Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HARMAN HYDROCHLORIDE MONOHYDRATE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Derivative of an alkaloid obtained from the bark of Sickingia rubra (Mart.) K Scum.,
(Arariba rubra Mart.), Rubiaceae; Symplocus racemosa Roxb., Symplocaceae; and Passiflora
incarnata L., Passifloraceae. Monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

SYNONYMS

C12-H10-N2, "harmane hydrochloride monohydrate", "1-methyl-9H-pyrido[3, 4-b]indole
hydrochloride", "1-methyl-9H-pyrido[3, 4-b]indole hydrochloride", "3-methyl-4-carboline
hydrochloride", "3-methyl-4-carboline hydrochloride", "aribine hydrochloride", "loturine
hydrochloride", "passiflorin hydrochloride", alkaloid, "monoamine oxidase inhibitor/ MOI/
MAO"

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.  Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) cause low blood pressure, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness and tiredness, dry mouth, constipation, other digestive disturbances (including nausea and vomiting) and swelling. Other symptoms include agitation and tremors, sleep disturbance, blurred vision, difficulty urinating, convulsions, skin rash, loss of white blood cells, sexual disturbances and weight gain. There may be psychiatric changes such as elevated mood, confusion and hallucinations, and there can also be jaundice and death of liver tissue. Symptoms may be delayed for several hours. Other effects include increased blood pressure, spasticity and brisk reflexes, sweating, elevated temperature, dilated pupils, urinary retention, convulsions and peripheral collapse. Severe and often fatal increases in blood pressure can occur if the MAOI is given at the same time as certain foods including cheese, broad beans, game, certain alcoholic beverages and other foods containing certain proteins. These reactions can cause severe headache, bleeding to the brain and acute heart failure.  Many beta-carbolines are neurotoxic; several are mutagenic. Tetrahydro-beta-carbolines (THBCs) may produce symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease. They may occur naturally or may be produced by the metabolic conversion of synthetic substances such as the heroin contaminant, MPTP. .  Almost all cooked or prepared foods contain beta-carbolines (BCs) (9H-pyrido[3,4-b]- indoles) which are analogues of tryptophan or tryptamine. These substances may produce neurological effects. They appear to influence benzodiazepine, serotonine and dopamine receptors in the brain and may modify the effects of other neurotransmitters. Such influence may result in increased secretion and decomposition of dopamine (mimicking physical stress) thus enhancing aggressive behaviour (3-methoxycarbonyl- beta-carboline produces such effects) . Other BCs (such as 3-ethoxycarbonyl- beta-carboline) are hypnotic and anaesthetic and diminish sexual appetite. Sleep may be disturbed (3-  hydroxymethyl-beta-carboline). Certain BCs (notably 3-N-methylcarboxamide-beta-carboline) promote reckless behaviour while others (notably 3-methylcarbonyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-  beta-carboline) produce anxiety and suppress immune system activity. Still other BCs may produce sedation (notably 3-ethylcarbonyl-6-benzyloxy-4-methoxymethyl-beta-carboline)  beta-Carbolines (heterocyclic amines) may further react with endogenous amines, such as aniline, to produce mutagenic species. Mutagenic activity is partly dependent on how much nitrogen the BC contains.  

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.  

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.  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/absorption and inhalation of generated dust.  No human exposure data available. For this reason health effects described are based on experience with chemically related materials.  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.