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HEMATITE

Hazardous Substances DataBank Number
2964
Related PubChem Records
Related CIDs

1 HSDB Note

This record contains information specific to the title compound. Users with an interest in this substance are strongly encouraged to retrieve the IRON COMPOUNDS record, which has additional information on toxicity and environmental fate of iron ions and compounds. For information on the metal itself, refer to the IRON, ELEMENTAL record.

2 Human Health Effects

2.1 Evidence for Carcinogenicity (Complete)

A4: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen. /Iron oxide/
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH, 2008, p. 35
Classification of carcinogenicity: 1) evidence in humans: Inadequate; 2) evidence in animals: Inadequate. Overall summary evaluation of carcinogenic risk to humans is Group 3: The agent is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. /From table/
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. S7 64 (1987)

2.2 Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete)

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ ...Hematite pneumoconiosis in Cumberland Fe ore miners... is progressive, massive fibrosis, appearing as modified form of infective pneumoconiosis... tuberculosis is terminal event... because of... increases in degree of silica exposure. Increased incidence of lung tumors... of 238 necropsies... 24 cases of carcinoma...
Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons, 1981-1982., p. 1671
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ ...Under the conditions of heavy exposure to hematite dust, pulmonary clearance mechanisms may be overwhelmed. ... Upper lobes & upper parts of lower lobes tend to be more affected by fibrosis than lower parts of lower lobes. Also, peripheries of lungs tend to be more affected than central regions.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V1 32 (1972)
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Higher concentration of silica & iron ... found in lungs of hematite miners with fibrosis (associated or not with pulmonary tuberculosis) or with bronchial carcinoma than in lungs of those with no such pathology ... levels in those with carcinoma ... not higher than ... those with fibrosis (accompanied or not by tuberculosis) but no carcinoma.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V1 32 (1972)
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ ... Dust ... caught in respiratory tract ... /removed/ in sputum ... rust colored. Remaining iron oxide accumulates in lymphoid tissue, along bronchi around blood vessels, or at bifurcation of bronchi. If worker exposed to iron oxide is short of breath or has abnormal lung function indices, it is important to discover whether or not he has inhaled fibrogenic dust such as silica in addition to iron. /iron/
Hamilton, A., and H. L. Hardy. Industrial Toxicology. 3rd ed. Acton, Mass.: Publishing Sciences Group, Inc., 1974., p. 418
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ ... Significant increase in lung cancer among hematite ... miners ... arise not in larger bronchi but in scar tissue of sidero-silicosis.
Hamilton, A., and H. L. Hardy. Industrial Toxicology. 3rd ed. Acton, Mass.: Publishing Sciences Group, Inc., 1974., p. 418
/CASE REPORTS/ Histological study of pulmonary vasculature in 2 cases of hematite lung. Only feature peculiar to hematite lung is intense accumulation of iron-containing dust in and around pulmonary blood vessels.
HEATH D ET AL; THE PULMONARY VASCULATURE IN HAEMATITE LUNG; BR J DIS CHEST 72(2) 88 (1978)
