Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VEOLIA HYDREX 4751

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Reducing agent.

SYNONYMS

"sodium metabisulphite"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful if swallowed.
Contact with water liberates toxic gas.
Contact with acids liberates toxic gas.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.
Irritating to respiratory system and skin.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be harmful; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 150 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Use as a food additive indicates good tolerance of small amounts, but excessive amounts or overuse may bring irritant and / or harmful effects.  Small amounts or low dose rates are regarded as.  practically non-harmful.  but.  may cause.  in some cases, sensitization.  

EYE

  If applied to the eyes, this material causes severe eye damage.  The dust may be discomforting.  to the eyes.  and may even cause.  burns.  and is.  capable of causing pain and severe conjunctivitis. Corneal injury may develop, with possible permanent impairment of vision, if not promptly and adequately treated.  

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.  The material may be mildly discomforting.  to the skin.  and is capable of causing.  skin sensitization.  and.  allergic skin reactions.  from repeated exposures over long periods.  

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).  The dust is.  discomforting.  and may be.  harmful.  if inhaled.  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.  A few individuals may show allergic/sensitization responses which may be minor to severe. Exposure will aggravate this pre-existing condition and those with sensitization reactions should not be required to work where exposure may occur.  Respiratory sensitization may result in allergic/asthma like responses; from coughing and minor breathing difficulties to bronchitis with wheezing, gasping.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is some evidence that 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.  accidental ingestion.  Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause drying with cracking,irritation and possible dermatitis following.  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.  Sulfites and bisulfites can cause narrowing of the airways, stomach upset, flushing, low blood pressure. tingling sensation, itchy wheal, swelling and shock, and asthmatics are especially prone. They induce allergic-like reactions which can occur on first contact with the material.  Occupational asthma has been reported in laundry workers and a vinegar  worker exposed to sodium metabisulfite