Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HEXANENITRILE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Intermediate.

SYNONYMS

C6-H11-N, CH3(CH2)4CN, capronitrile, n-capronitrile, n-capronitrile

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas.
Flammable.

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.  Cyanide poisoning can cause increased saliva output, nausea without vomiting, anxiety, confusion, vertigo, dizziness, stiffness of the lower jaw, convulsions, spasm, paralysis, coma and irregular heartbeat, and stimulation of breathing followed by failure. Often the skin becomes cyanosed (blue-gray), and this is often delayed. Doses which are not lethal are eventually excreted in the urine.  

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

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  The liquid may produce skin discomfort following prolonged contact. Defatting and/or drying of the skin may lead to dermatitis.  The material may accentuate any pre-existing skin condition.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce 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.  Inhalation of vapor may result in nausea, headache.  Inhalation of vapor may aggravate a pre-existing respiratory condition.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact and by inhalation of vapors especially at higher temperatures.  Chronic exposure to cyanides and certain nitriles may result in interference to iodine uptake by thyroid gland and its consequent enlargement. This occurs following metabolic conversion of the cyanide moiety to thiocyanate. Thyroid insufficiency may also occur as a result of metabolic conversion of cyanides to the corresponding thiocyanate. Exposure to small amounts of cyanide compounds over long periods are reported to cause loss of appetite, headache, weakness, nausea, dizziness, abdominal pain, changes in taste and smell, muscle cramps, weight loss, flushing of the face, persistent runny nose and irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes. These symptoms are not specific to cyanide exposure and therefore the existence of a chronic cyanide toxicity remains speculative. Repeated minor contact with cyanides produce a characteristic rash with itching, papules (small, superficial raised spots on the skin) and possible sensitization. Concerns have been expressed that low-level, long term exposures may result in damage to the nerves of the eye.  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.