Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

KOPPERS PEC TREATED TIMBER DUST AND SHAVINGS

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Dust and shavings from timber pressure impregnated with a set mix of PEC (Pigment
Emulsified Creosote) for protection against fungal decay and insect attack. Use of
creosote treated timber is not recommended where there may be food or fodder contact;
drinking water contact, except for incidental contact as for structures as bridges, docks.
Also not recommended for regular contact with bare skin i.e.; seats, chairs; farm
structures on which animals may chew, also brooding, farrowing, or small animal rearing
structures. Sawing and sanding produces dust which contains the preservative chemical.

SYNONYMS

"creosote treated timber", "pigment emulsified creosote wood dusts, shavings, turnings,
borings"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

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).  

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.  Sensitization reactions may appear suddenly after repeatedsymptom free exposures.  

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.  Respiratory sensitization may result in allergic/asthma like responses; from coughing and minor breathing difficulties to bronchitis with wheezing, gasping.  Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is some evidence that inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  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.  Wood dusts are respiratory sensitisers and special care must be taken in  their management; the hazard is increased for treated timber.  Treated timber must NOT be used for cooking over open fires, barbecues,  spit roasts.  Originally thought to be related to species of hardwood, it is now  suggested that sinonasal cancers may be caused by the dusts generated  from hardwoods and softwoods. The causative agent or agents appear to  be components of the timber but have not been identified.  Other chronic responses to wood dust exposures are dermatitis,  conjunctivitis, simple bronchitis and non asthmatic chronic airflow  obstruction.  Sensitization may give severe responses to very low levels of exposure, i.e. hypersensitivity. Sensitized persons should not be allowed to work in situations where exposure may occur.