Magnesium oxide

Agent Name
Magnesium oxide
CAS Number
1309-48-4
Formula
Mg-O
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Magnesia; Calcined brucite; Calcined magnesia; Calcined magnesite; Oxyde de magnésium; Periclase; [CHEMINFO]
Category
Salts, Basic
Description
Finely divided white particulate dispersed in air; Note: Exposure may occur when magnesium is burned, thermally cut, or welded upon; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used in medications, animal feeds, fertilizers, insulation, wallboard, electrical heating rods, crucibles, fire bricks, petroleum additives, boiler scale control agents, and food additives; [HSDB]
Comments
Fumes of zinc, copper, and magnesium can cause metal fume fever. [LaDou, p. 376] A skin and eye irritant; May be harmful if swallowed or inhaled; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
Biomedical References
Search PubMed

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
10 mg/m3, inhalable fraction
PEL (OSHA)
15 mg/m3, total particulate (fume)
MAK
4 mg/m3, (inhalable fraction), 0.3 mg/m3 (respirable fraction, multiplied with the material density)
IDLH (NIOSH)
750 mg/m3
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Volunteers exposed to freshly generated fume at concentrations ranging from 410 to 580 mg/m3 experienced only slight (unspecified) reactions [Drinker et al. 1927].

Adverse Effects

ACGIH Carcinogen
Not Classifiable

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: