MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Trade Name: Softwood Animal Beddings
Synonyms: None
CAS. Number: None
Description: Particles generated by any manual or mechanical cutting or abrasion process performed on wood
Physical Data:

Boiling Point	Not applicable
Specific Gravity	Variable (Dependent on wood species and moisture content)
Vapor Density	Not applicable
% Volatiles by Volume	Not applicable
Melting Point	Not applicable
Vapor Pressure	Not applicable
Solubility in H₂O (% by Wt.)	Insoluble
Evaporation Rate (Butyl Acetate =1)	Not applicable
pH	Not applicable
Appearance & Odor	Light to dark granular solid. Color and odor are dependent on the wood species and length of time since dust was generated.

Fire & Explosive Data

Flash Point	Not applicable
Autoignition Temperature	Variable (Typically 400-500 degrees F)
Explosive Limits in Air	40 grams per cubic meter (LEL)
Extinguishing Media	Water, sand, CO₂
Special Fire Fighting Procedures	Use Water to wet down wood dust to reduce the likelihood of ignition or dispersion of dust into the air. Remove burned or wet dust to open area after fire is extinguished
Unusual Fire and explosive Hazard	Wood dust is a strong to severe explosive hazard if dust "cloud" contacts an ignition source

Health Effects Information:

Exposure Limit	ACGIH TLV (R): TWA-5.0 mg/m3; STEL 915 min)-10.0 mg/m3 (softwoods); TWA-1.0 mg/m3 hardwoods.
See important footnote below concerning OSHA PEL's for wood dust skin and eye contact**	OSHA PEL: TWA - 15.0 mg/m3 ( total dust ); 5.0 mg/m3 ( restorable fraction )
Ingestion	Not applicable
Skin Absorption	Not known to occur
Inhalation	May cause nasal dryness, irritation and obstruction. Coughing, wheezing and sneezing; sinusitis and prolonged colds have also been reported.
Chronic Effects	Wood dust, depending on species, may cause dermatitis on prolonged, repetitive contact; may cause respiratory sensitization and or irritation. IARC classifies wood dust as a carcinogen to humans (group 1 ). This classification is based primarily on IARC's evaluation of increased risk in the occurrence of adenocarcinomas of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses associated with exposure to wood dust. IARC did not find sufficient evidence to associate cancers of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, lung, lymphatic and hematopoietic systems, stomach, colon or rectum with exposure to wood dust.

** In AFL-CIO v OSHA 965 F. 2d 962 ( 11th Cir. 1992 ) , the court overturned OSHA's 1989 Air Contaminants Rule, including the specific PEL's for wood dust that OSHA had established at the time. The 1989 PEL's were: TWA-5.0 mg/m3; STEL ( 15 min ) - 10.0 mg/m3 ( all soft and hardwoods, except Western red color): Western Red Cedar: TWA - 2.5 mg/m3. Wood product is now officially regulated as an organic dust under the Particulates Not Otherwise Regulate (PNOR ) or Inert or Nuisance Dust categories at PEL's noted under Health Effects Information section of this MSDS. How ever, a number of states have incorporated provisions of the 1989 standard in their state plans. Additionally, OSHA has announced that it may cite companies under the OSHA Act general duty clause under appropriate circumstances for non-compliance with the 1989 PEL's.

Reactivity Data

Conditions Contributing to Instability	Stable under normal conditions
Incompatibility	Avoid contact with oxidizing agents and drying oils. Avoid open flames. Product may ignite at temperatures in excess of 400° F.
Hazardous Decomposition Products	Thermal oxidative degradation of wood produces irritating and toxic fumes and gases, including CO, aldehydes and organic acids.
Conditions Contributing to Polymerization	Not applicable

Precautions & Safe Handling

Avoid eye contact.
Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin. Careful bathing and clean cloths are indicated after exposure.
Avoid prolonged or repeated breathing of wood dust in the air.
Avoid contact with oxidizing agents and drying oils.
Avoid open flame.

Generally Applicable Control Measures

Ventilation	Provide adequate and local exhaust ventilation to maintain healthful working conditions.
Protection	Wear goggles or safety glasses. Other protective equipment such as gloves and approved dust respirators may be needed depending upon dust conditions.

Emergency & First Aid Procedures:

Eyes	Flush with water to remove dust particles. If irritation persists, get medical attention.
Skin	If a rash or persistent irritation or dermatitis occur, get medical advice where applicable before returning to work where wood dust is present.
Inhalation	Remove to fresh air. If persistent irritation, severe coughing, or breathing difficulties occur, get medical advice before returning to work here wood dust is present.
Ingestion	Not Applicable

Spill/Leak Clean Up Procedures: Sweep or vacuum spills for recovery or disposal; avoid creating dust conditions. Provide good ventilation where dust conditions may occur. Place recovered wood dust in a container for proper disposal.