fireproof and chemical-resistant clothing, due to its heat resistance and chemical inertness.
Used in Filtration Applications:
Asbestos has been used as a filter material in the drinks and pharmaceutical industry, utilizing its ability to withstand heat and resist chemicals.
Used in Paint Industry:
Asbestos, specifically asbestine, is used in paint making to make the paint more buoyant and prevent settling, as it has low specific gravity and is a great oil absorber.
Used in Various Other Industries:
Asbestos has been used in thousands of other applications, such as gaskets, packaging, and plastics, due to its versatility and unique properties. However, many of these uses have been abandoned or restricted due to health concerns.

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

ASBESTOS minerals are generally unreactive.

Hazard

Inhalation of dust or fine particles is dangerous. Carcinogenic.

Health Hazard

Various asbestos-induced illnesses are known from the industrial-medicine sector in which the size of the fi bers plays a crucial role. Generally speaking, fi bers with a diameter of <2 m and a length of >5 μm are considered to be hazardous to health (diameter:length = 1:3). Such a fi ber size is capable of entering the lungs, accumulating and becoming encapsulated. Fibers have also been found to have a certain migration capability in the organism and the cell metabolism. Accumulation in the lungs causes sclerosis of the pulmonary alveoli, thereby impairing oxygen exchange. The inhalation of large quantities of fi ber can cause asbestosis, which increases the risk of bronchial cancer. In particular, dusts <200 μm are highly toxic and are suspected of being a direct cause of tumors. Exposure to asbestos irritates the eyes and the respiratory tract. Direct penetration into damaged skin produces excessive hornifi cation. Fibers in the lungs cause chronic bronchitis, irritation of the pleura and pleurisy. Distension of the lungs can result in lung cancer. Workplace exposure may produce periods of latency in the gastrointestinal tract lasting up to 40 years. To date, there are no known characteristic toxicology data (DVGW, 1988). Asbestos fi bers are released into the environment by natural and anthropogenic processes. The liberation of asbestos during the manufacture and processing of materials containing asbestos must be signifi cantly reduced, especially in confi ned areas and at workplaces because of the great hazard to the respiratory organs, in particular the lungs. There is increasing speculation that the oral intake of asbestos can cause tumors. Therefore, there is no justifi cation for the further use of asbestos cement in drinking water pipes. Numerous products containing substitute materials are now making it possible to dispense with the use of substances containing asbestos.

Fire Hazard

Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Some may be transported hot.

Safety Profile

Confirmed human carcinogen producing lung tumors. Experimental neoplastigenic and tumorigenic data. Human pulmonary system effects by inhalation. Usually at least 4 to 7 years of exposure are required before serious lung damage (fibrosis) results. Mutation data reported. A common air contaminant.

Potential Exposure

Most asbestos is used in the construction industry. Much of it is firmly bonded, i.e., the asbestos is “locked in” in such products as floor tiles, asbestos cements, and roofing felts, and shingles; while the remaining 8% is friable or in powder forms present in insulation materials, asbestos cement powders, and acoustical products. As expected, these latter materials generate more airborne fibers than the firmly bonded products. The asbestos used in nonconstruction industries is utilized in such products as textiles; friction material including brake linings and clutch facings; paper, paints, plastics, roof coatings; floor tiles, and miscellaneous other products. Significant quantities of asbestos fibers appear in rivers and streams draining from areas where asbestos-rock outcroppings are found. Some of these outcroppings are being mined. Asbestos fibers have been found in a number of drinking water supplies, but the health implications of ingesting asbestos are not fully documented. Emissions of asbestos fibers into water and air are known to result from mining and processing of some minerals. Exposure to asbestos fibers may occur throughout urban environments perhaps resulting from asbestos from brake linings and the flaking of sprayed asbestos insulation material. In recent years, much effort has been put into removal of asbestos insulation, particularly from schools and other public buildings where worn or exposed asbestos causes public exposure. Incompatibilities: None

Carcinogenicity

Asbestos and all commercial forms of asbestos are known to be human carcinogens based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in humans.

Shipping

UN2212 Blue asbestos (Crocidolite) or Brown asbestos (amosite, mysorite), Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material. UN2590 White asbestos (chrysotile, actinolite, anthophyllite, tremolite), Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material.

Waste Disposal

Asbestos may be recovered from waste asbestos slurries as an alternative to disposal. Landfilling is an option for disposal if carefully controlled.

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