Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

NAPHTHALENESULFONIC ACID/ FORMALDEHYDE CONDENSATE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Dispersant and stabiliser for the paper industry.

SYNONYMS

"naphthalenesulfonic acid formaldehyde polycondensate"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May cause CANCER.
May cause SENSITIZATION by skin contact.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.  High molecular weight material; on single acute exposure would be expected to pass through gastrointestinal tract with little change / absorption. Occasionally accumulation of the solid material within the alimentary tract may result in formation of a bezoar (concretion), producing discomfort.  Ingestion of anionic surfactants may produce diarrhea, bloated stomach,and occasional vomiting.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  Direct eye contact with some anionic surfactants in high concentration can cause severe damage to the cornea. Low concentrations can cause discomfort, excess blood flow, and corneal clouding and swelling. Recovery may take several days.  

SKIN

  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.  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons.  Anionic surfactants can cause skin redness and pain, as well as a rash. Cracking, scaling and blistering can occur.  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

  The material is not thought to produce either adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract following inhalation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, adverse effects have been produced following exposure of animals by at least one other route and good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Skin contact with the material is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  There is sufficient evidence to suggest that this materialdirectly causes cancer in humans.  There is some evidence that inhaling 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.  This material contains a polymer with a functional group considered to be of moderate concern. Aldehydes are reactive, soluble and are highly irritating. The lower (lighter) aldehydes attack exposed tissues and less soluble species can enter the lungs. Toxicity is lower for larger species because they are less easily absorbed by the body. However even large polymers with more than one medium-risk reactive group cannot be classified as a low risk polymer.  Exposure to Sulfonates can cause an imbalance in cellular salts and therefore cellular function. Airborne sulfonates may be responsible for respiratory allergies and, in some instances, minor dermal allergies.