Safety
Data Sheet

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WARNING

This Safety Data Sheet (SDS) has been prepared specifically for professionals (stonemasons, installers, etc.) who mechanically process material in a way that could generate respirable dust. If you are going to process material in this way, please read this information carefully.

These products contain different amounts of crystalline silica. Processing them incorrectly or without adopting the appropriate safety measures can cause serious illnesses.

ALWAYS OBTAIN ADVICE IN REGARDS HEALTH AND SAFETY FROM YOUR LOCAL ADMINISTRATION AND FROM A PROFESSIONAL INDUSTRIAL HYGIENIST, TO IMPLEMENT THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY MEASURES REQUIRED TO MEET THE REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND TO MITIGATE THE EXPOSITION TO DUST, AS THE REQUIRED SAFETY MEASURES DEPEND ON THE SPECIFIC CONDITIONS OF THE WORKPLACE.

THE EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS PROCESSING THE MATERIAL ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR INFORMING THEIR EMPLOYEES ABOUT THE RISKS, AND FOR ENSURING THAT THE WORKPLACE COMPLIES WITH APPLICABLE OBLIGATIONS. THEY ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE REQUIRED WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES.

CONTENT

1. Identification of the substance or mixture and the company or firm
2. Hazard identification
3. Composition/component information
4. First aid
5. Fire suppression measures
6. Measures to take in case of accidental spillage
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure control/individual protection
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicity information
12. Environmental information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transportation information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information

1. Identification of the substance or mixture and the company or firm

1.1 Product identification

Sold as: Silestone®, Silestone® Integrity®, N-BOOST by SILESTONE®, ECO by Cosentino® (includes entire product family and products with HybriQ+® and HybriQ Technology®.)

Identity of the substances that contribute to the mixture classification: Crystalline silica (SiO₂) (quartz, cristobalite)

UFIs:
Silestone® Q10: 2W10-10FR-Y00S-DJRV
Silestone® Q40: ESG3-M06F-X00E-5TUG
Silestone® Q50: YR10-102Y-C00S-2VKR
Silestone® (without HybriQ Technology®): 5T10-H0SC-P009-Q75T

1.2 Relevant identified uses of the substance or mixture and non-recommended uses

Identified uses: Construction and decoration surface intended for indoor use, primarily as a worktop in kitchens and baths, flooring, sinks, shower trays, wall panelling, and other similar uses.

 Contraindicated uses: Do not mechanically process the material using a dry method; avoid producing airborne dust.

1.3 Information on the provider of the safety data sheet:

COSENTINO GLOBAL S.L.U.

Autovía A-334, salida 60. 04850 Cantoria (Almería) – Spain

Tel.: +34 950 444 175 / Fax: +34 950 444 226

info@cosentino.com / www.cosentino.com

Safety data sheet local provider (if different from above):

1.4 Emergency response phone number

ChemTel Inc. (24/7/365, multilingual):

Worldwide: +1-813-248-0585 / United States: 1-800-255-3924 (toll free) / Australia: 1-300-954-583

China: 400-120-0751 / India: 000-800-100-4086

Mexico: 01-800-099-0731 / Brazil: 0-800-591-6042

For information on emergency phone numbers of EU national authorities you may check:
https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/2322249/emergency_phone_numbers_en.pdf

2. Hazards identification

2.1 Substance or mixture classification

Crystalline silica content:
Q10: 1-10% SiO₂; Q40: 11-40% SiO₂; Q50: 41-50% SiO₂; Others: 51-90% SiO₂

*Products Q10 and Q50 are identified on the back of the slab and with a label on the edge.

In Australia, only products Q10 and Q40 are available. If you need a more precise crystalline silica content of specific products, please contact the COSENTINO GLOBAL S.L.U.

