Issues in the inhalation toxicity testing and hazard assessment for low density particulate materials such as synthetic amorphous silica (SAS).

Inhalation toxicity testing of particulate materials is mandated for classification. According to CLP, particulate materials should be tested as marketed and many particulate materials are marketed as non-respirable particles. However, OECD TG 413 requires exposure to particle sizes that are respirable and reach the alveoli.

Comparison of Biogenic Amorphous Silicas Found in Common Horsetail and Oat Husk With Synthetic Amorphous Silicas.

The present study summarizes the current literature on the presence and the structure of biogenic amorphous silica (BAS) in nature. Based on this review, it is shown that BAS is ubiquitous in nature and exhibits a structure that cannot be differentiated from the structure of synthetic amorphous silica (SAS). The structural similarity of BAS and SAS is further supported by our investigations-in particular, specific surface area (BET) and electron microscope techniques-on oat husk and common horsetail.

Precipitated silica as flow regulator.

Flow regulators are added to solid pharmaceutical formulations to improve the flow properties of the powder mixtures. The primary particles of the flow regulators exist in the form of huge agglomerates which are broken down into smaller aggregates during the blending process. These smaller aggregates adsorb at the surface of the solid's grains and thus diminish attractive Van-der-Waals-forces by increasing the roughness of the host's surface.