Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VITAMIN K

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Group of vitamins. Present in fresh green vegetables as phytomenadione (vitamin K1) and
egg yolk. Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is synthesised in the intestine by normal bacterial
action. The designation " K" comes from the German " Koagulationsvitamin" Vitamin K is
essential for the formation of prothrombine (factor II) and other clotting factors
(factors VII, IX and X) in the liver.

SYNONYMS

"natural product"

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.  

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.  The liquid may produce skin discomfort following prolonged contact. Defatting and/or drying of the skin may lead to dermatitis.  

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 hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  Acute effects from inhalation of high concentrations of vapor may be nose, throat and chest irritation with coughing, sneezing and possible nausea.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact and inhalation of generated dust.  Deficiency of Vitamin K produces hypothrombinaemia in which the clotting  time of blood is prolonged and spontaneous haemorrhage may occur.  Deficiency may result from poor intestinal absorption, from obstructive  jaundice or severe liver disease or from the administration of coumarin or  indanedione anticoagulants which interfere with Vitamin K metabolism.  Intravenous administration of phytomenadione (Vitamin K1) has caused  reactions, including altered sesations of taste, flushing of the face,  sweating, bronchospasm, tachycardia and hypotension. It has been sugested  that the vehicle carrying the Vitamin may be responsible.