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Product Name: Silicon Dioxide
Other Names: Silica, Quartz, Crystalline Silica
CAS Number: 14808-60-7
Recommended Use: Industrial manufacturing, glass production, filler in paints and plastics, food additive (as an anti-caking agent)
Manufacturer/Supplier: Refer to product label for details
Contact Information: Emergency phone number and address found on product packaging, typically maintained by local distributor or supplier
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS for most forms, but can be hazardous as respirable dust
Main Hazards: Inhalation of fine, respirable crystalline silica dust can lead to silicosis, a serious lung disease; prolonged exposure increases risk of lung cancer; can cause eye and skin irritation through contact with dust
Label Elements: Warning: Harmful if inhaled, causes damage to lungs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Precautionary Statement: Avoid breathing dust, use only with adequate ventilation, wear appropriate respiratory protection
Chemical Name: Silicon Dioxide
Synonyms: Quartz, Cristobalite, Tridymite, Amorphous Silica
Concentration: Typically >99% silicon dioxide in pure product
Impurities: Small amounts of metal oxides, trace minerals possible depending on source
Inhalation: Remove from exposure area into fresh air; seek medical advice if coughing, shortness of breath, or respiratory irritation develops
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water to remove dust particles; if irritation persists, consult a medical professional
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least fifteen minutes; remove contact lenses if present; seek attention if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Unlikely to be toxic from ingestion; rinse mouth with water; seek medical advice if large amount swallowed or symptoms appear
Advice to Physician: Symptomatic treatment and supportive care; no specific antidote available
Flammability: Non-flammable, not combustible
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use any media appropriate for surrounding materials
Fire Hazards: Product itself does not burn or contribute to fire, but dust can aggravate respiratory distress from smoke
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use standard protective gear and breathing apparatus
Special Exposure Hazards: Heating above melting point may generate fumes of silicon dioxide and other oxides
Personal Precautions: Minimize dust generation, ventilate area, wear appropriate respiratory protection such as a NIOSH-approved particulate filter
Environmental Precautions: Avoid runoff into drains, sewers, or waterways
Methods for Cleanup: Use dry cleanup methods, sweep up material and place in containers for proper disposal; wet mopping or HEPA vacuuming reduces airborne dust; avoid dry brushing when possible
Handling: Avoid creating airborne dust; use in well-ventilated areas; implement engineering controls if dust generation likely; workers should wear appropriate PPE
Storage: Store in a dry, well-ventilated area; keep container tightly closed when not in use; protect from moisture to minimize clumping or caking
Storage Compatibility: Separate from hydrofluoric acid and strong oxidizers; avoid storing near food products in workplace settings
Occupational Exposure Limit: OSHA PEL for respirable crystalline silica: 0.05 mg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA (time-weighted average); NIOSH recommends 0.05 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or process enclosure to control airborne dust
Personal Protective Equipment: Respiratory: Wear a properly fitted NIOSH-approved respirator if exposure limits are exceeded; Eye: Safety goggles to prevent dust entry; Skin: Protective gloves and coveralls if handling large quantities
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling, change out of contaminated clothing, launder work clothes separately
Appearance: White or colorless, odorless, crystalline or amorphous powder
Odor: None detected
pH (Suspension): Around 6.0 – 7.5
Melting Point: About 1,600°C (2,912°F) for crystalline silica
Boiling Point: Not applicable under normal conditions
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water
Density: 2.2 – 2.65 g/cm³ depending on crystalline form
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile
Other Properties: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and use conditions
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with hydrofluoric acid, producing silicon tetrafluoride gas
Hazardous Decomposition: None under normal conditions
Polymerization: Does not occur
Other Information: Avoid contact with strong oxidizers, strong acids; high temperature conditions may cause transformation to other crystal forms
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Generally considered nontoxic by ingestion; fine airborne dust can cause mechanical irritation to lungs and mucus membranes
Chronic Toxicity: Repeated inhalation increases risk of silicosis, chronic lung damage, and lung cancer; IARC has classified crystalline silica as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1)
Symptoms: Chronic exposure may result in symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain
Other Effects: May aggravate pre-existing pulmonary disorders
Ecotoxicity: Not toxic to aquatic or terrestrial organisms at normal environmental concentrations
Environmental Fate: Inorganic material, persists in the environment, not bioaccumulative
Mobility: Not mobile in soil; remains as particulate matter
Other Environmental Hazards: Excessive dust generation in outdoor environments may cause local nuisance but no known ecological toxicity
Waste Disposal Method: No special precautions for disposal; material should be disposed of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; can be placed in landfill as inert, nonhazardous waste
Container Disposal: Containers should be emptied completely and disposed of according to local regulations
Special Precautions: Avoid generating dust during handling and disposal; do not dispose of into public sewers or waterways
UN Number: Not classified as a dangerous good for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect containers from damage and prevent dust release during shipping; keep dry during transport
OSHA Status: Regulated as part of silica dust under Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard
TSCA: Listed in the United States Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
SARA Title III: Not a reportable substance under Sections 302, 304, 313
California Proposition 65: Crystalline silica (airborne particulates of respirable size) is listed as a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer
Other Regulations: Check country-specific regulations for workplace exposure and environmental controls; European REACH registration available for many industrial forms