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) content: 0-2.5 %

Regulation (EC) nº 1272/2008 (CLP) / GHS ver. 7 / Directive 2004/37/EC :

Silestone Q10:

STOT RE 2: Specific Target Organ Toxicity – repeated exposure. Category 2

H373: May cause damage to organs (lungs) through prolonged or repeated exposure (via inhalation)

H350i: May cause cancer by inhalation.

STOT SE 3: Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure. Category 3.

H335: May Cause respiratory irritation

Silestone Q40, Q50 and rest of products:

STOT RE 1: Specific target organ toxicity — repeated exposure. Category 1

H372: Causes damage to organs (lung) through prolonged or repeated exposure (via inhalation).

H350i: May cause cancer by inhalation.

STOT SE 3: Specific target organ toxicity — single exposure. Category 3.

H335: May cause respiratory irritation

CLP Regulation (EC) n.º 1272/2008, does not provide for any hazards associated with the finished Silestone®, Silestone ® Integrity®, N-BOOST by SILESTONE® or ECO by Cosentino® products. However, given that they contain crystalline silica (SiO2) as quartz or cristobalite, airborne dust particles may be generated during the mechanical processing or preparation of Silestone®, Silestone® Integrity®, N-BOOST by SILESTONE® or ECO by Cosentino® (cutting, shaping, perforation, engraving, etc.). These particles, which include respirable crystalline silica, may remain suspended in the air. Large-scale or repeated inhalation of this portion of mineral dust and crystalline silica can cause serious illnesses, including pneumoconiosis, pulmonary fibrosis (silicosis), lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increased risk of autoinmune disease and kidney disease.

The finished material has been certified by UL-Underwriters Laboratories and Eurofins as a material that meets Indoor Air Quality Standards for volatile organic compounds (UL Greenguard Certification no. 2903-410 for Office enviroment & UL Greenguard Gold 2904- 420 compliant with CDPH for Office and Classroom Environment – Eurofins Attestation A+emission class). The material has also received other certifications attesting to its harmlessness to human health, including an NSF* International certificate guaranteeing the material is food-safe.

* Please, obtain information about the products certified by NSF under in www.nsf.org

2.2 Label information

Regulation (EC) nº 1272/2008 (CLP) / GHS ver. 7 / Directive 2004/37/EC:

 Hazard symbols:

 Signal word: DANGER

Hazard statements

Silestone Q10:

H373: May cause damage to organs (lungs) through prolonged or repeated exposure (via inhalation)

H350i: May cause cancer by inhalation.

H335: May cause respiratory irritation.

Silestone Q40, Q50 and rest of products:

H372: Causes damage to organs (lung) through: prolonged or repeated exposure (via inhalation).

H350i: May cause cancer by inhalation.

H335: May cause respiratory irritation

 Precautionary statements:

P201: Obtain special instructions before use.

P202: Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.

P260: Do not breathe dust.

P264: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling.

P270: Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.

P284: Wear respiratory protection for particle filtering (at least P3 or N95).

See sections 7 and 13 for information on proper storage and disposal, and section 8 for information on exposure control.

2.3 Other hazards

Results of the PBT and vPvB evaluations: This mixture does not meet PBT standards according to Regulation (EC) no. 1907/2006, Annex XIII. (Section 12) This mixture does not meet vPvB standards according to Regulation (EC) no. 1907/2006, Annex XIII.

3. Composition/component information

 3.1 Substances: Not applicable

3.2 Mixtures: Composition (%): The material is made up of inorganic mineral fillers (85-95%) that include quartz, silica sand, cristobalite, glass, silicon, feldspar and ceramic particles in different proportions depending on the product; it also contains polymerised polyester resin (5-15%), and the rest (<5%) is made up of pigments and additives.

Certain products may contain titanium dioxide (TiO₂) (0-2.5%).

