Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

PARAFFIN WAX

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Molten or heated material may be moulded or extruded. Manufacture of wax (waxed)
waterproof wrapping paper and wax coatings to give water resistance, water shedding, to
wood, fabrics, cork, plywood. Substantial component of hot melt adhesives and of candles.
In lubricants, greases, in floor and car polishes, cosmetics, ointments, inks, extraction
of perfumes, in low temperature electrical insulation. As a covering for food products,
cheese.

SYNONYMS

Cn-H2n+2, "paraffin wax fume", "monocrystalline waxes", "slack wax", "C22 hydrocarbon
wax", "Advawax 165", "Antilox 111 660", "Apezion M N W", "Aristwax 143", Bareco170/175,
"Arcowax 1150G 2143G 4145G 4158G", "Bohler 1421", "Boler 941/1397", Ceratak, "Chevron 143
159", "Durowax FT300", "Flexowax C", "Freman 155/160", "Harrowax L1 L2", "Hidorin D337
E139 P7", "Histowax HX0482-5", "Irgawax 366", "Kerwax 422", "Luvax 2191", "Microwax
163/169", "Mobilcer 161 739", ED80/229, "Mobilwax 135 145 220", "Paracol 5000 404A 404C
505N", "Paraffin 115 135 1245", "Paraflint H1 H2 HIN3 RG", "Paraffin wax 140/145",
"Petrolite C400", "Sasolwax H1 H2 HZ M1", "Sasaolwax SPRAY 105", Schaefer, "#78032
#79018", "Shellwax 100 120 200 300 400", Sicpa, "Sunoco 4415 4417 P116", "Sunwax 4412
5512", "Ubatol EXP21", "Witco 128 85010-1"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

None

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

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

  Limited evidence or practical experience suggests, that the material may cause eye irritation in a substantial number of individuals. Prolonged eye contact may cause inflammation characterized by a temporary redness of the conjunctiva (similar to windburn).  

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.  Skin contact is not thought to have harmful health effects, however the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions.  Molten material is capable of causing burns.  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 vapors or aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  There is some evidence to suggest that the material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  Inhalation of vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness. This may be accompanied by narcosis, reduced alertness, loss of reflexes, lack of coordination and vertigo.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Oil may contact the skin or be inhaled. Extended exposure can lead to eczema, inflammation of hair follicles, pigmentation of the face and warts on the soles of the feet. There are few systemic effects, but prolonged exposure may lead to a higher incidence of lung scarring.