Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

MAGNESIUM SALICYLATE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Analgesic, antipyretic. Has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other
rheumatic diseases. Intestinal anti- infective.

SYNONYMS

C14-H10-O6.Mg, "salicylic acid, magnesium salt", "2-hydroxybenzoic acid, magnesium
salt", "2-hydroxybenzoic acid, magnesium salt", Analate, Arthrin, Causalin, Lorisal,
Magan, Mobidin, Triact, "analgesic/ antipyretic"

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.  High oral doses of salicylates, such as aspirin, may cause a mild burning pain in the throat and stomach, causing vomiting. This is followed (within hours) by deep, rapid breathing, tiredness, nausea and further vomiting, thirst and diarrhea. The central nervous system is first stimulated, and then depression from failure occurs. Stimulation produces vomiting, hyperventilation, headache, ringing in the ears, confusion, behavior and mood changes, and generalized convulsions. Respiratory failure and cardiovascular collapse can result in death. There may also be sweating, skin eruptions, internal bleeding, kidney failure and inflamed pancreas. There may be bloody stools, purple skin spots or blood in the vomit. Many of these symptoms are due to disturbances in blood chemistry. A dose of 300 mg/kg can cause serious effects while 500 mg/kg can be lethal.  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).  

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.  Solution of material in moisture on the skin, or perspiration, mayincrease irritant effects.  

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.  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 by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Chronic exposure to salicylates produce problems with metabolism, central system disturbances, or kidney damage. Those with pre-existing damage to the eye, skin or kidney are especially at risk. Hypersensitive reactions can occur, especially in people with asthma. These symptoms include itchy wheals and other skin eruptions, an inflamed nose, shortness of breath and serious narrowing of the airways (which can even cause death). Chronic exposure to parabens by skin contact, ingestion or injection can cause hypersensitive reactions. There may be cross-sensitivity between different species, so people can be develop allergic symptoms if they were sensitized by other chemicals. Symptoms include acute narrowing of the airways, hives (itchy wheal), swelling, running nose and blurred vision. There may be anaphylactic shock and rash.  Chronic ingestion of excessive amounts of non-narcotic analgesics can lead to nephropathy (kidney damage) in humans. A substantial number of health deficits are associated with this condition. The include reduced GFR (glomerular filtration rate), salt wastage, hyperkalaemia, metabolic acidosis, and a vasopressin-resistant concentration defect. More severe forms of analgesic nephropathy may lead to papillary necrosis with sloughing of the papilla. Although renal function may return to normal after discontinuation of treatment or abuse, complete anuria (absence of urine formation) may result following continued abuse.  Most patients who develop analgesic nephropathy consume analgesics for up to 3 years, consuming between 2 and 5 mg daily.