Substances in the mixture that constitute a health or environmental hazard under Regulation No. 1272/2008/EC, DIRECTIVE 2004/37/EC, are classified as PBT/vPvB or are included on the Candidate List:

* The General Court of the European Union, in its judgment of 23/11/2022, decided to cancel the classification of titanium dioxide as carcinogenic category 2 by inhalation.This change is pending of being included in regulation (EC) 1272/2008.

Mixture components subject to occupational exposure limits: Section 8

The full text of the said hazard information is given in section 16.

4. First aid

 4.1 First aid description

For the finished material, no special measures are required, but there are some requirements for processing and preparation, as indicated below:

General recommendations: Have the label or safety data sheet to hand when you call the emergency number or consult a doctor. Move the affected person away from the source of the exposure. Give them fresh air and rest. Do not give the victim anything to drink if they are unconscious.

The symptoms of poisoning may appear after exposure, meaning that if there is any concern or if an illness persists, call a doctor and show them the SDS for this product.

 Inhalation: Do not inhale dust produced by material processing. If poisoning symptoms appear, move the affected person out of the exposure area and get them some fresh air. Use assisted respiration if the victim is having a serious reaction. Call for medical attention if the symptoms worsen or persist.

 Contact with skin: Wash thoroughly with soap and water.

Contact with eyes: Rinse eyes with plenty of room-temperature water for at least 15 minutes. Prevent the affected person from rubbing or closing their eyes. If the victim wears contact lenses, these should be removed unless stuck to the eyes, as failure to do so may cause additional injury. Call for medical attention if the symptoms worsen or persist.

4.2 Main symptoms; acute and delayed effects

Inhalation: During the mechanical processing of this product, particularly if the processing recommendations of using water and suitable air filtering and venting systems are not followed, a fraction of fine particles of mineral dust and crystalline silica may be suspended in the air. Prolonged contact and/or large-scale inhalation of this respirable dust can cause pneumoconiosis, pulmonary fibrosis (commonly known as silicosis), lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease. The main symptoms of silicosis are a cough and difficulty breathing (see section 11).

4.3 Medical attention and special treatments that should be provided immediately

If uncertain or if symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

5. Fire suppression measures

 5.1 Extinguishers

Fire resistance: EN 13501-1 Category: A2, s2, d0

Suitable fire-fighting tools: Any suitable tool for fighting the type of fire at hand. Polyvalent powder extinguishers are recommended.

5.2 Hazards specific to the substance or mixture

Not flammable. No dangerous thermal decomposition.

5.3 Recommendations for fire-fighters

If a fire is declared: depending on the size of the fire, it may be necessary to wear complete protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus. At least minimal emergency facilities and tools must be available (fire blankets, portable first-aid kit, etc.) in accordance with R.D.486/1997 and later regulations.

Personal protective equipment: Depending on the fire at hand.

6. Measures to take in case of accidental spillage

6.1 Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures

Not applicable. The finished material poses no spillage risks.

6.2 Environmental precautions

Not applicable. The finished material poses no spillage risks.

6.3 Cleaning containment methods and equipment

Not applicable. The finished material poses no spillage risks.

6.4 Reference to other sections

Personal protective equipment: Section 8

Waste treatment: Section 13

7. Handling and storage

7.1 Safe handling precautions

Manual handling

Handling Silestone^® requires no special measures. The user should take responsibility for carrying out a risk evaluation in accordance with workplace risk prevention regulations.

It is advisable to take the precautions listed below:

• Safe handling systems (crane, racks with safety bars, etc.) should be used. Slings should be durable and well protected, as this material has greater cutting capabilities than natural stone;
• Personal Protective Equipment should be used. Wear a helmet, safety shoes, safety glasses and gloves while handling and storing Silestone®.

Processing and installation:

The employers of professionals who process the material should equip the workplace with the relevant occupational health and safety measures for limiting worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica and ensuring that the workplace complies with applicable local regulations on this subject.

It is very important that mechanical processing of the material during processing and installation be carried out using tools with integrated water delivery system, or with on-tool dust extraction system. Uncontrolled dry mechanical processing must be avoided, as the dust produced contain respirable crystalline silica (SiO2).

