Re: How dangerous is it to inhale Cerium oxide polishing dust?

Date: Wed Dec 20 09:49:45 2000
Posted By: Ruth Weiner, Faculty, Transportation of Radioactive Materials, Chem and Radiological Risk Assessment, Sandia National Laboratories
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 976301315.Ch

Message:


Hawley's Chemical Dictionary. 12th edition (1993)does not list any 
particular hazard for ceric oxide (cerium oxide) polishing powder, and 
Hawley's is very thorough in this respect -- always describing a hazard or 
toxicity when there is one. Precautions should be taken against inhaling 
any fine powder, including ceric oxide. Particles that are fine enough can 
get into the bronchi and lungs and be quite irritating, even though there 
is no chemical or radiological toxicity.  I cannot think of a radioactive 
contaminant (radio-cerium would not be present, because it comes from a 
different source).  I would consult the latest edition of Sax's HANDBOOK OF 
HAARDOUS CHEMICALS for any further information.

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