α-ALUMINA (ALUNDUM) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Chemical Identification
CAS #	1344-28-1
Formula	Al₂O₃
Synonyms	aluminum oxide; alumina; aluminum trioxide [Note: α-Alumina is the main component of technical grade alumina. Corundum is natural Al₂O₃. Emery is an impure crystalline variety of Al₂O₃.]

Physical Properties
Physical description	White, odorless, crystalline powder.
Boiling point	5396°F	Molecular weight	101.9
Freezing point/melting point	3632°F	Vapor pressure	0 mmHg (approx)
Flash point		Vapor density
Specific gravity	4	Ionization potential
Lower explosive limit (LEL)		Upper explosive limit (UEL)
NFPA health rating		NFPA fire rating
NFPA reactivity rating		NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Analyte code (IMIS no.)	0160 (total); request using analyte code 9135	A201 (resp); request using analyte code 9130
Sampling group
Sampler/Sampling media	Tared low-ash 37 mm PVC filter, 5 microns [SLTC108]	Tared low-ash 37 mm PVC filter, 5 microns, preceded by 10 mm nylon Dorr-Oliver cyclone for respirable samples. [SLTC108]
Sampling time^*	240-480 min	240-480 min
Sampling volume (TWA)^*	960 L	816 L
Sampling flow rate (TWA)^*	2 L/min	1.7 L/min ±5%
Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)^*
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)^*
Analytical method instruments	Gravimetric	Gravimetric
Method reference	OSHA PV2121 (partially validated)	OSHA PV2121 (partially validated)
Notes	Samples collected for this compound are analyzed gravimetrically. Results reported for the requested compound will be qualified based on the assumption that the material sampled is as identified by the compliance officer using available documentation of materials and processes; no further work on the sample will be performed due to method limitations. The physical form of a sample (dust, mist, or fume) is identified by the compliance officer using available documentation of materials and processes.	Samples collected for this compound are analyzed gravimetrically. Results reported for the requested compound will be qualified based on the assumption that the material sampled is as identified by the compliance officer using available documentation of materials and processes; no further work on the sample will be performed due to method limitations. The standard applies to the Respirable Fraction.
Special requirements	FOR TOTAL DUST SAMPLES, DO NOT USE A CYCLONE!!	Samples must be collected with a Dorr-Oliver cyclone.

Bulk/Wipe Method
Wipe Sampler/Sampling media
Bulk Method

On-Site Screening Techniques
Device
Model/Type
Sampling information (see manufacturer instructions)

**Exposure Limits**
OSHA PEL 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling Peak		NIOSH REL Up to 10-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling		ACGIH TLV© 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling		CAL/OSHA PEL 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling Peak
PEL-TWA	15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)	REL-TWA		TLV-TWA	1 mg/m³ (respirable particulate matter) [2007]	PEL-TWA	10 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
PEL-STEL		REL-STEL		TLV-STEL		PEL-STEL
PEL-C		REL-C		TLV-C		PEL-C
Skin notation	N	Skin notation	NA	Skin notation	N	Skin notation	N
Notes: See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1.		Notes: Not established. See Appendix D - Substances with No Established RELs		Notes: as Aluminum metal and insoluble compounds		Notes: As Particulates not otherwise regulated. See footnote [n].
Health factors: See NIH-NLM PubChem.		IDLH
Carcinogenic classifications: TLV-A4		Notes:
AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:

Additional Resources and Literature References

NOAA: CAMEO Chemicals - Aluminum oxide

NIOSH: Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - ⍺-Alumina

Literature References

ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) - Aluminum metal and insoluble compounds. See annual publication for most recent information.
Gilks, B. and Churg, A.: Aluminum-induced pulmonary fibrosis: do fibers play a role? Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. 136(1): 176-179, 1987.
Höflich, B.L.W., et al.: Characterization of individual aerosol particles in workroom air of aluminium smelter potrooms. J. Environ. Monit. 7(5): 419-424, 2005.
Musk, A.W., et al.: Respiratory symptoms and lung function in alumina refinery employees. Occup. Environ. Med. 57(40): 279-283, 2000.
Pohanish, R.P. (editor): Aluminum and Aluminum Oxide. In, Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, Fourth Ed., Vol. 1. Norwich, NY: Noyes Publications, William Andrew Publishing, 2002, pp. 453-454.
Schlesinger, R.B., Snyder, C.A., Chen, L.C., Gorczynski, J.E. and Ménache, M.: Clearance and translocation of aluminum oxide (alumina) from the lungs. Inhal. Toxicol. 12(10): 927-939, 2000.
Voisin, C., et al.: Mineralogical analysis of the respiratory tract in aluminum oxide-exposed workers. Eur. Respir. J. 9(9):1874-1879, 1996.

α-ALUMINA (ALUNDUM)†

Chemical Identification

Physical Properties

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA

Bulk/Wipe Method

On-Site Screening Techniques

Exposure Limits

Additional Resources and Literature References