Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

UNICRETE COLOUR HARDENERS

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Topping colour for wet concrete.

SYNONYMS

"concrete topping colouring"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Causes burns.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.
Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through
inhalation.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  The material can produce chemical burns within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Ingestion may result in nausea, abdominal irritation, pain and vomiting.  

EYE

  The material can produce chemical burns to the eye following direct contact. Vapors or mists may be extremely irritating.  If applied to the eyes, this material causes severe eye damage.  

SKIN

  The material can produce chemical burns following direct contactwith the skin.  Products when wet may be quite alkaline and this alkali action on the skin may contribute to cement contact dermatitis by causing drying and defatting of the skin which may be followed by hardening, cracking, development of lesions, possible infections of lesions and penetration by soluble salts.  Cement dust is an allergen with skin contact and/or dust inhalation possibly causing allergic response or even sensitization responses.  Cement contact dermatitis (CCD) may occur when contact shows an allergic response, which may progress to sensitization. Sensitization is due to soluble chromates (chromate compounds) present in trace amounts in some cements, cement products. Soluble chromates readily penetrate intact skin. Cement dermatitis can be characterized by fissures, eczematous rash, dystrophic nails, and dry skin; acute contact with highly alkaline mixtures may cause localized necrosis.  

INHALED

  If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons.  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

  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, skin contact with the material and skin contact with the wet material.  Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause drying with cracking,irritation and possible dermatitis following.  Crystalline silicas activate the inflammatory response of white blood cells after they injure the lung epithelium. Chronic exposure to crystalline silicas reduce lung capacity and predispose to chest infections. A large part of the crystals accumulates in the lungs. Silicosis can occur, a condition where irreversible scarring of the lung occurs. Symptoms do not appear until months to years after exposure. Smoking increases this risk. Most simple cases of silicosis do not produce symptoms, but they can progress and eventually cause a tuberculosis-like syndrome which can be fatal. When silicosis is advanced, there is an increased risk of lung cancer and lymphoma. Laws in some areas require those exposed to silica to be under health surveillance.  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.  One ingredient of the product has caused skin sensitization reactions, shown as localized reddening and hives, or may produce respiratory sensitization characterized by asthma-  like symptoms and runny nose.