UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
CHALK
Table of Contents
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/18_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Page
1. Chemical Product
2. Composition and Information on Ingredients
3. Hazards Identification
4. First Aid Measures
5. Fire and Explosion Data
6. Accidental Release Measures
7. Handling and Storage
8. Exposure Controls/ Personal Protection
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
10. Stability and Reactivity Data
11. Toxicological Information
12. Ecological Information
13. Disposal Considerations
14. References
15. Appendices
16. Revision History
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UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
CHALK
1.
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/18_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Chemical Product
Product Name: Chalk
Chemical name: N/A
Synonyms: Occurs in nature as limestone, chalk, marble, dolomite, aragonite, calcite and
oyster shells. Also known as whiting, Paris white, Spanish white, Bologna chalk, calcium
carbonate.
Chemical Formula: N/A
2.
Composition and Information on Ingredients
Composition:
 Limestone CaCO3 >98% by weight
 Silica, quartz (naturally occurring component of limestone) 0.3% by weight
Toxicological Data on Ingredients: N
3.
Hazards Identification
Potential Acute Health Effects: None anticipated.
Potential Chronic Health Effects: Chronic exposure to limestone dust at concentrations
exceeding occupational exposure limits may cause pneumoconiosis (lung disease). No medical
conditions that may be aggravated by exposure have been anticipated.
N/A
N/A
TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: N/A
DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: N/A
CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS:
MUTAGENIC EFFECTS:
Page 2 of 9
UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
CHALK
4.
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/18_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
First Aid Measures
General measures: Generally not hazardous in normal handling, however good laboratory
practices should always be used. Avoid long term exposure to skin or by inhalation.
Skin contact: Wash with warm water and mild soap. If irritation occurs, obtain medical
advice immediately.
Serious skin contact: N/A
Eye contact: Holding eyelids open, do not allow victim to rub their eyes. Gently flush eyes
for 10 minutes with large quantities of water. Seek medical attention, if irritation develops or
persists.
Ingestion: Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid
immediately. Do NOT induce vomiting. If conscious and alert, rinse mouth and drink 8 to 10
ounces (240 to 300 ml) of water to dilute material in stomach. Obtain medical advice
immediately.
Serious indigestion: N/A
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Obtain medical advice if required.
Serious inhalation: N/A
Page 3 of 9
UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
CHALK
5.
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/18_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Fire and Explosion Data
Flammability of the Product: Non-flammable. Not considered to be a fire hazard.
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not applicable
Flash points: Not applicable
Flammable limits: Not applicable
Products of Combustion: N/A
Fire Hazards in Presence of Various Substances: N/A
Explosion Hazards in Presence of Various Substances: Not considered to be an explosion
hazard.
Fire fighting media and Instructions: Use water spray, dry chemical and CO2. Use
appropriate extinguishing media for surrounding fire.
Special Remarks on Fire Hazards: N/A
Special Remarks on Explosion Hazards: N/A
6.
Accidental Release Measures
NB: Wear appropriate protective equipment/clothing including gloves before removing
any spills.
Small spill: Spills may be picked up with scoop and absorbent materials, and then transferred
to containers. Wear protective clothing and gear during cleanup.
Large spill: Use the same procedure as when a small spill occurs.
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UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
CHALK
7.
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/18_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Handling and Storage
Precautions: Measures should be taken to minimise and protect against airborne dust during
cleanup operations, including use of respiratory protective equipment if necessary.
Storage: Store in closed containers in a dry place separate from incompatible materials.
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Airborne Exposure Limits: N/A
Engineering Controls: Administrative and/or engineering control methods such as, but not
limited to, process enclosure and exhaust ventilation may be necessary to control exposures to
dust and/or gaseous organic compounds released at elevated temperatures. Supply sufficient
replacement air to make up for air removed by exhaust systems. Selection of all personal
protective equipment should be performed by an Industrial Hygienist or other qualified
professional.
Personal Protection: Gloves (rubber or leather), cotton coveralls, safety goggles and
respiratory equipment.
Page 5 of 9
UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
CHALK
9.
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/18_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical state and appearance: White solid powder
Odour: Odourless
Taste: N/A
Molecular Weight: N/A
pH (1% solution/water): Not applicable
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Melting Point: 550°C (1022°F) (decomposes)
Critical Temperature: Not applicable
Specific Gravity (Water = 1): 2.6-2.8
Vapour Pressure (mmHg): Not applicable
Vapour Density: Not applicable
Volatility: Not applicable
Odour Threshold: Not applicable
Water/Oil Distribution Coefficient: Not applicable
Ionicity (in Water): Not applicable
Dispersion Properties: Not applicable
Solubility: 1.3 mg/100 g @ 18°C
10.
Stability and Reactivity Data
Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage.
Corrosivity: N/A
Instability temperature: Thermal decomposition of limestone beginning at 550°C (1022°F)
can produce calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. Heating of this product above 244°C (471°F)
may cause volatilization and/or thermal decomposition of processing aids, resulting in the
gaseous release of trace amounts of organic compounds.
Conditions of Instability: Incompatible materials and excessive temperatures.
Incompatibles: Reacts with acids to liberate carbon dioxide. Ignites on contact with fluorine.
Also incompatible with alum and ammonium salts.
Polymerization: Will not occur
Page 6 of 9
UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
CHALK
11.
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/18_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Toxicological Information
Toxicity to animals: N/A
Effects on humans:
Acute potential health effects:
 Inhalation: Dust may irritate the respiratory tract. Symptoms include sneezing and
slight nose irritation.
 Ingestion: Ingestion of very large quantities may result in intestinal obstruction and/or
constipation.
 Skin: Repeated or prolonged exposure may have a drying effect on the skin, and may
also cause irritation.
 Eye: Irritation. Symptoms include watering and irritation.
Chronic potential health effects: Chronic exposure to limestone dust at concentrations
exceeding occupational exposure limits may cause pneumoconiosis (lung disease). This
product contains crystalline silica (quartz) as an impurity. Chronic exposure to crystalline
silica dust at concentrations exceeding occupational exposure limits may cause silicosis. The
NTP’s Ninth Report on Carcinogens lists crystalline silica (respirable size) as a known human
carcinogen. IARC concluded that there is sufficient evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity
of inhaled (respirable) crystalline silica.
MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: N/A
TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: N/A
DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: N/A
Other information: N/A
12.
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: N/A
Page 7 of 9
UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
CHALK
13.
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/18_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal: From a waste perspective, this product is not considered hazardous and may
be disposed of as solid waste in accordance with applicable local regulations.
14.
References
 Naturalpigments.com. Material Safety Data Sheet; Chalk, MSDS [Online] 2012 [cited
2012 Nov 5]. Available from: URL: http://www.naturalpigments.com/msds/msds_51011WHC.htm
 Sciencestuff.com. Material Safety Data Sheet; Chalk, MSDS [Online] 2009 [cited 2012
Nov 5]. Available from: URL: http://www.sciencestuff.com/msds/C1423.html
 Stanleytools.com. Material Safety Data Sheet; Chalk, MSDS [Online] 2009 [cited 2012
Nov 5]. Available from: URL: http://www.stanleytools.com/xhtml/literature/StanleyChalks-MSDS.pdf
15.
Appendices
N/A
Page 8 of 9
UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
Valid for:
2 years from approval
CHALK
16.
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/18_01
Revision History
Version Number
Amendments/ Reasons for change
01
Initial Release
Page 9 of 9