Manufacturing data sheets are produced to tell workers in a company how to handle a product they use in a manufacturing process. The coal ash waste produced by burning coal has some industrial uses and is used in manufactuing concrete and asphalt, etc. Here is the info that goes with the coal ash from Tennessee when it is bought by companies. Wow.
The current spill is several times larger than the Exxon Valdez disaster and will have wider impact on the environment. It has ruined the land and TVA is scared, but trying to keep the population calm-- which means downplaying the risk. But Tennesseans need accurate information, not spin. Manufacturing data sheets are produced to tell workers in a company how to handle a product they use in a manufacturing process. Here is the info that goes with the coal ash from Tennessee when it is bought by companies. Wow.
According to the Material Data Safety Sheet dealing with Coal Ash produced by LaFarge (A company that uses coal fly ash waste from Tennessee in manufacturing such concrete, asphalt. etc)
:
This product has been reviewed according to the EPA Hazard Categories promulgated under Sections 311 and 312 of the Superfund Amendment and
Reauthorization Act of 1986 and is considered a hazardous chemical and a delayed health hazard.
Regarding what to in case of accidental spill of the coal fly ash:
Place spilled material into a container. Avoid actions that cause the ash to become airborne. Avoid inhalation of ash and contact with skin. Wear appropriate protective
equipment as described in Section 8. Scrape wet ash and place in container. Allow material to dry or solidify before disposal. Do not wash ash down sewage and drainage systems or into bodies of water (e.g. streams).
Regarding general handling and storage:
Avoid actions that cause the ash to become airborne during clean-up such as dry sweeping or using compressed air. Use HEPA vacuum or thoroughly wet with water to clean-up dust.
It is noted that the Ash is incompatible with acids, ammonium salts and aluminum metal.
another company's data sheet the warnings are typical
In case of accidental spillage
Use High-Efficiency, Particulate Air
(HEPA) vacuums or wet sweep, observing precautions in the personal protection section of this MSDS. If generating dust cannot be avoided, use
personal protective equipment recommendations. Protect against inhalation of particles and protect against skin and eye contact with Fly Ash during clean up. Personnel handling Fly Ash should observe proper personal hygiene, wash hands, remove protective clothing before eating, smoking, applying cosmetics, or using toilet facilities.
Keep Fly Ash out of storm water and sewer drains.
Tennessee: it is not ok to expose yourself and your children to this as it dries and blows. The first data sheet notes the danger of long term inhalation of the dust includes cancer, kidney damage and increased chances for auto immune disorders (diabetes, lupus, arthritis).