Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HEXAMETHYLDISILOXANE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Synthesis of benzoyl chloride, silyl ethers. NMR internal standard.

SYNONYMS

C6-H18-O-Si2, C6-H18-O-Si2, HMDSO, oxybis(trimethylsiloxane), "silane, oxybis(trimethyl-
", "Silicone fluid Y-4081", "linear siloxane"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Highly flammable.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Silicone fluids do not have a high acute toxicity. They may have a laxative effect and produce central nervous system depression. They have been known to reduce bloating and gas. Aspiration of silicone fluids can produce inflammation of the lungs.  The material has NOT been classified as "harmful by ingestion". This is because of the lack of corroborating animal or human evidence. 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, unintentional ingestion is not thought to be cause for concern.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  Eye exposure to silicone fluids causes temporary irritation of the conjunctiva. Injection into the specific structures of the eye, however, causes corneal scarring, permanent eye damage, allergic reactions and cataract, and may lead to blindness.  

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.  There is some evidence to suggest that the material may cause mild but significant inflammation of the skin either following direct contact or after a delay of some time. Repeated exposure can cause contact dermatitis which is characterized by redness, swelling and blistering.  Skin contact is not thought to have harmful health effects, however the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions.  Low molecular weight silicone fluids may exhibit solvent action andmay produce skin irritation.  

INHALED

  Vapors of silicones are generally fairly well tolerated, however very high concentrations can cause death within minutes due to respiratory failure. At high temperatures, the fumes and oxidation products can be irritating and toxic and can cause depression leading to death in very high doses.  Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Long-term exposure to the product is not thought to produce chronic effects adverse to the health (as classified using animal models); nevertheless exposure by all routes should be minimized as a matter of course.