Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

WENTWORTH AIRDUSTER

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Air duster. Application is by spray atomization from a hand held aerosol pack. Asphyxiant
(lowers the oxygen content of air). WARNING: Intentional misuse by concentrating/inhaling
contents may be lethal.

SYNONYMS

hydrofluoroalkanes

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful if swallowed.
Flammable.
Risk of explosion if heated under confinement.

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.  Not normally a hazard due to physical form of product.  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.  Fluorocarbons remove natural oils from the skin, causing irritation,dryness and sensitivity.  Vaporizing liquid causes rapid cooling and contact may cause cold burns,frostbite.  

INHALED

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material, if inhaled, can irritate the throat and lungs of some persons.  Although inhalation is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still produce health damage, especially where pre-existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally confined to doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-  health).  WARNING: Intentional misuse by concentrating/inhaling contents may be lethal.  Material is highly volatile and may quickly form a concentrated atmosphere in confined or unventilated areas. Vapor is heavier than air and may displace and replace air in breathing zone, acting as a simple asphyxiant. This may happen with little warning of overexposure.  Exposure to fluorocarbons can produce non-specific flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, chest discomfort, sore throat and dry cough with rapid recovery. High concentrations can cause irregular heartbeats and a stepwise reduction in lung capacity. Heart rate may be reduced.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Fluorocarbons can cause an increased risk of cancer, spontaneous abortionand birth defects.