Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

LIME OIL

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Essential oil obtained by steam- distillation of the rind of lime. Containers with
labelling " Application to skin may increase sensitivity to sunlight " , are not required
to carry a S5 Caution Label.

SYNONYMS

"oil of lime", "distilled lime oil", "oils, lime", "lime oil expressed", "citrus
aurantifolis swingle distilled oil", "lime oil distilled peruvian", "lime oil distilled
haitian", "lime oil distilled mexican", "lime oil distilled west indian"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Contact with combustible material may cause fire.
Irritating to eyes.
HARMFUL - May cause lung damage if swallowed.
Flammable.

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.  Ingestion may result in nausea, pain, vomiting. Vomit entering the lungs by aspiration may cause potentially lethal chemical pneumonitis.  d-limonene, if ingested, causes a non-bloody diarrhea and abnormalities in bone formation. A strong urge to pass bowel may occur with little or no stools actually passed. In massive doses death may occur.  Essential oils cause mild irritation of the mouth if taken orally, causing more saliva to be produced and a warm feeling. Large amounts affect the digestive system causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Sometimes urination may be affected, causing difficulty or pain in urinating, reduced urine output, blood in the urine, unconsciousness and shallow breathing. Lung swelling and inflammation are possible complications. Stupor, excitement and respiratory failure may result, as well as convulsions; the central nervous system may either be depressed or stimulated. The kidneys may be damaged, and swelling and severe clogging can occur in the lungs, skin and kidneys. Essential oils increase the rate of miscarriage, but in low doses do not usually cause an abortion.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  The material may produce severe irritation to the eye causing pronounced inflammation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants may produce conjunctivitis.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  The material may accentuate any pre-existing dermatitis condition.  The material may cause skin irritation after prolonged or repeated exposure and may produce on contact skin redness, swelling, the production of vesicles, scaling and thickening of the skin.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  d-limonene causes moderate irritation to skin including redness and swelling. Sometimes there are delayed hemorrhagic lesions.  Following contact with plants that produce furocoumarins and direct sunlight, a severe, painful reaction can occur, with blisters. This reaction occurs 6 to 24 hours following exposure. Important plants include limes, lemons, figs, celery, carrots, parsley, parsnip,  dill, rue, bergamot and the "gas" plant. Workers are susceptible as soon as they are exposed to sunlight. Fungal parasites may increase the amount of furocoumarins and hence the severity of the reaction.  Essential oils cause mild irritation of the mouth if taken orally, causing more saliva to be produced and a warm feeling. Large amounts affect the digestive system causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Sometimes urination may be affected, causing difficulty or pain in urinating, reduced urine output, blood in the urine, unconsciousness and shallow breathing. Lung swelling and inflammation are possible complications. Stupor, excitement and respiratory failure may result, as well as convulsions; the central nervous system may either be depressed or stimulated. The kidneys may be damaged, and swelling and severe clogging can occur in the lungs, skin and kidneys. Essential oils increase the rate of miscarriage, but in low doses do not usually cause an abortion.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  There is some evidence to suggest that this material, if inhaled, can irritate the throat and lungs of some persons.  Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  Acute effects from inhalation of high vapor concentrations may be chest and nasal irritation with coughing, sneezing, headache and even nausea.  Inhalation of essential oil volatiles may cause dizziness, rapid, shallow breathing, increased heart rate, respiratory irritation, loss of consciousness or convulsions. Urination may stop, and there may be swelling and inflammation of the lungs.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of vapor.  Prolonged or continuous skin contact with the liquid may cause defatting with drying, cracking, irritation and dermatitis following.  At least one phototoxic furocoumaron (8-methoxypsoralen) has been shown to markedly enhance experimental UV carcinogenesis. Enhanced skin cancer formation has been described in humans undergoing treatment with psoralens and UV-A for psoriasis.  In one study with citrus oils, the authors concluded that one component  was capable of promoting skin tumor development in previously initiated  mice.  Roe, F.J.C. and Peirce W.E.I.; Jnl Nat Canc Inst, 24, pp 1389-1403, 1960  d-Limonene may cause damage to and growths in the kidney.These growths can progress to cancer.