Emery

Agent Name
Emery
Alternative Name
Aluminum oxide
CAS Number
12415-34-8
Major Category
Mineral Dusts
Synonyms
Aluminum oxide; Aluminum trioxide; Corundum; Impure corundum; Natural aluminum oxide; [NIOSH]
Category
Other Mineral Dusts
Description
Odorless, white, crystalline powder; [Note: Emery is an impure variety of Al2O3 which may contain small impurities of iron, magnesium & silica. Corundum is natural Al2O3. See also CAS #1302-74-5 (corundum)]
Sources/Uses
Emery is an impure form of corundum (aluminum oxide). Emery is used in abrasive emery cloth, wheels, and belts. Fine emory is used in lens grinding and lapidary work. [ACGIH] Emery is an impure variety of Al2O3 which may contain small impurities of iron, magnesium, and silica. Corundum is natural Al2O3. [NIOSH]
Comments
Emery containing no asbestos and < 1% crystalline silica is not known to be toxic when "exposures are kept under reasonable control." [ACGIH]
Biomedical References
Search PubMed

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
PEL (OSHA)
15 mg/m3(total dust), 5 mg/m3(respirable fraction)
MAK
0.3 mg/m3 (respirable fraction), (multiplied with the material density)
Explanatory Notes
Documentation and TLV withdrawn; [ACGIH]

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: