USA Lab Diatomaceous Earth 420 — Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Link to Safety Data Sheet (PDF)

Quick Facts

• Product Names/Grades: Dicalite 341, Speedplus, 375, Speedex, 2500, SwimPool, 4200, 4500/4500C, 5000, 6000, 7000, WB-6/WB-6A

• Composition (typical): Amorphous silica; may contain respirable crystalline silica (cristobalite) up to ~3% in finer grades

• Physical State: White to off-white powder; odorless

• Primary Uses: Processing/filter aid; industrial filler/additive

Hazards & Safety

• GHS Classification: Carcinogenicity Category 1A; STOT Repeated Exposure (inhalation) Category 2

• Signal Word/Pictogram: Danger / Health hazard

• Hazard Statements: H350 May cause cancer; H373 May cause organ damage through prolonged or repeated inhalation exposure

• Key Precautions: P201, P202, P260, P281, P308+P313, P405, P501

First Aid Measures

• Eyes: Flush with water; seek care if needed

• Inhalation: Move to uncontaminated area; provide oxygen/respiration if required; seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur

• Skin: Wash with soap and water; manage dryness/irritation

• Ingestion: Large amounts—seek medical attention

• Notes: Treat symptomatically

Fire & Explosion Data

• Flammability: Product is not flammable

• Extinguishing Media: Use media appropriate for surrounding fire

• Special Hazards/Decomposition: None known under normal conditions

• Firefighting: Standard PPE/SCBA as appropriate

Handling & Storage

• Minimize dust generation; use good hygiene practices

• Store dry to maintain package integrity and product quality

• Keep away from incompatible materials noted in Section 10

Exposure & PPE

• Limits: OSHA PEL 5 mg/m³ TWA (respirable particulates, not otherwise regulated); OSHA 0.050 mg/m³ TWA (respirable crystalline silica). ACGIH TLV 3 mg/m³ (respirable PNOR); ACGIH 0.025 mg/m³ (respirable crystalline silica)

• Engineering Controls: Local ventilation to control dust

• PPE: Eye protection where exposure possible; respiratory protection if dust exceeds limits; routine hygiene/washing; eyewash available

Physical & Chemical Properties

• Form/Color: Powder, white to off-white

• pH (10% slurry): ~5–10

• Specific Gravity: ~2.2–2.4

• Melting Point: > 1300 °C

• VOC: None; Not flammable; negligible solubility in water

Stability & Reactivity

• Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling

• Incompatible Materials: Hydrofluoric acid and concentrated caustic solutions (may react violently)

• Decomposition Products: None expected in normal conditions; hazardous gases may form in presence of HF

Toxicology & Ecology

• Acute Effects: Dust may irritate eyes/upper respiratory tract; repeated extreme airborne exposure can damage lungs

• Chronic Effects: Contains respirable crystalline silica (in some grades); long-term high-level inhalation can cause silicosis and lung cancer (IARC/NTP)

• Ecotoxicity: Not regarded as dangerous; inorganic, non-combustible; not readily biodegradable; not bioaccumulating

Transport & Disposal

• DOT/IMDG/IATA: Not regulated

• Disposal: Not a RCRA hazardous waste; dispose of residues in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements

Regulatory Status

• TSCA: All components listed or exempt

• SARA 311/312 & 313: Not applicable

• California Proposition 65: Warning for respirable crystalline silica (cancer)