/CASE REPORTS/ ...1 case of bronchial carcinoma and 11 of gross pulmonary tuberculosis among group of hematite miners. ...17/180 (9.4%) hematite miners in county of Cumberland, England, who came to necropsy had primary carcinoma of lung. Frequency... in comparable males... not hematite miners was 45 out of 2221(2.0%). Latter total including number of coal miners... in same region. Incidence... apparently higher during 1948-1953 than...1932-1948.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V1 32 (1972)
/CASE REPORTS/ A histological study of the pulmonary vasculature in 2 cases of hematite lung was made. Between fibrotic nodules in the lung the muscular pulmonary arteries showed the development of longitudinal muscle in the intima, a change thought to be associated with stretch and distortion of these vessels. In some arteries muscular layer showed secondary fibrosis. No muscularized pulmonary arterioles were seen, indicating an absence of constriction of the terminal portions of the pulmonary arterial tree. Pulmonary arteries in fibrotic areas had become progressively engulfed by the fibrous tissue. The occlusive and obliterative vascular changes in hematite lung are in reality those of silicosis which are brought about by the inhalation of silica particles with the Fe-sesquioxide. The only feature peculiar to hematite lung is the intense accumulation of Fe-containing dust in and around the pulmonary blood vessels.
Heath D et al; Br J Dis Chest 72 (2): 88-94 (1978)
/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ In a retrospective cohort mortality study of 10,403 Minnesota iron-ore (hematite) miners no excesses of lung cancer mortality were found among either underground (Standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 100) or above ground (SMR = 88) miners. Yugoslav-born miners incurred a two-fold significant excess mortality for lung cancer that did not appear to be associated with their mining exposures. Significant excesses in mortality due to stomach cancer were found for both underground (SMR = 167) and aboveground (SMR = 181) miners as compared with U.S. white males. However, except among Finnish-born miners, these excesses disappeared when comparisons were made with the appropriate county rate. The apparent absence of significant radon exposure, a strict smoking prohibition underground, an aggressive silicosis control program, and the absence of underground diesel fuel use may explain why these underground miners did not appear to incur the lung cancer risk reported in other studies.
Lawler AB et al; J Occup Med 27 (7): 507-17 (1985)
/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ The mortality risk of nonmalignant respiratory disease among hematite workers in the Longyan and Taochong mines of China was investigated in a retrospective cohort study covering the period 1970-1982. The cohort was limited to men and consisted of 5406 underground miners, of whom 1335 (25%) were diagnosed as having silicosis. Among those with silicosis, 560 (42%) were diagnosed as having silicotuberculosis. Among the 490 underground miners who died, 278 (57%) died of nonmalignant respiratory disease. The relative risk for death due to nonmalignant respiratory disease for stage III silicotics compared to nonsilicotics was almost 100-fold. High dust exposure was associated with a statistically significant increase in risk of death due to nonmalignant respiratory disease (relative risk 5.3). The relative risk associated with jobs with high dust exposure before the introduction of industrial hygiene controls was 7.7, and the corresponding value for after their introduction was 2.3.
Chen SY et al; Scand J Work Environ Health 15 (5): 319-22 (1989)
On basis of epidemiological evidence, exposure to hematite dust may be regarded as increased risk of lung cancer development in man. ... There is no evidence that iron-ore dust (hematite) or ferric oxide influences incidence of cancers at sites other than lungs.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V1 36 (1972)

