Product Safety

Synthetic amorphous precipitated silica and their surface-treated variants are characterized by the absence of crystalline constituents. Tracing methods include electron diffraction combined with electron scanning microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. The detection limit for these methods is .01 percent by weight. In addition, electron-scanning microscopy used in conjunction with electron diffraction makes it possible to identify solid structures up 10 nanometers in size. Based on available data, ACEMATT^® can be classified as completely amorphous.  

Toxicology 

Human studies

Findings collected over the past decades in the context of manufacturing and processing ACEMATT^®  have shown no hazardous effects on human health when used as directed.

Toxicology report

Acute toxicity (LD50/oral/rat) exceeds 10,000 mg/kg. ACEMATT^® is non-irritating in case of eye or skin contact.

Ecotoxicological and environmental findings

Synthetic amorphous silica is an inorganic, poorly water-soluble substance. For this reason its bioavailability is very low for aquatic organisms. In concentrations of 1,000 and 10,000 mg/l, acute OECD testing revealed no toxic effects on Daphnia magna (planktonic crustacean) and Brachydanio rerio (zebra fish). Based on the physicochemical and acute toxicological data, no chronic effects and no bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms are expected. The German Commission for the Evaluation of Substances Hazardous to Water has classified synthetic amorphous silica as a non-hazardous to water (KBwS-No. 849).

Information on handling

Adequate ventilation systems are recommended for facilities that process ACEMATT^® in powder form. If the MAK value of 4 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction) is exceeded, personnel must wear a dust mask (Particle Filter Class P2). Electrostatic charges may build up when handling ACEMATT^®, so that the facilities must be adequately grounded. To avoid the feeling of dryness that results from contact with bare skin, ACEMATT^® should be washed off with water and exposed skin should be treated with moisturizing cream. Spills should be cleaned with a minimum of dust buildup and collected in sealable containers. ACEMATT^® should be disposed of as per recommendations in the European Waste Catalog.

Legal classification

ACEMATT^® products are not classified as dangerous substances or goods according to currently applicable
legislation (REACH, Ordinance on Hazardous Substances, Transportation Regulations).

For additional information on product safety or specific Material Safety Data Sheets, please contact: 

Evonik Degussa GmbH
+49 6181 59 4787
+49 6181 59 4205