Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

WATERTEST ALKALINITY REAGENT PA3

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Laboratory reagent.

SYNONYMS

"Product Code: RD1205"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful if swallowed.

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.  Ingestion of soluble barium compounds may result in ulceration of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, tightness in the muscles of the face and neck, gastroenteritis, vomiting, diarrhea, muscular tremors and paralysis, anxiety, weakness, labored breathing, cardiac irregularity due to contractions of smooth striated and cardiac muscles (often violent and painful), slow irregular pulse, hypertension, convulsions and respiratory failure.  

EYE

  Although the liquid 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

  Skin contact is not thought to produce harmful health effects (as classified using animal models). Systemic harm, however, has been identified following exposure of animals by at least one other route and the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  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

  Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.  The material is not thought to produce either adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract following inhalation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, adverse effects have been produced following exposure of animals by at least one other route and good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Barium compounds may cause high blood pressure, airway irritation and damage the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Prolonged exposure may cause a lung inflammation and scarring. Symptoms of this include a worsening dry cough, shortness of breath on exertion, increased chest expansion and weakness. Stringy phlegm in the cough appears later, with more difficulty in breathing and a further loss of lung capacity. Barium sulfate does not cause permanent scarring of the lungs.