Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

JUROX CHLORASONE EYE OINTMENT

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Ointment for the topical treatment of eye infections due to bacterial organisms
susceptible to chloramphenicol in dogs and cats

SYNONYMS

"eye infection treatment for cats and dogs"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May cause CANCER.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  The material has NOT been classified as "harmful by ingestion". This is because of the lack of corroborating animal or human evidence. The material may still be damaging to the health of the individual, following ingestion, especially where pre-existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, unintentional ingestion is not thought to be cause for concern.  

EYE

  The material may produce moderate eye irritation leading to inflammation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants may produce conjunctivitis.  

SKIN

  There is some evidence to suggest that the material may cause mild but significant inflammation of the skin either following direct contact or after a delay of some time. Repeated exposure can cause contact dermatitis which is characterized by redness, swelling and blistering.  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 adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, 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 ample evidence that this material can be regarded as being able to cause cancer in humans based on experiments and other information.  The main symptoms of chronic poisoning by chloramphenicol are stomach upsets, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting and rash. Neurological symptoms may occur in the extremities and eyes. In some cases optic atrophy can occur, with blindness. Allergic reactions are probable and occasionally severe, red skin rashes have been reported.  Prolonged or repeated use of antibiotics, at therapeutic doses, may produce bacterial resistance for some types of bacteria. Prolonged use may result in the overgrowth of non-  susceptible organisms (i.e. super- infection).  Chronic exposure to glucocorticoids can lead to changes in hormone production, a characteristic "moon face" appearance and a "lemon with matchsticks" fat distribution (central obesity with wasting of limbs), susceptibility to infections, osteoporosis, cataracts, glaucoma, mental disturbance, high blood sugar and sugar in the urine. There may be muscular weakness and fatigue, acne, period disturbances in women and peptic ulcers. Growth retardation can occur in children and birth defects are possible. Corticosteroids appear in human milk and ' may stunt the growth of infants.  One ingredient of the product has caused skin sensitization reactions, shown as localized reddening and hives, or may produce respiratory sensitization characterized by asthma-  like symptoms and runny nose.