# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Soapstone (containing less than 1% quartz) | CAS
3MgO-4SiO2-H2O | RTECS VV8780000
Synonyms & Trade Names Massive talc, Soapstone silicate, Steatite | DOT ID & Guide
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: TWA 6 mg/m3 (total) TWA 3 mg/m3 (resp)
OSHA PEL†: TWA 20 mppcf
IDLH 3000 mg/m3 | Conversion
Physical Description Odorless, white-gray powder.
MW: 379.3 | BP: ? | MLT: ? | Sol: Insoluble
VP: 0 mmHg (approx) | IP: NA |  | Sp.Gr: 2.7-2.8
Fl.P: NA | UEL: NA | LEL: NA |
Noncombustible Solid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities None reported
Measurement Methods NIOSH 0500
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: No recommendation Eyes: No recommendation Wash skin: No recommendation Remove: No recommendation Change: No recommendation | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Breathing: Respiratory support
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH Up to 30 mg/m3: (APF = 5) Any dust and mist respirator Up to 60 mg/m3: (APF = 10) Any dust and mist respirator except single-use and quarter-mask respirators/(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator Up to 150 mg/m3: (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a dust and mist filter Up to 300 mg/m3: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode*/(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and a high-efficiency particulate filter*/(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Up to 3000 mg/m3: (APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (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, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Pneumoconiosis: cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty); digital clubbing; cyanosis; basal crackles, cor pulmonale
Target Organs respiratory system, cardiovascular system
See also: INTRODUCTION