Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

OKADAIC ACID

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Natural product isolated from Prorocentrium spp. Tumour promoter and specific inhibitor of
protein (serine/ threonine) phosphatases 1 and 2A, (phosphatases PP1 and PP2) an action
which it shares with its congener calyculin A. These phosphatases appear to be involved in
neurotransmitter release, control of stimulus- induced gene expression, and in the
phosphorylation of microtubule- related proteins; they also appear to have a have a role
in acetylcholine synthesis and compartmentation.

SYNONYMS

C44-H68-O13, "acanthifolicin, 9, 10-deepithio-9, 10-didehydro-", "acanthifolicin, 9, 10-
deepithio-9, 10-didehydro-", "9, 10-deepithio-9, 10-didehydroacanthifolicin", "9, 10-
deepithio-9, 10-didehydroacanthifolicin"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.

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.  Ingestion may result in nausea, abdominal irritation, pain and vomiting.  

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.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce serious health damage*.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  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 has been concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations, but there is not enough data to make an assessment.  

  Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.  Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.  Limited evidence suggest tha okadaic acid is a tumour promoter in  laboratory animals.  Inhibition of serine-threonine phosphatases PP1 and PP2a causes hyperphosphorylation of regulatory cellular proteins involved in the expression of growth regulatory genes. This may have a tumour-promoting effect on previously dormant neoplastic cells.