Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

UNIMIN BARYTES BB SERIES

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

As lower grade barytes used in all application where colour is secondary i.e. in paint
primers, friction materials, adhesives, rubber and plastics.

SYNONYMS

"barium sulphate", "barium sulfate", "fine off-white Barytes"

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 to be non toxic.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Sulfates are not well absorbed orally, but can cause diarrhea.  

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.  Not considered an irritant through normal use.  

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.  Barium fumes are respiratory irritants. Over-exposure to barium dusts and fume may result in rhinitis, frontal headache, wheezing, laryngeal spasm, salivation and anorexia. Long term effects include nervous disorders and adverse effects on the heart, circulatory system and musculature. Heavy exposures may result in a benign pneumoconiosis.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Primary route of exposure is usually by inhalation of generated dust.  Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause drying with cracking,irritation and possible dermatitis following.  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.  Barium compounds may cause high blood pressure, airway irritation and damage the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Prolonged exposure may cause a lung inflammation and scarring. Symptoms of this include a worsening dry cough, shortness of breath on exertion, increased chest expansion and weakness. Stringy phlegm in the cough appears later, with more difficulty in breathing and a further loss of lung capacity. Barium sulfate does not cause permanent scarring of the lungs.