Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HEXABROMOBIPHENYL

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Fire retardant additives in synthetic fibres and moulded plastics. Used in the manufacture
of polycarbonates, polyesters, polyolefins and polystyrenes. No longer of commercial
importance having been withdrawn following the so- called " Michigan incident" in which
Firemaster BP- 6 was accidentally added to animal feed and was responsible for wide-
spread fatalities in farm- animals.

SYNONYMS

C12-H4-Br6, "biphenyl, hexabromo-", NCI-C53634, PBB, fire-retardant

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May cause CANCER.
May cause long- term adverse effects in the environment.

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

  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

  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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is ample evidence that this material can be regarded as being able to cause cancer in humans based on experiments and other information.  

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of generated dust.  When administered by oral gavage technical grade hexabromobiphenyl  (Firemaster FF-1) induced hepatocellular carcinomas in mice and rats of  both sexes and cholangiocarcinomas and neoplastic nodules of the liver in  rats of both sexes. Administration by gastric intubation induced  trabecular hepatocellular carcinomas and neoplastic nodules of the liver  of female rats and trabecular hepatocellular carcinoma in the off-spring  of both sexes.  Significant body-burdens may persist throughout the life-time of the  exposed individuals as a result of biological stability and slow  elimination.  Polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs) can cause effects on hormones and mimic thyroid hormone. Acne, discharge in the eye, eyelid swellings and visual disturbances may occur. Babies born to exposed mothers can also exhibit these effects. There is an increased risk of liver cancer among those who have taken PHAHs.