Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

KLEIBERIT GUN FOAM 544.5

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Application is by spray atomization from a hand held aerosol pack. Beige polyurethane
single component foam used for filling, insulating and assembly.

SYNONYMS

"aerosol expanding foam sealant rigid polyurethane foam", "urethane foam"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful by inhalation.
May cause SENSITIZATION by inhalation and skin contact.
Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.
Extremely flammable.
Risk of explosion if heated under confinement.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Not normally a hazard due to physical form of product.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  If applied to the eyes, this material causes severe eye damage.  The material may produce moderate eye irritation leading to inflammation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants may produce conjunctivitis.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  The material may accentuate any pre-existing dermatitis condition.  Spray mist may produce discomfort.  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

  Inhalation of aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be harmful.  The material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  WARNING: Intentional misuse by concentrating/inhaling contents may be lethal.  Carbon dioxide is an odourless gas which gives very poor warning of exposure. The gas can produce rapid unconsciousness and death from oxygen deficiency at concentrations of 10% in air. Even concentrations of 3% may produce shortness of breath and headache.  Carbon dioxide is the most powerful cerebral vasodilator known. High levels, even in the presence of sufficient oxygen may produce rapid circulatory insufficiency leading to coma and death.  Continuous exposure to 1.5% carbon dioxide may cause changes in some physiological processes. Increased concentrations of carbon dioxide in blood affect the rate of breathing. Even at low concentrations, regular exposure to carbon dioxide is potentially harmful as a consequence of cellular membrane effects and biochemical alterations; these may result in increased concentration of bicarbonate ions and acidosis.  High concentrations of carbon dioxide (2-10%) may produce an acidic taste, dyspnoea, headache, vertigo, nausea, laboured breathing, weakness, drowsiness, mental confusion, and increased blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate. Exposure to 10% for a few minutes reportedly produces visual disturbances, tinnitus, tremors, profuse perspiration, restlessness, paraesthaesia, general feeling of discomfort, loss of consciousness, and coma. Concentrations of 25-50% may cause coma and convulsions within one minute. Tachycardia and arrhythmias are possible. Concentrations of 50% may cause symptoms of hypocalcaemia including carpopedal spasms. Excessive carbon dioxide for a period of time (not more than five minutes) was reported to cause visual effects, enlargement of the blind spot, photophobia, loss of convergence and accommodation, and deficient dark adaptation as well as headache, insomnia and personality changes (largely depression and irritability). Even when there is sufficient oxygen present to prevent simple asphyxiation, high concentrations of carbon dioxide may cause adverse effects by interfering with its normal elimination from the body. Initial overexposure to carbon dioxide results in an compensatory increase in both rate and depth of ventilation. Beyond a certain point, however, this may reverse to hypoventilation resulting in respiratory acidosis. Death from asphyxia may occur if the concentration and duration of exposure are sufficient.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal route of occupational exposure to the gas is by inhalation.  Persons with a history of asthma or other respiratory problems or are known to be sensitised, should not be engaged in any work involving the handling of isocyanates. [CCTRADE-Bayer, APMF].  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Asthma-like symptoms may continue for months or even years after exposure to the material ceases. This may be due to a non-allergenic condition known as reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) which can occur following exposure to high levels of highly irritating compound. Key criteria for the diagnosis of RADS include the absence of preceding respiratory disease, in a non-atopic individual, with abrupt onset of persistent asthma-like symptoms within minutes to hours of a documented exposure to the irritant. A reversible airflow pattern, on spirometry, with the presence of moderate to severe bronchial hyperreactivity on methacholine challenge testing and the lack of minimal lymphocytic inflammation, without eosinophilia, have also been included in the criteria for diagnosis of RADS. RADS (or asthma) following an irritating inhalation is an infrequent disorder with rates related to the concentration of and duration of exposure to the irritating substance. Industrial bronchitis, on the other hand, is a disorder that occurs as result of exposure due to high concentrations of irritating substance (often particulate in nature) and is completely reversible after exposure ceases. The disorder is characterised by dyspnea, cough and mucus production.  There has been some concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations but there is not enough data to make an assessment.  Inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Skin contact with the material is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  There is some evidence to provide a presumption that human exposure to the material may result in impaired fertility on the basis of: some evidence in animal studies of impaired fertility in the absence of toxic effects, or evidence of impaired fertility occurring at around the same dose levels as other toxic effects but which is not a secondary non-  specific consequence of other toxic effects.  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.  Respiratory sensitization may result in allergic/asthma like responses; from coughing and minor breathing difficulties to bronchitis with wheezing, gasping.  Sensitization may give severe responses to very low levels of exposure, i.e. hypersensitivity. Sensitized persons should not be allowed to work in situations where exposure may occur.  Isocyanate vapors are irritating to the airways and can cause their inflammation, with wheezing, gasping, severe distress, even loss of consciousness and fluid in the lungs. Nervous system symptoms that may occur include headache, sleep disturbance, euphoria, inco-ordination, anxiety, depression and paranoia. Digestive effects include nausea and vomiting. Breathing difficulties may occur unpredictably after a period of tolerance and after skin contact. Allergic inflammation of the skin can occur, with rash, itching, blistering, and swelling of the hands and feet. Sensitive people can react to very low levels and should not be exposed to this material.