Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

KEY NO-DOZ

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used to help relieve mental fatigue, drowsiness and general inertia to promote a bright
and alert state. Each tablet contains 100 mg caffeine. Dosage: 1 tablet. Repeated dosage
should not be taken under 3 hours. No more than 6 tablets to be taken within 24 hours.
Dose should be reduced if tea, coffee or cola beverages are also taken. As a comparison,
approx. caffeine content of various beverages per 6 oz cup: brewed coffee: 100 to 150 mg;
`instant' coffee: 60 to 80 mg; decaffeinated coffee 3 to 5 mg; tea 40 to 100 mg; cola
drinks: 17 to 55 mg. Do not administer to children less than 12 years of age.

SYNONYMS

"No-Doze (misspelling) caffeine tablets wake up alertness tablets"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful if swallowed.

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.  Xanthine derivatives may produce nausea, vomiting, anorexia, stomach pain, vomiting of blood and diarrhea. Protein in the urine, increased amounts of urine output, and increased excretion of renal tubular cells and red blood cells may also occur. Effects on breathing may include increased rate and stoppage. Central nervous system effects may include restlessness, dizziness, headache, sleep disturbance, very brisk reflexes, stammering speech, muscle twitches and convulsions alternating with severe depression. Overdose can cause coma. Cardiovascular effects include palpitations, low blood pressure, fast heart rate, extra contractions, life-threatening irregularities of the ventricles and failure of circulation. Other symptoms of overexposure include rash, fever, flushing, high blood sugar, inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone, and relaxation of the smooth muscle of the airways.  Low doses of caffeine are safe although mildly stimulatory. Acute poisoning is characterized by nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, vomiting blood, gastrointestinal upset, increased urination and dehydration. Muscle twitches, changes in tone, sensitivity,  forced biting and contractions are also seen. Other symptoms include ringing in the ears, enlarged blindspot with colored shimmering lights, irregular heart beats, increased heart rate and irregularities in urination. Stimulation of gastric secretions can result in peptic ulcers. Low doses may cause a small decrease in heart rate, higher doses cause a wide range of symptoms including headache, chills, fever, dizziness, light-headedness, nervousness, sleep loss, pinpoint pupils, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and double vision. Excitement, vertigo and coma may result. Increased rate of metabolism and electrolyte imbalances in the blood may be seen, as are breathing difficulties, chest tightness, palpitations, irregularities in heart rhythm and high blood pressure. Severe overdoses may cause seizures, followed by death.  

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

  Skin contact is not thought to produce harmful health effects (as classified using animal models). Systemic harm, however, has been identified following exposure of animals by at least one other route and the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  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.  

INHALED

  Inhalation of vapors or aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Inhalation of caffeine dusts or aerosols may produce nose and throat irritation, coughing and chest discomfort. The material may act as a stimulant following massive inhalations. Heavy exposure may produce palpitation, excitement, insomnia, dizziness, headache and vomiting.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There has been some concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations but there is not enough data to make an assessment.  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Headaches, tension and nervousness are characteristics of excessive caffeine consumption. Over long periods agitation, psychosis, heartburn and hyperventilation can occur. A mild fever is sometimes seen and the heart and breathing may stop. Prolonged use of drinks containing caffeine can result in tolerance, dependency and if administration is suddenly stopped, withdrawal symptoms can occur. Constipation and mental depression may also be implicated. Caffeine taken in pregnancy has been associated with miscarriage, abnormal birth positions, stillbirths, premature births and low birth weight. There may be an increased rate of cancer.