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Chemical Sampling Information |
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| alpha-Alumina (Total Dust) |
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General Description
Synonyms: Alumina; Aluminum oxide; Aluminum oxide (2:3); Aluminum trioxide; Corundum
OSHA IMIS Code Number: 0160
IMIS Name History: Aluminum Oxide prior to 9/1/1989
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 1344-28-1
NIOSH, Registry of Toxic Effects (RTECS) Identification Number: BD1200000
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, alpha-Alumina: chemical description, physical properties, potentially hazardous incompatibilities, and more
Exposure Limits
OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for General Industry: 29 CFR 1910.1000 Z-1 Table -- 15 mg/m3 TWA
OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for Maritime: 29 CFR 1915.1000 Table Z-Shipyards -- 15 mg/m3 TWA
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 10 mg/m3 TWA. The value is for particulate matter containing no Asbestos and <1% crystalline Silica. Appendix A4 - Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen (TLV listed under Aluminum Oxide)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL): Appendix D - Substances With No Established RELs
Health Factors
Potential symptoms: Irritation of eyes, skin, respiratory system; coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, pulmonary fibrosis.
Health Effects: Cumulative lung damage (HE10)
Affected organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system
Notes: 1) Both nonfibrous particles and short fibers (<5 µm in length) containing aluminum have been identified in the lungs of workers in the aluminum industry diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. In one case, these were identified as alpha (not gamma) aluminum oxide. 2) Such particles and fibers appear to be biopersistent, as demonstrated in rats instilled intratracheally with "smelter-grade" alumina (containing 15.2% alpha alumina), which was cleared only about 9% from the lungs during a 19-week period following weekly instillation for 20 weeks. 3) Detailed analysis of particles in the air at aluminum smelters indicated that exposure to aluminum oxide alone does not occur, as the particles also contained significant amounts of cryolite (Na3AlF6). The predominant alumina compound detected was sodium ß-alumina (NaAl11O17).
Date Last Revised: 10/14/2005
Literature Basis:
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: alpha-Alumina.
- International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO): Aluminum oxide.
- Gilks, B. and Churg, A.: Aluminum-induced pulmonary fibrosis: do fibers play a role? Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. 136(1): 176-179, 1987.
- Höflich, B.L.W., et al.: Characterization of individual aerosol particles in workroom air of aluminium smelter potrooms. J. Environ. Monit. 7(5): 419-424, 2005.
- Musk, A.W., et al.: Respiratory symptoms and lung function in alumina refinery employees. Occup. Environ. Med. 57(40): 279-283, 2000.
- Pohanish, R.P. (editor): Aluminum and Aluminum Oxide. In, Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, Fourth Ed., Vol. 1. Norwich, NY: Noyes Publications, William Andrew Publishing, 2002, pp. 453-454.
- Schlesinger, R.B., Snyder, C.A., Chen, L.C., Gorczynski, J.E. and Ménache, M.: Clearance and translocation of aluminum oxide (alumina) from the lungs. Inhal. Toxicol. 12(10): 927-939, 2000.
- Voisin, C., et al.: Mineralogical analysis of the respiratory tract in aluminum oxide-exposed workers. Eur. Respir. J. 9(9):1874-1879, 1996.
Monitoring Methods used by OSHA
Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method:
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sampling media: tared 37-mm diameter low-ash polyvinyl chloride filter
maximum volume: 960 Liters minimum volume: 480 Liters maximum flow rate: 2.0 L/min
current analytical method: Gravimetric
method reference: OSHA Analytical Method (OSHA PV2121)
method classification: Partially Validated
note: OSHA personnel can obtain tared sampling media from SLTC.
note: If the net weight of the sample yields a concentration below the standard for the substance, SLTC will perform no further work on that sample. If the net weight corresponds to an amount greater than the standard, the sample may be analyzed for the appropriate element and the result reported as the substance.
current elemental analysis method: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy; AAS/Lithium Borate Fusion or Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy; AAS/Microwave Digestion
method reference: OSHA Analytical Method (OSHA ID-109SG or OSHA ID-198SG)
method classification: Partially Validated
note: Submit as a separate sample. When analysis of a compound is requested, an elemental analysis is performed and reported as the compound. The analytical method does not distinguish between dust and fume.
Wipe sampling: No
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Page last updated: 04/06/2006
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