Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HYDRO-MAX

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

The mineral is the source of manganese and all its compounds; largely used in the
manufacture of manganese steel; in alkaline batteries (dry cell); for making amethyst
glass, decolourising glass. Also used for painting on porcelain, faience and majolica. The
solid is used in electrotechnics, pigments, browning gun barrels, drier for paints and
varnishes, printing and dyeing textiles.

SYNONYMS

"magnesium tetra-oxide"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  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.  Poisonings rarely occur after oral administration of manganese salts because they are poorly absorbed from the gut.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may be harmful; systemic effects may resultfollowing absorption.  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  

INHALED

  If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons.  Manganese fume is toxic and produces nervous system effects characterized by tiredness. Acute poisoning is rare although acute inflammation of the lungs may occur. A chemical pneumonia may also result from frequent exposure. Inhalation of freshly formed metal oxide particles sized below 1.5 microns and generally between 0.02 to 0.05 microns may result in "metal fume fever". Symptoms may be delayed for up to 12 hours and begin with the sudden onset of thirst, and a sweet, metallic or foul taste in the mouth. Other symptoms include upper respiratory tract irritation accompanied by coughing and a dryness of the mucous membranes, lassitude and a generalized feeling of malaise. Mild to severe headache, nausea, occasional vomiting, fever or chills, exaggerated mental activity, profuse sweating, diarrhea, excessive urination and prostration may also occur. Tolerance to the fumes develops rapidly, but is quickly lost. All symptoms usually subside within 24-36 hours following removal from exposure.  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.  Manganese is an essential trace element. Chronic exposure to low levels of manganese can include a mask-like facial expression, spastic gait, tremors, slurred speech, disordered muscle tone, fatigue, anorexia, loss of strength and energy, apathy and poor concentration.