Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

WATTYL DIMET AMERCOAT 79 PART A

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Hardener component of coal tar pitch/epoxy coating. Application is usually by spray
atomisation after viscosity reduction with thinner may also be applied by airless spray
atomisation. Requires that the two parts be mixed by hand or mixer before use, in
accordance with manufacturers directions. Mix only as much as is required. Do not return
the mixed material to the original containers. 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.

SYNONYMS

"amine curing agent hardener coal tar epoxy system"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May cause CANCER.
May cause SENSITIZATION by skin contact.
May cause harm to the unborn child.
HARMFUL - May cause lung damage if swallowed.
Irritating to eyes and skin.
Highly flammable.
Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long- term adverse effects in the
aquatic environment.

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.  Not a likely route of entry into the body in commercial or industrial environments. The liquid may produce considerable gastrointestinal discomfort and be harmful or toxic if swallowed. Ingestion may cause nausea, pain and vomiting. Vomit entering the lungs by aspiration can cause inflammation of the lungs, which can lead to death.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  Amine epoxy-curing agents (hardeners) may produce primary skin irritation and sensitization dermatitis in predisposed individuals. Cutaneous reactions include erythema,  intolerable itching and severe facial swelling. Blistering, with weeping of serous fluid, and crusting and scaling may also occur. Individuals exhibiting "amine dermatitis" may experience a dramatic reaction upon re-exposure to minute quantities. Highly sensitive persons may even react to cured resins containing trace amounts of unreacted amine hardener. Minute quantities of air-borne amine may precipitate intense dermatological symptoms in sensitive individuals. Prolonged or repeated exposure may produce tissue necrosis.  Exposure to this product can cause sensitization of skin under sunlight. The product can reach the skin via the bloodstream either if swallowed or ingested. Swelling and redness are common; blistering may also occur. The skin may become warm and itchy. There may also be discoloration. Phototoxicity is a non-allergic condition and severity depends on the concentration of the offending chemical and the amount of radiation of particular wavelengths, usually in the UV spectrum. Inflammation develops on uncovered areas such as the hands and face; covered areas are usually spared. This is usually more like sunburn than an eczema. Coal tar products often cause phototoxic reactions. Phototoxic compounds may show their nature either by generating free radicals or reacting directly with target molecules under UV light.  

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 hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  Inhalation of epoxy resin amine hardeners (including polyamines and amine adducts) and may produce bronchospasm and coughing episodes lasting several days after cessation of the exposure. Even faint traces of these vapors may trigger an intense reaction in individuals showing "amine asthma". The literature records several instances of systemic intoxications following the use of amines in epoxy resin systems.  Respiratory sensitization may result in allergic/asthma like responses; from coughing and minor breathing difficulties to bronchitis with wheezing, gasping.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Skin contact with the material is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  There is ample evidence that this material can be regarded as being able to cause cancer in humans based on experiments and other information.  Ample evidence exists, from results in experimentation, that developmental disorders are directly caused by human exposure to the material.  

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of vapor and skin contact/eye contact with the material.  Sensitization reactions may appear suddenly after repeatedsymptom free exposures.  Sensitization may give severe responses to very low levels of exposure, i.e. hypersensitivity. Sensitized persons should not be allowed to work in situations where exposure may occur.  Prolonged or continuous skin contact with the liquid may cause defatting with drying, cracking, irritation and dermatitis following.  Chronic solvent inhalation exposures may result in nervous system impairment and liver and blood changes. [PATTYS].  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.  The IARC Monograph (Vol 35) concludes that there is sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity in experimental animals of untreated vacuum distillate, acid-treated oils,  and aromatic oils, including extracts from solvent treatment of distillates and the high boiling fraction of catalytically cracked oils.