2.3 Skin, Eye, and Respiratory Irritations

If inhaled, iron is a local irritant to the lung and gastrointestinal tract. /Iron compounds/
International Labour Office. Encyclopaedia of Occupational Health and Safety. 4th edition, Volumes 1-4 1998. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office, 1998., p. 63.15

3 Emergency Medical Treatment

3.1 Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete)

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. /Iron and related compounds/
Bronstein, A.C., P.L. Currance; Emergency Care for Hazardous Materials Exposure. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO. Mosby Lifeline. 1994., p. 353-4
Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start an IV with lactated Ringer's /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Watch for signs of fluid overload. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Iron and related compounds/
Bronstein, A.C., P.L. Currance; Emergency Care for Hazardous Materials Exposure. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO. Mosby Lifeline. 1994., p. 354
Maintain an open airway and assist ventilation if necessary. Treat shock caused by hemorrhagic gastrointestinitis aggressively with intravenous crystalloid fluids, and replace blood if needed. Patients are often markedly hypovolemic owing to gastrointestinal losses and third spacing of fluids into the intestinal wall and interstitial space. Treat coma, seizures, and metabolic acidosis if they occur. For seriously intoxicated victims (eg, shock, severe acidosis, and/or serum iron > 500-600 mcg/dL) administer deferoxamine. Monitor the urine for the urine for the characteristic orange or pink deferoxamine-iron complex. Therapy may be stopped when the urine returns to normal or when the serum iron level decreases to the normal range. Prolonged deferoxamine has been associated with adult respiratory distress syndrome and Yersinia sepsis.
Olson, K.R. (Ed.); Poisoning & Drug Overdose. 4th ed. Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill. New York, N.Y. 2004., p. 231
Activated charcoal is not effective. Ipecac is not recommended, because it can aggravate iron-induced gastrointestinal irritation and interfere with whole bowel irrigation. Consider gastric lavage if product was a liquid formulation or tablets were chewed. Do-not use phosphate-containing solutions for lavage; these may result in life-threatening hypernatremia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcemia. Bicarbonate and deferoxamine lavage are of doubtful efficacy. Deferoxamine lavage is not effective and may enhance iron absorption. Whole-bowel irrigation is very effective for ingested tablets and may be considered first-line treatment, especially if large numbers of tablets are visible on plain abdominal x-ray. Massive ingestions may lead to concretions or bezoars. Repeated or prolonged whole-bowel irrigation may remove tablets. Endoscopy or surgical gastrotomy is rarely required.
Olson, K.R. (Ed.); Poisoning & Drug Overdose. 4th ed. Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill. New York, N.Y. 2004., p. 231
Hemodialysis and hemoperfusion are not effective for removing iron but may be necessary to remove iron-deferoxamine complex in patients with renal failure. Exchange transfusion is occasionally used for massive pediatric ingestions but is of questionable efficacy.
Olson, K.R. (Ed.); Poisoning & Drug Overdose. 4th ed. Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill. New York, N.Y. 2004., p. 231

4 Animal Toxicity Studies

4.1 Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete)

