Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

UNDECYLENIC ACID

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

A normal component of sweat. Used in perfumery, flavouring, plastics, modifying agents
(plasticiser, lubricant additive); anti- fungal agent applied topically in the prophylaxis
and treatment of dermatophytic infections of superficial areas (active against certain
pathogenic fungi, including Epidermophyton, trichophyton and Microsporum spp). Formerly
taken by mouth in the treatment of psoriasis. An effective insect repellent of limited use
because its disagreeable odour is difficult to mask.

SYNONYMS

C11-H20-O2, H2C=CH(CH2)8CO2H, "10-undecanoic acid", "10-undecanoic acid", "10-hendecenoic
acid", "10-hendecenoic acid", "undecyl-10-enic acid", "undecyl-10-enic acid", "9-
undecylenic acid", "9-undecylenic acid", "10-undecylenic acid", "10-undecylenic acid",
"unsaturated fatty acid", Declid, Desenex, Renselin, Sevinon

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

None

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Irritating to 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

  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

  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.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  The material may cause severe skin irritation after prolonged or repeated exposure and may produce on contact skin redness, swelling, the production of vesicles, scaling and thickening of the skin. Repeated exposures may produce severe ulceration.  

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.  Inhalation of vapor may aggravate a pre-existing respiratory condition.  Inhalation of quantities of liquid mist may be extremely hazardous, even lethal due to spasm, extreme irritation of larynx and bronchi, chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is some evidence that inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  

  Primary route of exposure is usually by skin contact.  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.  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.