Dust exposure should be monitored and controlled using appropriate control measures, such as:

• Machines and tools with water supply systems or the “wet method”, with an appropriate water treatment system.
• Natural and/or forced-air ventilation systems that ensure air renewal in work areas.
• Cleaning and maintenance. Use of vacuum and/or water cleaning systems; sweeping and using compressed air is to be avoided, as are other methods that may cause dust to be airborne. Put preventive maintenance programmes in place at facilities to ensure suitable tidiness, cleanliness and operational conditions for work equipment.

For working with the material, it is advisable to consult the “Good Practices Guide”, available via the website osh.cosentino.com or upon request from the supplier of this SDS.

However, in no case are these measures and guide exhaustive or substitutive of the legal obligations in regards of health and safety under the applicable local regulations.

7.2 Safe storage conditions, including possible incompatibilities

No specific conditions are needed for safe storage, save storage in an appropriately enclosed and covered area.

Avoid hard impacts that could break the material.

The product is not covered by Directive 2012/18/EU (SEVESO III).

7.3 Specific end uses

There are no specific recommendations for end uses.

8. Exposure control/individual protection

8.1 Control parameters: Occupational exposure limits

European Directive 2004/37/EC was modified by European Directive 2017/2398 dated 27/12/2017 to include a limit value for occupational exposure to the respirable fraction of crystalline silica of 0.1 mg/m3 (at 20ºC and 101.3 kPa).

RESPIRABLE DUST FRACTION IN EUROPEAN UNION:

Source: IMA-Europe. https://nepsi.eu/workplace-exposure-crystalline-silica.html. Status: February 2022. 1 Q: quartz percentage – K=1; 2Assessment criterion (reference value); 3When needed, Maltese authorities refer to values from the UK for OELVs which do not exist in the Maltese legislation; 4Defined for a density of 1 g/cm³, i.e. for minerals with a common density of 2,5 g/cm³, a calculated OEL of 1,25 mg/m³ applies. 

Respirable dust fraction in the United States:

Source: OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits – Annotated Tables

Respirable dust fraction in Australia and New Zealand:

Source: Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants (update 16/12/2019) – Safe Work Australia: http://hcis.safeworkaustralia.gov.au; New Zealand Workplace exposure standards and biological exposure indices: https://worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/work-related-health/monitoring/exposure-standards-and-biological-exposure-indices/

Respirable dust fraction in Brazil:

O limite de tolerância para poeira respirável, expresso em mg/m³, é dado pela seguinte fórmula:

L.T.R. = (8 / % quartzo +2) mg/m³

O limite de tolerancia para poeira total (respirável e não – respirável), expresso em mg/m³, é dado pela seguinte fórmula:

L.T.T. = (24 / % quartzo +3) mg/m³

Siempre será entendido que “Quartzo” significa sílica livre cristalizada.
Fonte: NR15 – Atividades e Operações Insalubres Anexo n.º 12
Portaria 3214/78 – Límites de Tolerância para Poeiras Minerais.

Other substances with an occupational exposure limit:

Source: USA: Source: OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits – Annotated Tables https://www.osha.gov/annotated-pels; Spain: Instituto Nacional de Salud y Seguridad en el Trabajo: www.insst.es

To obtain up-to-date specific limits or limits for countries not listed here, please consult a competent health and safety professional or the local regulatory authority of the country in question. The occupational exposure levels herein are provided for information purposes only. They are not binding and do not need to be fully accurate.

8.1.2 Additional exposure limits under usage conditions

 DNEL; Human exposure: No information available

 PNEC values. Environmental exposure: No information available.