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Tracheal organ cultures from guinea pig and hamster were used to document morphologic changes in the differentiated tracheal epithelium after exposure to equal amounts of hematite, crocidolite, and chrysotile. In addition, an epithelial cell line derived from a neonatal hamster trachea (HTE-b) was used to exam alterations in DNA synthesis & the interaction of cells in monolayer with the dusts. Dose-dependent cytotoxicity was observed in both systems after exposure to asbestos, whereas hematite was nontoxic.
MOSSMAN BT ET AL; CYTOTOXIC AND PROLIFERATIVE CHANGES IN TRACHEAL ORGAN AND CELL CULTURES AFTER EXPOSURE TO MINERAL DUSTS; IN VITRO EFF MINER DUSTS (PROC MEET) 241 (1980)
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Biochemical alterations in guinea pig lungs caused by hematite dust were followed at 150 days after intratracheal administration of the dust. In vivo dust exposure caused a significant increase in mitochondrial protein content and cytochrome c oxidase activity whereas diaphorase activity remained unaltered. Mitochondria from the exposed animals were apparently in a swollen state and their contraction profile upon the addition of ATP reflected permeability changes. However, in vitro dust caused no significant alterations. Significant increases in glycogen content along with an insignificant decrease in glycogen phosphorylase activity were also observed in hematite-treated guinea pig lungs. Decrease in drug-metabolizing enzymes such as aniline hydroxylase and tyrosine aminotransferase activities were also evident in the postmitochondrial fraction of the siderotic lungs. [3H]Leucine-incorporation studies showed increased protein synthesis in the postmitochondrial fraction. Increase in protein synthesis in mitochondria was only marginal whereas in whole homogenate it decreased considerably. Experiments employing dust tagged with radioactive iron indicated the rapid mobilization of iron from lung and its distribution to various organs. The presence of iron-binding protein was confirmed by employing Sephadex gel-filtration techniques.
Das B et al; Environ Res 32 (2): 372-81 (1983)
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ The changes in activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, fructose diphosphatase, adenyl cyclase, succinic dehydrogenase and carbonic anhydrase were followed in guinea pig lungs at 50, 100 and 150 days after an intratracheal injection of 50 mg hematite dust. Fructose diphosphatase was elevated and adenyl cyclase unaffected, while the other activities decreased.
Jaiswal AK et al; Toxicol Lett 3 (1): 51-54 (1979)
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Chronic Exposure or Carcinogenicity/ ... Failed to increase frequency of lung tumors in guinea-pigs by exposing them to hematite dust.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V1 31 (1972)
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Chronic Exposure or Carcinogenicity/ Twenty hamsters injected weekly for 15 wk with 3 mg synthetic hematite showed 0/20 tumors. /from table/
Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons, 1981-1982., p. 1668
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Chronic Exposure or Carcinogenicity/ The carcinogenicity of particulate emissions from coal and oil fired power facilities was studied in hamsters. Male Syrian-Golden-hamsters were administered... hematite alone or coated with BaP for 15 weeks by intratracheal instillation. All animals were maintained until death. All hamsters gained weight at 8-15 weeks; the OFA animals lost weight. All animals lost weight 65-70 weeks after the start of treatment. ...Hamsters given BaP alone had a higher incidence of malignant tumors than those instilled with hematite coated with BaP. Most of the malignant tumors were squamous cell and adenosquamous carcinomas. Most benign tumors were squamous cell papillomas of the larynx and trachea. Squamous cell papillomas of the stomach were also observed. The highest incidence occurred in hamsters given suspensions containing BaP.
Persson S-A et al; Environ Health Perpect 77: 109-120 (1988)
/GENOTOXICITY/ ...The alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE; Comet Assay) was used to measure DNA single-strand breaks in 4 cell types (alveolar macrophages, lung cells, peripheral lymphocytes and hepatocytes) of OFA Sprague-Dawley rats 24 hr after endotracheal administration of a single dose of an iron oxide (hematite; Fe(2)O(3)) (0.75 mg) or B[a]P (0.75 mg) or B[a]P (0.75 mg) coated onto hematite particles (0.75 mg). No damage was observed in cell from the 4 investigated organs in rats treated with iron oxide alone, while a statistically significant increase in DNA damage was observed compared with control animals in all tested cell types of rats treated with B[a]P alone or in association with hematite. The highest levels of damage were observed in lung cells and peripheral lymphocytes; the levels of damage in alveolar macrophages and hepatocytes were increased, but to a lesser extent compared with the first two cell types.The main finding was to notice a statistically significant increase of the damage in all organs of rats treated with B[a]P coated onto hematite (approximately two-fold increases; P<0.001), versus B[a]P alone.
Garry S et al; Mutat Res 538 (1-2): 19-29 (2003)
/GENOTOXICITY/ ...The Comet assay was first used to measure DNA damage in four isolated cell types from Sprague-Dawley rats at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 hr after in vitro treatment with hematite (Fe2O3) or B[a]P or B[a]P coated onto hematite. For the two treatments with B[a]P, no damage was observed in alveolar macrophages, but significant increases in damage were seen in lymphocytes, hepatocytes and lung cells (where the effects of B[a]P coated onto hematite were stronger than those of B[a]P alone). In a second part of the study, the Comet assay was conducted with lung cells to measure the in vitro effect of (i) the coating and (ii) the role of the physical properties of Fe2O3. A statistically significant increase in damage was observed for the coating of B[a]P onto Fe2O3 compared (i) with their simple addition and (ii) with the coating of B[a]P onto graphite used as an inert compound.
Garry S et al; Mutat Res 563 (2): 117-29 (2004)
/ALTERNATIVE IN VITRO TESTS/ ...The hypothesis according to which mineral particles containing iron would be able to produce cytotoxic-ROS /was tested/. ...Primary cultures of rabbit tracheal epithelial cells /were used/. The oxidizing power of hematite has been evaluated for capacity to induce lipid peroxidation and to activate intra-cellular anti-oxidant enzymes. The results show that hematite, the Fe3+ containing particles, is without effect.
Guilianelli C et al; Toxicol Lett 88 (1-3): 39-44 (1996)

