Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

RENNIN

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Milk- clotting enzyme from the true stomach (abomasum) of the suckling calf. Secreted as
the inactive " pro- rennin" which is subsequently converted in the acid environment of the
stomach to the active form. causes milk to coagulate at around 37- 45 deg C(pH optimum
5.8). Not active below 15 deg C or above 55 deg C. Commercial preparation labelled
1:100000 means 1 gm will curdle 10 litres of milk at 35 deg C in 40 minutes. The dry
extract containing rennin is called rennet and is used in the manufacture of cheese and
rennet casein. Also used in making junkets and rennet custard. Therapeutically used as a
digestive aid. Similarities in amino- acid sequence of rennin and pepsin have been
reported.

SYNONYMS

chymosin, remnase, lab, "abomasal enzyme", "Lab ferment", "rennet component"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May cause SENSITIZATION by inhalation.
Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.

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

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

SKIN

  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  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.  

INHALED

  If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons.  Although inhalation is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still produce health damage, especially where pre-existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally confined to doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-  health).  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of generated dust and skin contact.  Dusts produced by enzymes can attack the respiratory system. Allergic asthma produced after exposure includes spasm, cough and wheezing. Other symptoms include chronic cough, phlegm, fever, muscle pains, fatigue, airway obstruction, and scarring at the top or base of the lungs. There may also be abdominal pain, headache, stomach-ache and a general feeling of unwellness. Prolonged contact can result in skin soreness, redness, inflammation and possible ulceration. There may also be loss of lung function due to scarring.