September 2010
NIOSH Publication Number 2010-168c

Soapstone (containing less than 1% quartz)

Synonyms & Trade Names
Massive talc, Soapstone silicate, Steatite
CAS No.
RTECS No.
VV8780000
DOT ID & Guide
Formula
3MgO-4SiO2-H2O
Conversion
IDLH
3000 mg/m3
See: soapston
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
: TWA 6 mg/m3 (total) TWA 3 mg/m3 (resp)
OSHA PEL
†: TWA 20 mppcf See Appendix C (Mineral Dusts)
Measurement Methods

NIOSH 0500
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
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
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
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
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

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also: INTRODUCTION