Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

LASIOCARPINE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Hepatoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid extracted from, for example, Heliotropium arbainense and
other Heliotrpium spp, Lappula intermedia, Symphytum caucasicum and othe Symphytum spp.

SYNONYMS

C21-H33-N-O7, C21-H33-N-O7, "heliotridine ester with lasiocarpum and angelic acid", NCI-
CO1478, "RCRA Waste No. U143", "pyrrolizidine alkaloid"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Toxic if swallowed.
Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 40 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Pyrrolizidine poisoning, in its acute form, is characterized by a dull, dragging ache in the upper abdomen, fluid in the abdomen, reduced frequency of urination and effusion from the chest cavity. Subacute symptoms include vague symptoms and enlargement of the liver; hardening of the liver (cirrhosis) can occur despite removal of exposure. Children are particularly prone. Mortality can be high with death due to liver failure, vomiting of blood resulting of perforation of the esophagus. In epidemic settings, the onset of symptoms can be insidious (gradual), with loss of appetite, extreme tiredness and weight loss. Subsequently, emaciation, enlargement of the liver and spleen, swelling and fluid in the abdomen develop.  

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.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

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.  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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There has been concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations, but there is not enough data to make an assessment.  

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of generated dust.  PAs (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) may cause cancer in humans. They also pass through the placenta to reach the fetus and also into the milk. Some can cause severe fetal abnormalities and death.