Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

OROTIC ACID

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Orotic acid occurs naturally in the body. Pyrimidine precursor in animals; pyrimidines are
involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Extracted from cow' s milk and from certain
strains of Neurospora mold. Growth factor for certain organisms. Orotic acid (and its
lysine, potassium and magnesium salts) has been used in the treatment of hyperuricaemia
and hypercholesterolaemia in liver disorders. Has also been given to premature and full-
term infants to lower bilirubin concentrations with conflicting results.

SYNONYMS

C5-H4-N2-O4, C4N2H3(O)2COOH, "animal galactose factor", 4-carboxyuracil, 4-carboxyuracil,
6-carboxyuracil, 6-carboxyuracil, "6-carboxy-2, 4-dihydroxypyrimidine", "6-carboxy-2, 4-
dihydroxypyrimidine", "2, 6-dihydroxypyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid", "2, 6-
dihydroxypyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid", "4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid, 1, 2, 3, 6-
tetrahydro-2, 6-dioxo-", "4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid, 1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydro-2, 6-dioxo-
", "6-uracilcarboxylic acid", "6-uracilcarboxylic acid", "uracil-4-carboxylic acid",
"uracil-4-carboxylic acid", "orotic acid anhydrous", "whey factor", Lactinium, Orodin,
Orotonin, Oroturic, Orotyl

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.  

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

  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.  Not considered an irritant through normal use.  

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

  Primary route of exposure is usually by skin contact with the material.  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.