Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

L-TRYPTOPHAN METHYL ESTER HYDROCHLORIDE

STATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS NATURE

Not considered a hazardous substance according to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200.

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Laboratory reagent. Used in biochemical research.

SYNONYMS

C12-H14-N2-O2.HCl, amino-acid, "indole-3-propionic acid, amino-, methyl ester,
hydrochloride", "indole-3-propionic acid, amino-, methyl ester, hydrochloride"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

None

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 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).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

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.  The material may accentuate any pre-existing skin condition.  

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.  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

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact and inhalation of generated dust.  Tryptophan is a precursor of serotonin. As serotonin is involved in  depression, tryptophan has been used in treatment. Because pyridoxine and  ascorbic acid are thought to be involved in the biosynthesis of serotonin  they are often given together.  A link has been established between commercial grades of l-tryptophan and  a sometimes fatal blood disorder known as eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome.  The condition is characterised by severe muscle and joint pain, swelling  of the arms and legs, skin rash and, occasionally, fever. White blood  cells increase to abnormally high levels (eosinophilia). Because  l-tryptophan occurs naturally in many food-stuffs it is thought the  syndrome may be produced by a contaminant in the product.  No human exposure data available. For this reason health effects described are based on experience with chemically related materials.  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.