Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HC YELLOW NO.5

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

HC Yellow No. 4 is used exclusively as a dye in semi- permanent hair colour products.
These products are generally shampooed into the hair, lathered and then allowed to remain
in contact with the hair and scalp for 30- 45 min.The concentrations of HC Yellow No.4 in
these preparations ranges from 0.1- 1.0%. [IARC Monographs Volume 57 p.160]

SYNONYMS

C10-H14-N2-O5, 2-[(2-[2-hydroxyethoxy]-4-nitrophenyl)amino]ethanol, 2-[(2-[2-
hydroxyethoxy]-4-nitrophenyl)amino]ethanol, "N, O-di(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-amino-5-
nitrophenol", "N, O-di(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-amino-5-nitrophenol", 2-[3-nitro-6-(beta-
hydroxyethylamino)phenoxy]ethanol, 2-[3-nitro-6-(beta-hydroxyethylamino)phenoxy]ethanol

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.  

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.  Breathing in nitrophenols may result in irritation of the lining of the nasal passage, and mouth and poisoning of the bodies nervous system. Poisoning of the bodies central nervous system, reduces the bloods capacity to carry oxygen to the bodies tissues and organs. Flushed face, headache and and a sense of elation are common. Moderate exposure may produce bluish discoloration of the lips, earlobes, and finger nails. A loss of muscle coordination may occur along with difficulty breathing, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting. High concentrations may result in rapid beating of the heart, rapid violent spasms of the bodies muscles and loss of consciousness.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/eye contact and inhalation of generated dust.  Exposure over a long period of time to nitrophenols may produce kidney and liver damage. Inflammation of the colon, intestine, liver, stomach, and enlargement of the spleen may occur.  HC Yellow No. 4 fed in the diet showed an increase in the incidence of  adenomas of the pituitary glands of male rats. HC Yellow No. 4 induced  gene mutation in bacteria and insects.  [IARC Monographs Vol. 57 p. 163]