Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HACH AMMONIA VIAL REAGENT

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used for the determination of ammonium nitrogen.

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.  High oral doses of salicylates, such as aspirin, may cause a mild burning pain in the throat and stomach, causing vomiting. This is followed (within hours) by deep, rapid breathing, tiredness, nausea and further vomiting, thirst and diarrhea. The central nervous system is first stimulated, and then depression from failure occurs. Stimulation produces vomiting, hyperventilation, headache, ringing in the ears, confusion, behavior and mood changes, and generalized convulsions. Respiratory failure and cardiovascular collapse can result in death. There may also be sweating, skin eruptions, internal bleeding, kidney failure and inflamed pancreas. There may be bloody stools, purple skin spots or blood in the vomit. Many of these symptoms are due to disturbances in blood chemistry. A dose of 300 mg/kg can cause serious effects while 500 mg/kg can be lethal.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  

SKIN

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce either adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract following inhalation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, adverse effects have been produced following exposure of animals by at least one other route and good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  There is some evidence that inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  There is limited evidence that, skin contact with this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  There is some evidence that human exposure to the material may result in developmental toxicity. This evidence is based on animal studies where effects have been observed in the absence of marked maternal toxicity, or at around the same dose levels as other toxic effects but which are not secondary non-specific consequences of the other toxic effects.  Chronic exposure to salicylates produce problems with metabolism, central system disturbances, or kidney damage. Those with pre-existing damage to the eye, skin or kidney are especially at risk. Hypersensitive reactions can occur, especially in people with asthma. These symptoms include itchy wheals and other skin eruptions, an inflamed nose, shortness of breath and serious narrowing of the airways (which can even cause death). Chronic exposure to parabens by skin contact, ingestion or injection can cause hypersensitive reactions. There may be cross-sensitivity between different species, so people can be develop allergic symptoms if they were sensitized by other chemicals. Symptoms include acute narrowing of the airways, hives (itchy wheal), swelling, running nose and blurred vision. There may be anaphylactic shock and rash.  Exposure to the material for prolonged periods may cause physical defects in the developing embryo (teratogenesis).  Repeated or prolonged exposure to corrosives may result in the erosion of teeth, inflammatory and ulcerative changes in the mouth and necrosis (rarely) of the jaw. Bronchial irritation, with cough, and frequent attacks of bronchial pneumonia may ensue. Gastrointestinal disturbances may also occur. Chronic exposures may result in dermatitis and/or conjunctivitis.