Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VARN FOUNT 2000

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used according to manufacturer' s directions. Fountain additive for lithographic printing,
diluted at approximately 2% in water.

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May form explosive peroxides.
HARMFUL - May cause lung damage if swallowed.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Overexposure to non-ring alcohols causes nervous system symptoms. These include headache, muscle weakness and inco-ordination, giddiness, confusion, delirium and coma. Digestive symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Aspiration is much more dangerous than ingestion because lung damage can occur and the substance is absorbed into the body. Alcohols with ring structures and secondary and tertiary alcohols cause more severe symptoms, as do heavier alcohols.  Ingestion of propylene glycol produced reversible central nervous system depression in humans following ingestion of 60 ml. Symptoms included increased heart-rate (tachycardia),  excessive sweating (diaphoresis) and grand mal seizures in a 15 month child who ingested large doses (7.5 ml/day for 8 days) as an ingredient of vitamin preparation.  Excessive repeated ingestions may cause hypoglycaemia (low levels of glucose in the blood stream) among susceptible individuals; this may result in muscular weakness, incoordination and mental confusion.  Very high doses given during feeding studies to rats and dogs produce central nervous system depression (although one-third of that produced by ethanol), haemolysis and insignificant kidney changes.  In humans propylene glycol is partly excreted unchanged in the urine and partly metabolised as lactic and pyruvic acid. Lactic acidosis may result.  The toxic effects of glycols (dihydric alcohols), following ingestion are similar to those of alcohol, with depression of the central nervous system (CNS), nausea, vomiting and degenerative changes in liver and kidney.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  Irritation of the eyes may produce a heavy secretion of tears (lachrymation).  Solutions of low-molecular weight organic acids cause pain and injuryto the eyes.  

SKIN

  A single prolonged exposure is not likely to result in the material being absorbed in harmful amounts. However the material may be absorbed in potentially harmful amounts when applied in large quantities to severe burns (second or third degree) over large areas of the body as part of a cream, other topical application or by prolonged contact with clothing accidentally wetted by the material. Absorption under such circumstances can elevated serum osmolality and may result in osmotic shock.  Most liquid alcohols appear to act as primary skin irritants in humans. Significant percutaneous absorption occurs in rabbits but not apparently in man.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  The material may cause skin irritation after prolonged or repeated exposure and may produce on contact skin redness, swelling, the production of vesicles, scaling and thickening of the skin.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  Aliphatic alcohols with more than 3-carbons cause headache, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle weakness and delirium, central depression, coma, seizures and behavioral changes. Secondary respiratory depression and failure, as well as low blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms, may follow. Nausea and vomiting are seen, and liver and kidney damage is possible as well following massive exposures. Symptoms are more acute the more carbons there are in the alcohol.  Inhalation of vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness. This may be accompanied by narcosis, reduced alertness, loss of reflexes, lack of coordination and vertigo.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  There is limited evidence that, skin contact with this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Some glycol esters and their ethers cause wasting of the testicles, reproductive changes, infertility and changes to kidney function. Shorter chain compounds are more dangerous. Higher concentrations and prolonged exposure can cause blood in the urine.  Propylene glycol is though, by some, to be a sensitizing principal following the regular use of topical creams by eczema patients. A study of 866 persons using a formulation containing propylene glycol in a patch test indicated that propylene glycol caused primary irritation in 16% of exposed individuals probably caused by dehydration. Undiluted propylene glycol was tested on 1556 persons in a 24 hour patch test. 12.5% showed reactions which were largely toxic (70%) or allergic in nature (30%). Reaction responses reached their maximum on the second day or later. Reactions were seasonal in nature ranging from 17.8% in winter to 9.2% in other seasons. In a patch-test using 25 standard allergens conducted on 500 individuals, propylene glycol ranked fourth in sensitizing response. 84 subjects were patch tested using 100% propylene glycol. as well as 2% and 5% in water. With undiluted material, 15% demonstrated a reaction, with 40% of the reactions being allergic in nature and 60% being irritant. In dilute solutions 5 of 248 subjects exhibited a reaction.  Undiluted propylene glycol tested on the skin of man produced no irritation under open conditions but when applied under occlusive conditions, for 2 weeks, it produced severe erythema, edema and vesicles, probably due to sweat retention and weak primary irritation.  Predictive contact skin sensitization tests indicate that propylene glycol is an intermediate grade sensitizer with an index of 1% of tested subjects.  Groups of cats fed 5 gm/kg/day of propylene glycol for 14 weeks showed a significant dose-  related increase in red blood cell Heinz body formation without any marked signs of hemolytic anemia. The no-effect-level for cats without formation of Heinz bodies is 100-  500 ml/kg. There is no evidence of anemia or degenerative change. Groups of rats dosed orally with 0.5 or 10 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks had lowered food intake but no adverse effects on body weights. Erythrocytes were more fragile. Heinz bodies were not apparent.  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.