 8.2 Exposure control

General measures:

Consult a competent health and safety professional to monitor exposure to mineral dust and dust containing crystalline silica. Reduce the generation of airborne dust as much as possible. Use closed areas for processing, local exhaust venting or other technical controls to keep the particle concentration in the air below the exposure limits specified by applicable regulations. If user operations create dust, smoke or vapour, use a ventilation system to ensure that exposure to airborne particles is below the exposure limit. Take organisational measures, such as separating dust-generating areas from areas frequented by staff. Work clothes should be removed and washed separately.

Personal protective equipment:

1. Respiratory protection: Suitable respiratory protective equipment with a particle filter as per regulation EN 143:2001 and its revisions EN 143/AC 2002, EN 143/AC 2005 (type P3), or N95, R95,
   P95 or superior according to Occupational Safety and Health Standard OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, approved
   by NIOSH, P1, P2 protection or higher according to Australian AS/NZS 1716), or equivalent protection that complies with relevant applicable local law. Use appropriate respiratory protection even when working with water as a dust reduction measure when processing Silestone®, Silestone® Integrity®, N-BOOST by SILESTONE® or ECO by Cosentino®.

2. Hand protection: Use of mechanical protection gloves is recommended to prevent being cut by pieces during handling.

3. Eye protection: The use of eye protection is recommended in accordance with EN166:2001, Occupational Safety and Health Standard OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133, or equivalent protection that complies with applicable relevant local regulation.

4. Skin protection: Skin protection is not needed, but the use of work clothing that prevents dust from coming into contact with skin is recommended. Wash hands and face with soap and water to remove dust from processing before work breaks and at the end of shifts.

Work clothing: When processing Silestone®, Silestone® Integrity®, N-BOOST by SILESTONE® or ECO by Cosentino®, wear work clothing made of a fabric that does not trap dust. Do not clean using compressed air; use vacuum cleaning methods. Wear rubber boots if work is to be performed in wet areas during water processing.

9. Physical and chemical properties

9.1 Information on basic physical and chemical properties

The information in this section pertains to the product unless specifically listed as giving information about a substance:

9.2 Other information

Water absorption (EN-14617-1): ≤ 0.05% W4.

Flexural strength (EN-14617-2): ≥ 25 MPa.

Coefficient of thermal expansion (EN-14617-11): (27-46)·10^-6 ºC^-1

10. Stability and reactivity

Reactivity: Not reactive under normal storage and usage conditions.:

Chemical stability: Stable under normal storage and usage conditions.

Potential for dangerous reactions: No dangerous reactions are expected.

Conditions to be avoided: Do not store outside or use for outdoor applications as UV radiation may affect the material. Avoid hard impacts that could cause breakage. Avoid subjecting the material to high temperatures, as this may cause it to deteriorate. In its intended final use, do not place hot objects or pans recently taken off the hob onto the surface; use a trivet.

Incompatible materials: No information available.

Hazardous decomposition products: None known.

11. Toxicity information

11.1 Toxicological effects

a) Acute toxicity: Does not meet classification criteria 

 b) Dermal corrosion or irritation:

According to current information, the classification criteria are not met.

 c) Serious eye injury or eye irritation:

According to current information, the classification criteria are not met.

 d) Respiratory or dermal sensitivity:

According to current information, the classification criteria are not met.

e) Specific Target Organ Toxicity (STOT) – repeated exposure:

The respirable dust from the products Silestone Q10 are classified as STOT RE 2 with a crystalline silica content of 1-10%. The respirable dusts from Silestone Q40, Q50 and the rest of the products are classified as STOT RE 1, with a crystalline silica content > 10%.

The prolonged and/or large-scale inhalation of the respirable fraction of mineral dust and crystalline silica (< 10μm) can cause pneumoconiosis and pulmonary fibrosis such as silicosis, as well as worsening other respiratory conditions (bronchitis, emphysema, etc.). The main symptom of silicosis is a loss of lung capacity. Prolonged or large-scale exposure to dust containing respirable crystalline silica may increase the risk of other illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) autoinmune diseases, and kidney disease.

f) Specific Target Organ Toxicity (STOT) – single exposure:

This product is classified as STOT SE 3 according to the criteria set out in Regulation (EC) 1272/2008.

