Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HELENALIN

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Sesquiterpene lactones (SQL) are a class of naturally occurring plant terpenoids that are
formed from " head- total condensation of three isoprene units and subsequent cyclization
and oxidative transformation to produce a cis or trans- fused lactone. Sesquiterpene
lactones are characteristic constituents of Compositae. These secondary compounds are
primarily classified on the basis of their carbocyclic skeletons into germanocranolides,
guaianalides, eudedesmalides, pseudogua! inolides and xanthonolides. The suffix " olide"
refers to the lactone function and is based on costunolide, a germanacranoride which is
related to the ten- membered carbocyclic sesquiterpene, germacrone. Pseudoguanianolide
sesquiterpenoid lactone isolated from Helenium autumnale L., H. amarum, H. microcephalum
DC., Compositae, an Arnica montana L.

SYNONYMS

C15-H18-O4, "ambrosa-2, 11(13)-dien-12-oic acid, ", "ambrosa-2, 11(13)-dien-12-oic acid,
", "6-alpha, 8-beta-dihydroxy-4-oxo-, 12, 8-lactone", "6-alpha, 8-beta-dihydroxy-4-oxo-,
12, 8-lactone", "3, 3a, 4, 4a, 7a, 8, 9, 9a-octahydro-4-hydroxy-4a, 8-dimethyl-3-
methyleneazuleno-", "3, 3a, 4, 4a, 7a, 8, 9, 9a-octahydro-4-hydroxy-4a, 8-dimethyl-3-
methyleneazuleno-", "[6, 5-b]furan-2, 5-dione", "[6, 5-b]furan-2, 5-dione", "6-alpha, 8-
beta-dihydroxy-4-oxoambrosa-2, 11(13)dien-12-oic acid 12, 8-lactone", "6-alpha, 8-beta-
dihydroxy-4-oxoambrosa-2, 11(13)dien-12-oic acid 12, 8-lactone", "pseudoguanianolide
sesquiterpene lactone", "sesquiterpenoid lactone", "constituent of : Helenium
autumnaleHelenium amarumHelenium microcephalum Compositae"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Toxic if swallowed.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 40 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.  The sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are highly irritating to the gastrointestinal tract and many are toxic. SLs are restricted in distribution, occurring primarily in Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Lauraceae and Hepaticae. These compounds possess potent biological activity and are responsible for the bitter taste and toxic properties of many plants in which they occur.  Livestock poisoning from foraging on bitter tasting plants of the family Compositae is well documented. Besides the deleterious effects on domestic animals, it is well reported that many Compositae plants, containing SLs, are also toxic to wild animals.  SLs are also neurotoxic; one, repin, has been implicated in causing a syndrome similar to Parkinson's disease in horses.  Sheep and goats are the main livestock species affected, primarily because the plants are unpalatable and rarely consumed in toxic amounts by cattle and horses.  The toxicity of SLs is due to binding of the exocyclic methylene group with tissue constituents such as sulfhydryl groups and other nucleophilic components.  So-called "sneezeweed poisoning" is often referred to as "spewing sickness" because of the characteristic vomiting seen. Affected sheep may have a green stain around the mouth and stand with upturned head attempting to retain the regurgitated plant material. Vomited material is often inhaled into the lungs, causing either death from inhalation pneumonia or permanent lung damage accompanied by chronic coughing. Primary lesions are gastrointestinal irritation, congestion of the liver and kidney, and pulmonary damage.  Since many SLs are also antimicrobial agents, it is possible that they also exert their action by altering the microbial composition of rumen and thus affect its vital metabolic function. Hence rumen dysfunction may contribute to the toxicity caused by SLs in livestock.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  Sesquiterpene lactones are often highly irritating to the eyes.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Abrasive damage however, may result from prolonged exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  Cases of contact dermatitis, resulting from exposure to plants containing sesquiterpene  lactones, have been described. Cross-sensitivity reactions have also been identified following exposure to plants containing sesquiterpene lactones of similar type.  [Fernandez de Corres L.: Contact Dermatitis, 11, pp 74-79, 1984.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  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 may produce health damage*.  Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  There is some evidence to suggest that the material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  Sesquiterpene lactones are often highly irritating to the tissues of the respiratory tract and nose. Inhalation or skin contact may also result in allergic rhinitis.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is limited evidence that, skin contact with this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.  Sensitization may result in allergic dermatitis responses includingrash, itching, hives or swelling of extremities.  Cases of contact dermatitis, resulting from exposure to plants containing sesquiterpene  lactones, have been described. Cross-sensitivity reactions have also been identified following exposure to plants containing sesquiterpene lactones of similar type.  [Fernandez de Corres L.: Contact Dermatitis, 11, pp 74-79, 1984.