Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

K&H CATALYST

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Hardener for polyester resin and fibreglass repair kit.

SYNONYMS

"liquid catalyst polyester hardener"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Contact with combustible material may cause fire.
Irritating to eyes.
Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  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 organic peroxides may produce nausea, vomiting, abnormal pain, stupor, bluish discoloration of skin and mucous membranes. Inflammation of the heart muscle may also occur.  Central nervous system (CNS) depression may include general discomfort, symptoms of giddiness, headache, dizziness, nausea, anaesthetic effects, slowed reaction time, slurred speech and may progress to unconsciousness. Serious poisonings may result in respiratory depression and may be fatal.  The toxicity of phthalates is not excessive due to slow oral absorption and metabolism. Absorption is affected by fat in the diet. Repeated doses can cause cumulative toxic effects, and symptoms include an enlarged liver which often reverses if exposure is maintained. Carbohydrate metabolism is disrupted, and cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood falls. There can also be withering of the testicles. Some phthalates can increase the effects of antibiotics, thiamine (vitamin B1) and sulfonamides.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  Eye contact with organic peroxides can cause clouding, redness, swelling and burns of the eye on prolonged contact.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  All organic peroxides are irritating to the skin and if allowed to remain on the skin, may produce inflammation; some are allergenic.  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

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material, if inhaled, can irritate the throat and lungs of some persons.  The inhalation of organic peroxide dusts or vapors can produce throat and lung irritation and cause an asthma-like effect. Over-exposure can cause tears, salivation, lethargy, slow breathing, breathing difficulties, headache, weakness, tremor, stupor and swelling of the lung.  Inhalation of vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness. This may be accompanied by narcosis, reduced alertness, loss of reflexes, lack of coordination and vertigo.  Ketone vapors irritate the nose, throat and mucous membrane. High concentrations depress the central nervous system, causing headache, vertigo, poor concentration, sleep and failure of the heart and breathing. Some ketones can cause multiple nerve disorders, inducing "pins and needles" and weakness in the limbs.  If exposure to highly concentrated solvent atmosphere is prolonged this may lead to narcosis, unconsciousness, even coma and possible death.  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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Persistent exposure over a long period of time to peroxides produces allergic skin reactions ( redness and scaling of the skin ) and asthmatic wheezing.  There is some evidence that inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  There is limited evidence that, skin contact with this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Exposure to phthalates over years leads to pain, numbness and spasms in the hands and feet. Many people have developed multiple disorders in the nervous system and the balancing system. Levels of sex hormones are reduced in women, leading to missed ovulations and miscarriages. They also reduce sperm counts and fertility in men. They mimic certain sex hormones and can damage the fetus. Phthalates are found in paints, inks and glues.  The material may accumulate in the human body and progressively causetissue damage.  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.  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.