The dust generated by the mechanical processing of this material can cause respiratory irritation if appropriate protective measures are not taken.

g) Carcinogenicity: 

• Quartz and cristobalite (SiO₂): Prolonged or large-scale exposure to dust containing respirable crystalline silica may cause lung cancer.

Depending on the colour of the Silestone® material, small amounts of titanium oxide (<2.5%) may be present in the product. These may be released into the air along with dust during mechanical processing.

Titanium dioxide: Frequent inhalation of smoke/dust for a prolonged period may raise one’s risk of developing respiratory illnesses, even though epidemiological studies carried out on titanium dioxide production workers have not been able to demonstrate this.

Evicence of carcinogenicity was reported in rodents exposed to very high concentrations. Two large epidemiological studies carried out on titanium dioxide production workers in the USA and Europe were unable to demonstrate an increased risk of lung cancer. The IARC and the European Chemicals Agency classified TiO₂ as carcinogenic category 2 via inhalation. The General Court of the European Union, in its judgment of 23/11/2022, decided to revoke the classification of titanium dioxide as a category 2 carcinogen by inhalation.This modification is pending inclusion in Regulation (EC) 1272/2008.

IARC has classified TIO₂ as 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). However, the only evidence that it is carcinogenic comes from rodents exposed to very high concentrations. Two large epidemiological studies carried out on titanium dioxide production workers in the USA and Europe were unable to demonstrate an increased risk of lung cancer.

 h) Mutagenicity in germ cells: According to current information, the classification criteria are not met.

i) Reproductive toxicity: According to current information, the classification criteria are not met.

 j) Danger if inhaled: According to current information, the classification criteria are not met.

11.2 Information about other hazards

Endocrine disrupting properties: Not relevant

Other information: Not relevant

12. Environmental information

12.1 Toxicity

Silestone®, Silestone® Integrity®, N-BOOST by SILESTONE® and ECO by Cosentino® are not toxic to the environment. It is specifically recommended that water-cooled tools be used for mechanical processing, along with suitable air filtration and venting systems, to prevent the creation of dusty areas.

12.2 Persistence and degradability

Not applicable.

12.3 Bioaccumulation potential

Not applicable.

12.4 Soil mobility

Not applicable.

12.5 Results of the PBT and vPvB evaluation

This mixture is not considered to be persistent, bioaccumulable or toxic (PBT). This mixture is not considered to be very persistent or very bioaccumulable (vPvB).

12.6 Endocrine disrupting properties:

Not applicable.

12.7 Other adverse effects

None known.

13. Disposal considerations

Waste treatment methods

In accordance with European Directives 2006/12/EC and 2018/850, as well as Spanish Law 7/2022 of April 8th and its pursuant R.D. 646/2020 of July 7th, defective and waste products, along with small pieces, may be disposed of in landfills for non-hazardous materials. The sludge produced by the wet processing of the material should be disposed of in landfills for non-hazardous waste. Small pieces are classified as 01 04 13 in the European List of Waste (LoW), and sludge is classified as 01 04 99. In any case, please get information and respect your local applicable regulation for the management of waste. Silestone®, Silestone® Integrity®, N-BOOST by SILESTONE® and ECO by Cosentino® packaging must be disposed of following local applicable standards. In general, they shall be placed in bins specific for paper or plastic rejects if they are recyclable.

14. Transportation information

ADR-RID, IMGD, IATA: Not regulated.

UN number or ID number: Not regulated.

Official UN transport designation: Not regulated.

Danger classifications for transport: Not regulated.

Packaging group: Not regulated.

Environmental dangers: Ocean contamination:  No.

Specific user precautions: Not regulated.

Bulk transport under IMO instruments: Not applicable.