Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

PAPAIN

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Meat tenderiser, other food industries (mainly to prevent protein haze on chilling beer),
tobacco, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, leather, textiles.

SYNONYMS

"vegetable pepsin", Arbuz, Nematolyt, Papayotin, Summetrin, Tromasin, Velardon, Vermizym,
Caroid, papaine

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May cause SENSITIZATION by inhalation.
Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, 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, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

SKIN

  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  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.  Sensitization may result in allergic dermatitis responses includingrash, itching, hives or swelling of extremities.  

INHALED

  If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons.  Although inhalation is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still produce health damage, especially where pre-existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally confined to doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-  health).  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  

  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.  Dusts produced by enzymes can attack the respiratory system. Allergic asthma produced after exposure includes spasm, cough and wheezing. Other symptoms include chronic cough, phlegm, fever, muscle pains, fatigue, airway obstruction, and scarring at the top or base of the lungs. There may also be abdominal pain, headache, stomach-ache and a general feeling of unwellness. Prolonged contact can result in skin soreness, redness, inflammation and possible ulceration. There may also be loss of lung function due to scarring.