Silicate, soapstone

RTECS #
VV8780000
CAS #

See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Updated
October 2010
Molecular Weight
251.31
Molecular Formula
3MgO·4SiO2·H2O
Synonyms
Massive talc
Silicates : soapstone (ACGIH:OSHA)
Soapstone silicate
Steatite

Standards and Regulations

OrganizationStandardReference
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRALIAtime-weighted average 0.01 mg/m3 (respirable dust), JUL2008
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMtime-weighted average 3 mg/m3 (resp. dust), MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMtime-weighted average 6 mg/m3 (inhal. dust), MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREAtime-weighted average 3 mg/m3 (respirable dust), 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREAtime-weighted average 6 mg/m3 (total dust), 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALANDtime-weighted average 3 mg/m3 (respirable dust), 6 mg/m3 (inspirable dust), JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDSMAC-TGG 2.5 mg/m3 (respirable dust), 2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDSMAC-TGG 5 mg/m3 (total dust), 2003
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Construction)8H time-weighted average 20 mppcfCFRGBR 29,1926.55,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Federal Contractors)8H time-weighted average 20 mppcfCFRGBR 41,50-204.50,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (General Industry)8H time-weighted average 20 mppcfCFRGBR 29,1910.1000,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Shipyards)8H time-weighted average 20 mppcfCFRGBR 29,1915.1000,1993

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

OrganizationStandardReference
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO SILICATESSOAPSTONE, res. fraction-air:10H time-weighted average 3 mg/m3NIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO SILICATESSOAPSTONE, total dust-air:10H time-weighted average 3 mg/m3NIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
Page last reviewed: November 16, 2018