GAS-L: Kaowool fibres

[Claus Hindsgaul <claush@mek.dtu.dk>]

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2001 14:38:26 +0100
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Hi Tom and all

You asked for information on the carcinogenic properties of Kaowool.

I have not consulted the scientific evidence, but I can refer to our internal
"Workingplace instructions" at the Danish Technical University. It again
refers to papers from the national institution in the area "Arbejdstilsynet"
dated december 1996 on Kaowool. "At-manual no. 3.1.0.2 december 96".

 >From february 1997, danish users of Kaowool should produce written proof,
that Kaowool cannot be substituted for their purpose.

I translate breafly from the DTU-paper:

RESPIRATION:
Acute : Irritation
Long term: Cancer. Tumors in lung-tissue. Continuing degradation after
exposiure. Dry coughing. Chestaces. Total inabillity to work. Maybe death.

SKIN:
Acute: Irritation
Long term: Unknown

EYES:
Long term: Blurred vision.

PRECAUTIONS:
Respiration filter P2 or externally supplied breathing air.
Access to eye-washing equipment. Avoid contact lenses.
Clothing must be tight by neck, hands and legs.
Plastic-gloves.

We use full-body suits and fresh-air masks, when forced to work with Kaowool.

Sincerly
Claus Hindsgaul


Lørdag 20. Januar 2001 00:29 skrev Reedtb2@cs.com:
 > Dear Claus and all:
 >
 > Thanks for the info on PERLITE.
 >
 > You said...
 >
 > [1] Kaoline wool emits carciogenic fibres.
 >
 > Please elaborate.  We have all agonized over the carcinogenic properties of
 > asbestos and converted in many cases to Kaowood (made from spun mullite, a
 > mineral, with many brand names).  Good stuff, melts about 1600 C.  I have
 > always suspected that it MIGHT also be as bad as asbestos, but being new we
 > haven't discovered it yet.

--
Research Assistant Claus Hindsgaul
Danish Technical University (DTU), Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.
Phone: (+45) 4525 4174, Fax: (+45) 4593 5761
claush@mek.dtu.dk

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