NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

Soapstone (containing less than 1% quartz)

CAS

3MgO-4SiO2-H2O

RTECS VV8780000
Synonyms & Trade Names
Massive talc, Soapstone silicate, Steatite
DOT ID & Guide

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: TWA 6 mg/m3 (total) TWA 3 mg/m3 (resp)
OSHA PEL†: TWA 20 mppcf
IDLH 3000 mg/m3 See: soapston Conversion
Physical Description
Odorless, white-gray powder.
MW: 379.3
BP: ?
MLT: ?
Sol: Insoluble
VP: 0 mmHg (approx)
IP: NA

Sp.Gr: 2.7-2.8
Fl.P: NA
UEL: NA
LEL: NA

Noncombustible Solid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
None reported
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 0500
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation (See protection)
Skin: No recommendation
Eyes: No recommendation
Wash skin: No recommendation
Remove: No recommendation
Change: No recommendation

First Aid (See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately

Breathing: Respiratory support

Important additional information about respirator selection
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH
Up to 30 mg/m3:
(APF = 5) Any quarter-mask respirator. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Up to 60 mg/m3:
(APF = 10) Any particulate respirator equipped with an N95, R95, or P95 filter (including N95, R95, and P95 filtering facepieces) except quarter-mask respirators. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 150 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any powered air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter.
Up to 300 mg/m3:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode*
(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and a high-efficiency particulate filter*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 3000 mg/m3:
(APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters./Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Pneumoconiosis: cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty); digital clubbing; cyanosis; basal crackles, cor pulmonale
Target Organs respiratory system, cardiovascular system
See also: INTRODUCTION   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0206