Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HAEMATIN

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Haematin is the ferric iron complex of protoporphyrin IX and is formed from haemoglobin.
Has been used to treat acute porphyria. Found in the body in pathological conditions such
as phosgene poisoning and in pernicious anaemia.

SYNONYMS

C34-H32-Fe-N4-O5.FeOH, "iron, (dihydrogen 3, 7, 12, 17-tetramethyl-8, 13-divinyl-2, 18-
porphine-dipropionato(2-))-hydroxy-", "iron, (dihydrogen 3, 7, 12, 17-tetramethyl-8, 13-
divinyl-2, 18-porphine-dipropionato(2-))-hydroxy-", "7, 12-diethenyl-3, 8, 13, 17-
tetramethyl-21H, 23H-porphine-2, 18-dipropanoato-(4-)-N21, N22, N23, N24]-
hydroxyferrate(2-) dihydrogen", "7, 12-diethenyl-3, 8, 13, 17-tetramethyl-21H, 23H-
porphine-2, 18-dipropanoato-(4-)-N21, N22, N23, N24]-hydroxyferrate(2-) dihydrogen",
"bovine hemin", ferrohemate, ferriheme, "ferriheme hydroxide", "ferrihemic acid",
"ferriporphyrin hydroxide", "ferriprotoporphyrin basic", "ferriprotoporphrin IX
hydroxide", "ferriprotoporphrin IX hydroxide", "hydroxy(dihydrogen protoporphyrin IX-
ato(2-)) iron", hydroxyhemin, protohematin, Phenodin

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

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.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

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).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

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.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact and inhalation of generated dust.  Elevated levels of hematin may increase the pulse rate and increase blood  pressures.  Histological changes have been noted in kidney, ureter and bladder  Chronic excessive intake of iron have been associated with damage to the liver and pancreas. People with a genetic disposition to poor control over iron are at an increased risk. Iron overload in men may lead to diabetes, joint inflammation, liver cancer, heart irregularities and problems with other organs.