Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

UNIFOODS INSTANT COFFEE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Has been widely used as a beverage and food additive for many years.

SYNONYMS

"coffee powdered granules instant soluble Unifoods"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

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.  Low doses of caffeine are safe although mildly stimulatory. Acute poisoning is characterized by nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, vomiting blood, gastrointestinal upset, increased urination and dehydration. Muscle twitches, changes in tone, sensitivity,  forced biting and contractions are also seen. Other symptoms include ringing in the ears, enlarged blindspot with colored shimmering lights, irregular heart beats, increased heart rate and irregularities in urination. Stimulation of gastric secretions can result in peptic ulcers. Low doses may cause a small decrease in heart rate, higher doses cause a wide range of symptoms including headache, chills, fever, dizziness, light-headedness, nervousness, sleep loss, pinpoint pupils, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and double vision. Excitement, vertigo and coma may result. Increased rate of metabolism and electrolyte imbalances in the blood may be seen, as are breathing difficulties, chest tightness, palpitations, irregularities in heart rhythm and high blood pressure. Severe overdoses may cause seizures, followed by death.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Inhalation of caffeine dusts or aerosols may produce nose and throat irritation, coughing and chest discomfort. The material may act as a stimulant following massive inhalations. Heavy exposure may produce palpitation, excitement, insomnia, dizziness, headache and vomiting.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Headaches, tension and nervousness are characteristics of excessive caffeine consumption. Over long periods agitation, psychosis, heartburn and hyperventilation can occur. A mild fever is sometimes seen and the heart and breathing may stop. Prolonged use of drinks containing caffeine can result in tolerance, dependency and if administration is suddenly stopped, withdrawal symptoms can occur. Constipation and mental depression may also be implicated. Caffeine taken in pregnancy has been associated with miscarriage, abnormal birth positions, stillbirths, premature births and low birth weight. There may be an increased rate of cancer.  Experimental evidence is cited to show that polycyclic hydrocarbons,  including benzpyrenes, are produced when coffee beans are roasted.  Allergy to green coffee appears to be a typical example of atopic  hypersensitivity to proteins specific, in this allergy, to the green coffee  bean. There were no reactions to roasted coffee or to coffee beverage.                        [NIOSH]