Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

ZEAXANTHIN

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Widespread carotenoid alcohol occurring in nature. Found in yellow corn, algae, bactertia.
Occurs together with its isomer, xanthophyll. Does not possess Vitamin A potency.

SYNONYMS

C40-H56-O2, "beta, beta-carotene-3, 3'-diol", "beta, beta-carotene-3, 3'-diol", "all-
trans-beta-carotene-3, 3'-diol", "all-trans-beta-carotene-3, 3'-diol", "(3R, 3'R)-
dihydroxy-beta-carotene", zeaxanthol, anchovyxanthin

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

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.  Retinoid poisoning, as characterised by Vitamin A intoxication, may occur at high doses and is characterised by sedation, headache, irritability, papilloedema (oedema of the optic disk), and a generalised peeling of the skin. Although vitamin A is useful in preventing and treating chemical sensitivity, many chemically sensitive individuals, especially those who exhibit formaldehyde sensitivity, cannot tolerate it following oral administration.  Retinoids are frequently produced, in the organism, as a result of carotenoid metabolism.  Retinoids such as etretinate and isotretinoin, taken in therapeutic doses, may produce dryness of the mucous membranes, sometimes with erosion, involving the lips (cheilitis), mouth, conjunctiva (sometimes causing conjunctivitis), and nasal mucosa and epistaxis (rarely causing epistaxis). Other symptoms may include flare-up of acne, peeling of the palms, soles and fingertips, rhinorrhoea, nosebleed, gingival bleeding, nail fragility, easy sunburning, fever and mild headache. Ocular defects may include problems with night vision, and alterations in colour perception. Musculoskeletal effects include aching joints and backache. Neurological symptoms include fatigue, minor depression, and insomnia. Decreased libido and menstrual irregularities have been reported in etretinate therapies. Liver and kidney dysfunction has been suggested after abnormal laboratory tests and following the appearance of calcified tendons and ligaments in the ankles, pelvis, and knees; hepatitis has been reported in a significant number of patients (1.5%). Dryness of the skin may result in scaling, thinning, pruritus, exfoliation, and erythema. Thinning of the hair or alopecia may occur by the fourth week of etretinate treatment. Skeletal hyperostosis, benign intracranial hypertension, musculoskeletal pain, gastrointestinal effects and paronychia have also occurred. Serum levels of hepatic enzymes and triglyceride concentrations may be elevated.  Isotretinoin therapy has produced corneal opacities and premature epiphyseal closure. Such therapy has also been associated with skin infection and an inflammatory bowel syndrome.  

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.  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/absorption and inhalation of generated dust.  Prolonged overdose of Vitamin A is associated with fatigue, irritability, loss of weight and appetite, mild fever, increased amounts of urine, enlarged liver and spleen, hair loss, bleeding lips, thickening of skin and yellow pigmentation. Bone and joint pain may occur, and growth may be permanently arrested in children. There may be birth defects and loss of bone mineral associated with carotenoids.