Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

MAGNESIUM SULFATE, ANHYDROUS

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Laboratory reagent. Used as laxative (B.P. grade); in weighting cotton and silk;
increasing the bleaching action of chlorinated lime; manufacture of mother- of- pearl and
frosted papers; fire- proofing fabrics; dyeing and printing calicos; in fertilisers. Also
used in explosives, matches; mineral water; tanning leather.

SYNONYMS

MgSO4, "magnesium sulfate", "anhydrous magnesium sulphate", "sulfuric acid, magnesium
salt(1:1)", "dried epsom salts", "J.T. Baker 2506, 7972, 8001", "Mallinckrodt 5053,
5463, 6035, 6049, 6050, 6070, 6516"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

None

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

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.  Sulfates are not well absorbed orally, but can cause diarrhea.  Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.  Magnesium salts are generally absorbed so slowly that oral administration causes few toxic effects, as the dose is readily expelled via the bowel. If evacuation fails, mucosal irritation and absorption may result. This can result in nervous system depression, heart effects, loss of reflexes and death due to paralysis of breathing. These usually do not occur unless the bowel or kidneys are damaged.  

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).  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  

SKIN

  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.  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.  

INHALED

  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

  Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.  Long-term exposure to the product is not thought to produce chronic effects adverse to the health (as classified using animal models); nevertheless exposure by all routes should be minimized as a matter of course.  A patient with normal kidney function developed symptomatic hypermagnesemia  with respiratory arrest and bradycardia after receiving 90 grams of  magnesium sulfate over 18 hours.  When given to pregnant rats, a sharp reduction of both the number and the  weight of the offspring was observed.