Folks -
I'd have to believe this would be considered RCRA regulated hazardous waste (it is here in PA), not appropriate for the trash (municipal waste), regardless of mass/volume.
Best regards, Frank
-----Original Message-----
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU] On Behalf Of Secretary, ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2012 1:27 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Re; amorphous silica
From: Rita Kay Calhoun
What about disposal of silica gel? If the column is stripped of sample, can it be sealed in a bag and disposed of in the trash? I'm talking about small amounts, certainly less than 2-300 grams.
Kay
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I disagree with amorphous silica being cited as a "nuisance dust".
Independent of any toxicity issues, amorphous silica is a regulated substance by OSHA as per 29 CFR 1910.1000 (see table z-3). However, I believe that this is rarely (if ever) enforced. Even though there are reasonable arguments that this OSHA PEL reference value is outdated and may not be relevant - it is still the law.
The OSHA PEL is a calculated value that is based off of the percent of amorphous silica material in the particulate: 80 mg / % amorphous silica.
Many people are confused by this formula as they incorrectly think that the % silica in the formula is for crystalline silica.
If working with 100% amorphous silica, the PEL would 0.8 mg per cubic meter.
This is the one and only instance that I have noted that the OSHA PEL is actually lower than ACGIH TLV or NIOSH REL values.
See links below if interested in learning more:
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id™94
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=25740
Technical Director, Materials & Analytical Services
RJ Lee Group
724.325.1776 Office
350 Hochberg Road | Monroeville, PA 15146
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===
Subject: RE: [DCHAS-L] Toxic dust handling
Date: June 27, 2012 12:10:28 PM EDT
From: Keith Rickabaugh
Subject: amorphous silica correction - - - RE: [DCHAS-L] Toxic dust handling
Date: June 27, 2012 12:29:44 PM EDT
Keith Rickabaugh
www.rjlg.com
724.387.1841 Direct
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