Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HAEMATOPORPHYRIN DIHYDROCHLORIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

A red pigment free from iron derived from haematin. Haematoporphrin has been used in
treatment of anaemia, debility and depressive states. Reported to be preferentially
absorbed by cancerous cells making them fluoresce under UV light. May be useful clinically
in treatment of tumours using light.

SYNONYMS

C34-H38-N4-O6.HCl, "2, 18-porphinedipropionic acid, 7, 12-bis(1-hydroxyethyl)-3, 8, 13,
17-tetramethyl-, dihydrochloride", "2, 18-porphinedipropionic acid, 7, 12-bis(1-
hydroxyethyl)-3, 8, 13, 17-tetramethyl-, dihydrochloride", "acido 1, 3, 5, 8-tetrametil-
2, 4-bis(idrossietal)porfina-6, 7-dipropionicodicloridato", "acido 1, 3, 5, 8-tetrametil-
2, 4-bis(idrossietal)porfina-6, 7-dipropionicodicloridato", "7, 12-bis(1-hydroxyethyl)-3,
8, 13, 17-tetramethyl-2, 18-porphinedipropionicacid. 2HCl", "7, 12-bis(1-hydroxyethyl)-3,
8, 13, 17-tetramethyl-2, 18-porphinedipropionicacid. 2HCl", "1, 3, 5, 8-tetramethyl-2, 4-
bis(alpha-hydroxyethyl)porphine-6, 7-dipropionicacid hydrochloride", "1, 3, 5, 8-
tetramethyl-2, 4-bis(alpha-hydroxyethyl)porphine-6, 7-dipropionicacid hydrochloride",
"hematoporphyrin dihydrochloride", "hematoporphyrin X hydrochloride", Sensiobion,
Ematoporfirina, Hemodonine, Porfidyna

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

None

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

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.  

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).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

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.  Exposure to this product can cause sensitization of skin under sunlight. The product can reach the skin via the bloodstream either if swallowed or ingested. Swelling and redness are common; blistering may also occur. The skin may become warm and itchy. There may also be discoloration. Phototoxicity is a non-allergic condition and severity depends on the concentration of the offending chemical and the amount of radiation of particular wavelengths, usually in the UV spectrum. Inflammation develops on uncovered areas such as the hands and face; covered areas are usually spared. This is usually more like sunburn than an eczema. Coal tar products often cause phototoxic reactions. Phototoxic compounds may show their nature either by generating free radicals or reacting directly with target molecules under UV light.  

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.  Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.  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 usually by skin contact and inhalation of generated dust.  This material is a photosensitizer. Certain individuals working with this substance may show allergic reaction of the skin under sunlight. This results in sensitivity to sunburn (may be severe) unless protective covering and 15+PF sunscreen are used. Responses may vary from sunburn-like effects to swelling and blistering lesions.  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.