5 Metabolism / Pharmacokinetics

5.1 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete)

... Proportion ... introduced into lungs of experimental animals remained within lungs of Tracheo-bronchial lymph nodes throughout their remaining life-span. Particles appear to penetrate walls of alveoli & respiratory bronchioles and remain in connective tissues of lung within macrophages which form clusters of various sizes.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V1 32 (1972)

6 Pharmacology

6.1 Interactions (Complete)

Particulate matter & polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons are known to be cocarcinogenic. Fluorescence spectroscopy showed that adsorption of benzo(a)pyrene to iron oxide (hematite), silica & asbestos (anthophyllite & canadian chrysotile) results in a greatly enhanced rate of benzo(a)pyrene uptake into rat liver microsomes when compared to uptake from aqueous dispersions of benzo(a)pyrene microcrystals.
LAKOWICZ JR, BEVAN DR; EFFECTS OF ASBESTOS, IRON OXIDE, SILICA, AND CARBON BLACK ON THE MICROSOMAL AVAILABILITY OF BENZO(A)PYRENE; BIOCHEMISTRY 18(23) 5170 (1979)
The effects of quartz, Fe2O3 (hematite), CaCO3, & Na feldspar, on host defenses against bacterial pulmonary infection was investigated. Mice which received intratracheal instillations of 10, 33, and 100 mug/mouse were exposed within an hour to aerosols of viable streptococcus, & pneumonia-induced mortality was measured. At 33 and 100 mug/mouse, all particles significantly increased mortality. At the lower dose, only fe2o3 caused a significant increase in mortality. Delaying the challenge did not significantly alter the response.
ARANYI C ET AL; THE EFFECTS OF INTRATRACHEALLY ADMINISTERED COARSE MODE PARTICLES ON RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION IN MICE; TOXICOL LETT 19(1-2) 63 (1983)

7 Environmental Fate & Exposure

7.1 Probable Routes of Human Exposure (Complete)

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 28,186 workers (563 of these are female) are potentially exposed to hematite in the US(1).
(1) NIOSH; National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES) (1983)

7.2 Natural Pollution Sources (Complete)

Alpha-form occurs in nature as mineral hematite. Gamma-form occurs in nature as mineral maghemite...
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 713

8 Chemical / Physical Properties

8.1 Molecular Formula

FE2-O3

8.2 Molecular Weight

159.688
Lide, DR (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 81st Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2000, p. 4-66

8.3 Color / Form (Complete)

Brilliant black to blackish red or brick red mineral, brown to cherry red streak and metallic to dull luster /Hematite, red/
Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 13th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1997., p. 564
Red-brown hexagonal crystals
Lide, DR (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 81st Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2000, p. 4-66

8.4 Melting Point

1565 °C
Lide, DR (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 81st Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2000, p. 4-66

8.5 Density

5.25
Lide, DR (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 81st Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2000, p. 4-66

8.6 Solubility (Complete)

Insol in water; sol in hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid; slightly sol in nitric acid
Weast, R.C. (ed.). Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 60th ed. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press Inc., 1979., p. B-87

8.7 Refractive Index

Index of refraction: 3.19, 2.91 (LI)
Lide, DR (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 81st Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2000, p. 4-144

8.8 Other Experimental Properties (Complete)

Mohs hardness about 6; specific gravity: 4.9-5.3 /Hematite, red/
Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 13th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1997., p. 564

9 Chemical Safety & Handling

9.1 Fire Potential

Noncombustible, except as powder. /Hematite, red/
Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 13th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1997., p. 564

9.2 Preventive Measures (Complete)

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
All ... /iron/ preparations should be kept in child-proof bottles. /Iron preparations/
Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 1501

