The danger from fibrous materials seems high when certain literature is read (e.g.  American Journal of Epidemiology,  vol.148 no.9, 1998,  Journal of Occupational Medicine, vol. 35, 1993, pg. 101).  Others suggest that the danger may not have been completely understood for humans (e.g. from RCFC publications, 1133 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 1200, Washington, D.C. 20036).
 

In 1998 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified ceramic fiber, fibrous glass-wool, and mineral wool (rockwool and slagwool) as "possible human carcinogens".  IARC's classification of ceramic fiber was based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals.  In 1997 IARC classified crystalline silica, which may be found in some after-service fibers, as "carcinogenic to human (Group 1)".

- Other fibers also pose huge problems -

Associated Press News (2004), published October 26, 2004: "Halliburton Co. swung to a loss in the third quarter due to $230 million in charges to pay for a settlement of asbestos claims. The oilfield-services company said it lost $44 million, or 9 cents per share, compared to a gain of $58 million, or 13 cents per share, a year earlier. In July, a federal judge in Pennsylvania approved a $4.7 billion settlement of asbestos and silica-related health claims of a former Halliburton subsidiary."
 

Clearly not enough is known.  MATTECH Corporation has therefore invested and created new technology to eliminate fibers entirely from many of its products.

- Useful links -

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/naer/index.html www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/asbestospanel/ www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/

http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/ http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/members/1997/Suppl-5/greim-full.html www.osha.gov/SLTC/syntheticmineralfibers/index.html www.osha.gov/SLTC/syntheticmineralfibers/recognition.htm

A note of caution: Please review individual MSDS sheets (see Technical Data) or contact Mattech for information about each product and composition.  Mattech Corporation encourages safe handling practices for all its products.  The use of proper eye wear, gloves and masks is highly recommended and it may be unsafe not to use them when handling products.

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