Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

JOHNSON STEP OFF STRIPPER

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Cleaner.

SYNONYMS

cleaner

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Causes severe burns.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  The material can produce severe chemical burns within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.  Ingestion of alkaline corrosives may produce burns around the mouth, ulcerations and swellings of the mucous membranes, profuse saliva production, with an inability to speak or swallow. Both the esophagus and stomach may experience burning pain; vomiting and diarrhea may follow. Epiglottal swelling may result in respiratory distress and asphyxia; shock can occur. Narrowing of the esophagus, stomach or stomach valve may occur immediately or after a long delay (weeks to years). Severe exposure can perforate the esophagus or stomach leading to infections of the chest or abdominal cavity, with low chest pain, abdominal stiffness and fever. All of the above can cause death.  Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.  Ethanolamine is a normal intermediate in the metabolism of certain animal species producing phospholipids and choline. Major signs in rats poisoned by monoethanolamine included lachrymation,  piloerection, kyphosis, unsteady gait, emaciation, pallor, red or brown discharge on perianal, periocular and perigenital fur. Gross pathological changes included discolouration of lungs, stomach, intestines and kidneys, liver to stomach adhesions, and liquid or gas-filled stomachs.  

EYE

  The material can produce severe chemical burns to the eye following direct contact. Vapors or mists may be extremely irritating.  If applied to the eyes, this material causes severe eye damage.  Direct eye contact with corrosive bases can cause pain and burns. There may be swelling, epithelium destruction, clouding of the cornea and inflammation of the iris. Mild cases often resolve; severe cases can be prolonged with complications such as persistent swelling, scarring, permanent cloudiness, bulging of the eye, cataracts, eyelids glued to the eyeball and blindness.  A drop of ethanolamine in the eye causes injury slightly less than that produced by ammonia (grade 9, on a scale 1 to 10). Following instillation to rabbit eyes (0.005 ml), there was severe corneal injury with vascularisation and corneal deformation, severe iritis, and severe conjunctival irritation with necrosis.  

SKIN

  The material can produce severe chemical burns following direct contactwith the skin.  Skin contact with alkaline corrosives may produce severe pain and burns; brownish stains may develop. The corroded area may be soft, gelatinous and necrotic; tissue destruction may be deep.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  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.  When applied to the skin ethanolamine is considerably more toxic than when administered orally. A single prolonged skin exposure may result in the absorption of harmful amounts. Rats poisoned after topical application showed sluggishness, abdominal distension, prostration and emaciation. Gross pathological changes included discoloured lungs, trachea, intestines, thymus and kidneys and liquid or gas-filled stomach and intestines.  The undiluted liquid causes swelling and redness on rabbit skin, comparable to a first-  degree burn. The necrosis produced is not related to its alkalinity.  Following a 4-hour occluded application to rabbit skin, there was severe erythema, oedema and necrosis with subsequent ulceration and scabbing.  

INHALED

  The material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  Inhaling corrosive bases may irritate the respiratory tract. Symptoms include cough, choking, pain and damage to the mucous membrane. In severe cases, lung swelling may develop, sometimes after a delay of hours to days. There may be low blood pressure, a weak and rapid pulse, and crackling sounds.  Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Repeated or prolonged exposure to corrosives may result in the erosion of teeth, inflammatory and ulcerative changes in the mouth and necrosis (rarely) of the jaw. Bronchial irritation, with cough, and frequent attacks of bronchial pneumonia may ensue. Gastrointestinal disturbances may also occur. Chronic exposures may result in dermatitis and/or conjunctivitis.  Long-term exposure to respiratory irritants may result in disease of the airways involving difficult breathing and related systemic problems.  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.