Chemistry
Sepiolite is a clay mineral, a complex magnesium silicate, a typical formula for which is Mg4Si6O15(OH)2·6H2O, but the number of crystalwater molecules can vary from 2 to 12.It can be present in fibrous, fine-particulate, and solid forms.
Uses
Sepiolite is used in oil drilling, for cat litter and also in a solid form known as Meerschaum for carving.
Consensus Reports
IARC Cancer Review: Group 3 IMEMDT IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man . 7 ,1987,p. 56.(World Health Organization, Internation Agency for Research on Cancer,Lyon, France.: ) (Single copies can be ordered from WHO Publications Centre U.S.A., 49 Sheridan Avenue, Albany, NY 12210) ; Human No Adequate Data IMEMDT IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man . 42 ,1987,p. 175.(World Health Organization, Internation Agency for Research on Cancer,Lyon, France.: ) (Single copies can be ordered from WHO Publications Centre U.S.A., 49 Sheridan Avenue, Albany, NY 12210) ; Animal Inadequate Evidence IMEMDT IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man . 42 ,1987,p. 175.(World Health Organization, Internation Agency for Research on Cancer,Lyon, France.: ) (Single copies can be ordered from WHO Publications Centre U.S.A., 49 Sheridan Avenue, Albany, NY 12210) .
Safety Profile
Questionable carcinogen.
Standards and Recommendations
DFG MAK: Confirmed Animal Carcinogen with Unknown Relevance to Humans