Kaolinite (Kaolin Clay)
- Abrasives
- CAS 1318-74-7
- IUPAC: Aluminum silicate hydroxide
ACGIH classifies kaolinite at TWA 2 mg/m³ (respirable fraction). Not classified as carcinogenic. Prolonged occupational inhalation of kaolin dust can cause pneumoconiosis (noted in SDS §11 for mining/industrial contexts). Consumer rubbing compound use — wet application — presents negligible inhalation risk.
Kaolinite (kaolin clay, CAS 1318-74-7) is a naturally occurring aluminosilicate mineral used as a mild abrasive and thickener in automotive polishing compounds. At 3–7% in headlight restoration rubbing compounds, it contributes to the compound's cut while supporting the paste viscosity.
The 3M Rubbing Compound SDS (29-3593-0) lists kaolinite under pneumoconiosis effects in Section 11 — this reflects occupational inhalation under industrial conditions, not consumer wet-application use. The ACGIH TWA of 2 mg/m³ respirable fraction is for dusting environments; wet use suppresses airborne particulate.
Health & environment profile
- VOC
- no
- Prop 65 listed
- no
- Asthmagen
- no
- EPA Safer Choice
- no
- Aquatic toxicity
- no
- Biodegradable
- no
- Bioaccumulative
- no
- Persistent
- yes
- Ozone depleting
- no
- Microplastic
- no
- PFAS
- no
- Env. score
- 3/5
1 product contain this
3M Headlight Lens Restoration System (39008)Prop 65headlight-restoration-kit
Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.