IARC lists refractory ceramic fibres in Group 2B in Volumes 43 and 81 (2002).
Source: IARC: Agents Classified by the IARC Monographs, Volumes 1–123 ↗Dust entry
Refractory ceramic fibers
High-temperature insulation fibers that can become airborne during handling, cutting, or removal.
Airborne form
dust
The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.
Health effects
occupational respiratory diseasefibrosis concernlung and pleural cancer concern
Carcinogenicity
Possibly carcinogenic to humans — refractory ceramic fibres. Classification system: IARC, group 2B.
A classification applies only to the agent and exposure described by the cited source; it is not a personal risk estimate.
Evidence
NIOSH reports respirable-size fibers in manufacturing and identifies fibrosis and lung and pleural cancer findings in high-dose animal inhalation studies; it concludes that refractory ceramic fibers are a potential occupational carcinogen.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: Engineering Controls — Water Mist Control of Airborne Refractory Ceramic Fibers ↗Controls
- enclosure
- local exhaust ventilation
- water mist
- careful handling
- appropriate respiratory protection