# 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