Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

J.T. BAKER COBALT 1000 PPM (0.100% W/V) SOLUTION

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

As a laboratory reagent; spectroscopic calibration solution for cobalt. c(Co) = 1000 +/- 2
mg/L (17.0 millimol/litre)

SYNONYMS

"Spectrosol standard solution"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May cause CANCER by inhalation.
Irritating to eyes and skin.
Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long- term adverse effects in the aquatic
environment.

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.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Ingestion may result in nausea, abdominal irritation, pain and vomiting.  In toxic doses soluble cobalt salts produce stomach pain and vomiting, flushing of the face and ears, rash, ringing in the ears, nervous deafness and reduced blood flow to the extremities.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  Eye contact is extremely painful and may cause rapid corneal damage.  

SKIN

  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  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.  

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.  Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/eye contact with the liquid.  Inhalation of cobalt powder can induce asthma, chest tightness and chronic inflammation of the bronchi. Chronic exposure to cobalt causes increase in blood hemoglobin, increased production of cells in the blood marrow and thyroid gland, discharge from around the heart and damage to the alpha cells of the pancreas. Long-term administration has caused goiter (overactivity of the thyroid) and reduced thyroid activity. Allergic inflammation of the skin may appear following exposure to cobalt, usually exhibited as red patches. Injection of cobalt can cause cancer at the site of entry.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.  One ingredient of the product has caused skin sensitization reactions, shown as localized reddening and hives, or may produce respiratory sensitization characterized by asthma-  like symptoms and runny nose.