9.3 Disposal Methods (Complete)

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for iron (Fe+2): Concentration process: Biological treatment. /Iron (Fe+2)/
USEPA; Management of Hazardous Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No.68-03-2766 p.E-52 (1982)

10 Occupational Exposure Standards

10.1 Threshold Limit Values (TLV) (Complete)

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 5 mg/cu m (respirable fraction). /Iron oxide/
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH, 2008, p. 35
Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded. /Iron oxide/
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH, 2008, p. 5
A4: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen. /Iron oxide/
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH, 2008, p. 35

11 Manufacturing / Use Information

11.1 Uses (Complete)

The most important ore of iron. Also, certain varieties are used as paint pigments and for rouge.
Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 14th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2001., p. 561
Ore- raw material for iron; pigment for ceramics, paint, rubber, paper, & linoleum; chem intermediate for ferrites; polishing agent for glass, precious metals, & diamonds; component in electrical resistors, semiconductors, magnets & magnetic tapes; catalyst
SRI

11.2 Manufacturers

Indian Muds and Chemicals, 71-B, Mittal Tower, Nariman Point, Mumbai (Bombay), India, 400 021, Maharashtra, India, Tel: 91-22-283 0679; Production site: Mumbai (Bombay), Maharashtra, India
SRI International; Directory of Chemical Producers Program. SRI Consulting, Menlo Park, CA. /CD-ROM./ Available at http//dcp.sric.sri.com/Public/ as of Sept 23, 2004.
Doreen Kashan Company, 4th Floor, No. 34, Esfandiar Blvd., Valie Asr Ave., Tehran, Iran, Tel: +98 (21) 878 0707/3174; Production site: Kashan, Esfahan, Iran
SRI International; Directory of Chemical Producers Program. SRI Consulting, Menlo Park, CA. /CD-ROM./ Available at http//dcp.sric.sri.com/Public/ as of Sept 23, 2004.

11.3 Methods of Manufacturing (Complete)

Occurs naturally as the mineral hematite; produced synthetically by calcining iron salts such as ferrous sulfate, ferric alums, or organic iron salts under oxidizing conditions (the iron compound used and the reaction conditions determine the color of the pigments)
SRI

11.4 General Manufacturing Information (Complete)

(1972)Most important iron ore ... mineral found in two forms: red hematite or red iron ore, which consists mainly of Fe2O3 & contains approx 70% of iron; brown hematite or brown iron ore, which consists mainly of hydrated sesquioxide of iron (limonite) & contains approx 42% of iron.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V1 29 (1972)
Less commonly occurring forms ... (i) brilliant lustre (steel grey crystalline variety, known also as looking-glass ore, iron glance or specular iron); (ii) micaeous iron ore ... (iii) speculous ore formed by interaction of steam & ferric chloride in volcanic regions; (iv) soft red ore ... earthy; (v) red ochre & rouge.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V1 29 (1972)
Because iron ore deposits are usually near surface, most of mining is done in opencast systems. ... In addition to iron oxide or carbonate, ores contain ... silica & clay ... with smaller amount of ... phosphorus, sulfur, titanium, manganese, calcium & magnesium.
International Labour Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. Volumes I and II. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1971., p. 740
... As /a/ source of iron in salt blocks and feeds. ... Subsequent biologic availability trials in rats, chicks, cattle, and sheep have confirmed its worthlessness as source of iron. Most clinical trials with swine have been equally disappointing.
Rossoff, I.S. Handbook of Veterinary Drugs. New York: Springer Publishing Company, 1974., p. 218
Three types of iron oxide aerosols feathers hematite, birdshot hematite, and gamma-oxide (a magnetic form of hematite gamma-Fe2O3), are suited for studies of deposition & clearance in animal lungs because the particles can be visualized in light microscopy & electron microscopy and can be quantified colorimetrically. The magnetic properties of gamma-Fe2O3 permit enhancement of deposition and noninvasive detection.
VALBERG PA, BRAIN JD; GENERATION AND USE OF 3 TYPES OF IRON OXIDE AEROSOL; AM REV RESPIR DIS 120(5) 1013 (1979)
A fluorescence method to quantify the rates at which a variety of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were taken up by membranes was developed, where, in all cases, an increase in fluorescence intensity occurred upon transfer of the PAHs into dipalmitoyl-l-alpha-phosphatidylcholine (dppc) vesicles. The adsorption of dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, 3-methylcholanthrene to hematite enhanced the rate at which the PAHs were transferred to the dppc vesicles.
BEVAN DR ET AL; TRANSFER OF POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS FROM PARTICULATE MATTER TO MEMBRANES MEASURED BY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY; CHEM ANAL AND BIOL FATE POLYNUCL AROMAT HYDROCARBONS INT SYMP 5TH 603 (1981)

