Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

WATTYL BILGE COMPOUND L 72 B BROWN 147-40199

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

The use of a quantity of material in an unventilated or confined space may result in
increased exposure and an irritating atmosphere developing.Before starting consider
control of exposure by mechanical ventilation. Used according to manufacturer' s
directions.

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Flammable.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  The material has NOT been classified as "harmful by ingestion". This is because of the lack of corroborating animal or human evidence. 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, unintentional ingestion is not thought to be cause for concern.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  Workers exposed to fumes of blown bitumens developed keratoconjunctivitis.  

SKIN

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons.  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.  

INHALED

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material, if inhaled, can irritate the throat and lungs of some persons.  Inhalation of aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  Hydrogen sulfide poisoning can cause increased secretion of saliva, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, giddiness, headache, vertigo, memory loss, palpitations, heartbeat irregularities, weakness, muscle cramps, confusion, sudden collapse, unconsciousness and death due to paralysis of breathing (at levels above 300 parts per million). The "rotten egg" odor is not a good indicator of exposure since odor fatigue occurs and odor is lost at over 200 ppm. The gas can enter the body through a punctured ear drum and even wearing some respiratory protection. Immediate supportive care is essential. Ensure medical help is addressed as part of the site emergency plan and that employees who may be accidentally exposed are made aware of the existence of such a plan.  Acute exposure to bitumen/ asphalt vapours may cause coughing, chest tightness, headache, muscle weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor coordination, and even nausea and vomiting.  Workers exposed to hot blown bitumens show bronchitis, rhinitis, oropharyngitis and laryngitis; symptoms include cough, phlegm, burning of the throat and chest, hoarseness, headache and nasal discharge. Guinea pigs, rabbits and mice exposed to blown bitumen fumes, aerosols and smoke, developed patchy regions of emphysema, bronchiolar dilation, pneumonitis, and severe localised bronchitis.  Mice, exposed to aerosols of petroleum bitumens and smoke from heated petroleum bitumens, showed congestion, acute bronchitis, pneumonitis, bronchial dilation, abscess formation, epithelial atrophy, and necrosis.  In health studies in the workplace, environmental measurement showed concentrations of asphalt, ranging from "non-detectable", where there was good mechanical ventilation, to 40 mg/m3, where there was very poor natural draft. Breathing zone samples, collected during drum-filling operations, ranged from 1.0 (upwind) to 5 mg/m3 (downwind) as means of 4-hour exposures. In the opinion of industrial hygienists conducting these studies, work conditions were satisfactory where asphalt fumes were kept below     10 mg/m3.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Long term low level exposure to hydrogen sulfide may produce headache, fatigue, dizziness,  irritability and loss of sexual desire. These symptoms may also result when exposed to hydrogen sulfide at high concentration for a short period of time.  Chronic solvent inhalation exposures may result in nervous system impairment and liver and blood changes. [PATTYS].