Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

QUINOLINIUM CHLOROCHROMATE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Selective oxidising agent for the oxidation of primary alcohols in the presence of
secondary alcohols to carbonyl compounds.

SYNONYMS

C9-H7-N.Cl-Cr-O3-H

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Contact with combustible material may cause fire.
Irritating to eyes.
May cause CANCER by inhalation.
May cause SENSITIZATION by skin contact.
Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long- term adverse effects in the
aquatic environment.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.  Chromate salts are corrosive and produce cellular damage to tissue. Ingestion may produce inflammation of the digestive tract, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Chromates cause kidney damage and blood cell damage.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  

SKIN

  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.  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons.  Chrome fume, as the chrome VI oxide, is corrosive to the skin and may aggravate pre-  existing skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema. As a potential skin sensitizer, the fume may cause dermatoses to appear suddenly and without warning. Absorption of chrome VI compounds through the skin can cause systemic poisoning effecting the kidneys and liver.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  There is some evidence to suggest that the material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  Chlorine vapour is extremely irritating to the upper respiratory tract and lungs  Symptoms of exposure to chlorine include coughing, choking, breathing difficulty, chest pain, headache, vomiting, pulmonary oedema. Inhalation may cause lung congestion, bronchitis and loss of consciousness. Effects may be delayed. Delayed effects of exposure to chlorine vapour can include shortness of breath, violent headaches, pulmonary oedema and pneumonia.  Earlier reports suggested that concentrations around 5 ppm chlorine caused respiratory complaints, corrosion of the teeth, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and increased susceptibility to tuberculosis in chronically-exposed workers. Recent studies have not confirmed these findings. Concentrations too low to effect the lower respiratory tract may however irritate the eyes, nose and throat.  Amongst 29 volunteers exposed at 0.5, 1 or 2 ppm chlorine for 4 to 8 hours the following responses were recorded: itching or burning of the nose, itching or burning of the throat,  production of tears, urge to cough, runny nose, nausea, headache, general discomfort, dizziness, drowsiness and shortness of breath.  Clinical signs of quinoline intoxication include lethargy, respiratory distress and prostration leading to coma.  Chrome fume is irritating to the respiratory tract and lungs. Toxic effects result from over-exposure. Asthmatic conditions may result as a consequence of the sensitising action of chrome VI compounds.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Skin contact with the material is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  On the basis of epidemiological data, it has been concluded that prolonged inhalation of the material, in an occupational setting, may produce cancer in humans.  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  There is some evidence to suggest that this material directlycauses cancer in humans.  Reduced respiratory capacity may result from chronic low level exposure to chlorine gas. Chronic poisoning may result in coughing, severe chest pains, sore throat and haemoptysis (bloody sputum). Moderate to severe exposures over 3 years produced decreased lung capacity in a number of workers.  Delayed effects can include shortness of breath, violent headaches, pulmonary oedema and pneumonia.  Amongst chloralkali workers exposed to mean concentrations of 0.15 ppm for an average of 10.9 years a generalised pattern of fatigue (exposures of 0.5 ppm and above) and a modest increased incidence of anxiety and dizziness were recorded. Leukocytosis and a lower haematocrit showed some relation to exposure.  Chromium(III) is an essential trace mineral. Chronic exposure to chromium(III) irritates the airways, malnourishes the liver and kidneys, causes fluid in the lungs, and adverse effects on white blood cells, and also increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Chromium (VI) can irritate the skin, eyes and airways. Allergic reactions can involve both the skin and airways, and the compounds can diminish taste and smell, discolor the skin and eyes, cause blood disorders and damage the liver, kidneys, digestive tract and lungs. It predisposes humans to cancers of the respiratory tract and digestive system. Ulceration to the skin can occur, and, chromium(VI) is one of the most allergenic substances known.  Data from experimental studies indicate that pyridines represent a potential cause of cancer in man. They have also been shown to cross the placental barrier in rats and cause premature delivery, miscarriages and stillbirths. PAs are passed through breast milk. Pyridine has been implicated in the formation of liver cancers.  Quinoline is a metabolite of this material and in mammals has been shown to cause cancers of the liver and blood vessels. Adequate data in humans is not available.