Wollastonite

Synonyms

Calcium metasilicate; [CAMEO] Aedelforsite; Bistal; Cab-O-lite; Casiflux; Dab-O-lite P 4; Fibernite HG; Fuwalip; Gillebachite; Hycon A 60; Kemolit-N; Nyad G Wollastocoat 1001; Nycor 200;Nycor 300; Okenite; Rivaite; Schalstein; Tabular spar; Tremin (mineral); Vansil W 10; Vilnite; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Other Mineral Dusts

Description

White to cream-colored solid; [CAMEO] A glass-like solid with a color that varies from white to brown, red, gray, and yellow; [Hawley]

Sources/Uses

Used in ceramics, welding rod coatings, soil conditioners, silica gels, paper coatings, and fillers for paint, rubber, plastics, cements, and wallboard; [Hawley] Crystalline silica not bound to other minerals is "free" silica. Silicates are minerals in which silicon and oxygen are combined with other elements. [Rom, p. 364]

Comments

Wollastonite fibers are needlelike with median dimensions of 0.22 microns by 2.5 microns. With a melting point of 1540 degrees C, Wollastonite is used to replace asbestos as a filler in paints, plastics, ceramics, and friction materials. A 10-year study of Finnish quarry workers published in 1983 found some x-ray changes in about one fourth of the workers, but no evidence of pulmonary fibrosis. A 1976 to 1982 U.S. study of wollastonite miners and millers showed an excess loss of pulmonary function related to cumulative exposure. X-ray changes (small rounded opacities) were found in only 3% of these workers. [Rom, p. 538-9] See "Calcium silicate."

Biomedical References

1 mg/m3

Explanatory Notes

Insoluble in water; VP is approximately 0; [CAMEO]

Yes

Yes

Not classifiable

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Pneumoconioses, other
• Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Cement Producing
• Mining
• Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides)
• Pulp and Paper Processing

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Ceramics making