11.5 U.S. Production (Complete)

(1972) 6.4X10+10 G-RED OXIDE-NATURAL+SYNTHETIC
SRI
(1975) 4.5X10+10 G-RED OXIDE-NATURAL+SYNTHETIC
SRI
(1985) 4.79X10+13 g /Iron Ore/
BUREAU OF MINES. MINERAL COMMODITY SUMMARIES 1986 p.78

11.6 U.S. Imports (Complete)

(1972) No Data
SRI
(1975) No Data
SRI
(1985) 1.60X10+13 g /Iron Ore/
BUREAU OF MINES. MINERAL COMMODITY SUMMARIES 1986 p.78

11.7 U.S. Exports (Complete)

(1972) No Data
SRI
(1975) No Data
SRI
(1985) 4.79X10+12 g /Iron Ore/
BUREAU OF MINES. MINERAL COMMODITY SUMMARIES 1986 p.78

12 Laboratory Methods

12.1 Clinical Laboratory Methods (Complete)

DETERMINATION OF HEMATITE IN LUNGS OF HEMATITE WORKERS BY MOESSBAUER SPECTROSCOPY. THE TOTAL FE CONTENT WAS 1.31-11.20% OF THE DRIED LUNG, STORAGE FE CONTRIBUTING 9.6-26.5% OF THE TOTAL FE.
GUEST L; QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF THE EXOGENOUS AND ENDOGENOUS STORAGE IRON CONTENT OF HEMATITE WORKERS' LUNGS; ANALYST (LONDON) 106(1263) 663 (1981)

13 Synonyms and Identifiers

Synonyms

1317-60-8

HEMATITE

BLOOD STONE

HAEMATITE

IRON, SPECULAR

MIOX

OLIGIST

RAPHISIDERITE

Red Iron Ore

SPECULARITE

13.1 Substance Title

HEMATITE

14 Administrative Information

14.1 Hazardous Substances DataBank Number

2964

14.2 Last Revision Date

20050823

14.3 Last Review Date

Reviewed by SRP on 1/13/2005

14.4 Update History

Field Update on 2012-03-09, 1 fields added/edited/deleted

Field Update on 2009-04-16, 2 fields added/edited/deleted

Complete Update on 2005-08-23, 2 fields added/edited/deleted

Complete Update on 2005-05-02, 29 fields added/edited/deleted

Complete Update on 11/08/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 07/22/2002, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 05/13/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 08/09/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 05/16/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 05/15/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 09/12/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 06/12/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 02/09/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 02/08/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 02/02/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 09/21/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 08/26/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 11/17/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 06/02/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 02/27/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 06/21/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 01/26/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 08/21/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 05/26/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 04/20/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 04/20/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 01/26/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 12/30/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 08/17/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 03/25/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 08/07/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 02/05/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Field update on 12/27/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 01/28/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 10/04/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Field Update on 02/10/1989, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Source Update on 05/10/1988, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 10/14/1986

Created 19830401 by GCF

CONTENTS