Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HEEF 25 NSR MAINTENANCE SALT

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Addition agent used in make- up and conversion to Atotech - HEEF 25 N Chromium Plating
Process.

SYNONYMS

"electroplating additive"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Contact with combustible material may cause fire.
Very toxic by inhalation.
Causes severe burns.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.
May cause CANCER.
May cause SENSITIZATION by inhalation and skin contact.
May cause heritable genetic damage.
Possible risk of impaired fertility.
Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through
inhalation.
Toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long- term adverse effects in the
aquatic environment.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 40 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  The material can produce severe chemical burns within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.  

EYE

  The material can produce severe chemical burns to the eye following direct contact. Vapors or mists may be extremely irritating.  If applied to the eyes, this material causes severe eye damage.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may produce toxic effects; systemic effectsmay result following absorption.  The material can produce severe chemical burns following direct contactwith the skin.  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

  If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons.  Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.  Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material, during the course of normal handling, may produce severely toxic effects; these may be fatal.  Chrome fume is irritating to the respiratory tract and lungs. Toxic effects result from over-exposure. Asthmatic conditions may result as a consequence of the sensitising action of chrome VI compounds.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is ample evidence that this material can be regarded as being able to cause cancer in humans based on experiments and other information.  Based on experiments and other information, there is ample evidence to presume that exposure to this material can cause genetic defects that can be inherited.  

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Chromium(III) is an essential trace mineral. Chronic exposure to chromium(III) irritates the airways, malnourishes the liver and kidneys, causes fluid in the lungs, and adverse effects on white blood cells, and also increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Chromium (VI) can irritate the skin, eyes and airways. Allergic reactions can involve both the skin and airways, and the compounds can diminish taste and smell, discolor the skin and eyes, cause blood disorders and damage the liver, kidneys, digestive tract and lungs. It predisposes humans to cancers of the respiratory tract and digestive system. Ulceration to the skin can occur, and, chromium(VI) is one of the most allergenic substances known.  Repeated or prolonged exposure to corrosives may result in the erosion of teeth, inflammatory and ulcerative changes in the mouth and necrosis (rarely) of the jaw. Bronchial irritation, with cough, and frequent attacks of bronchial pneumonia may ensue. Gastrointestinal disturbances may also occur. Chronic exposures may result in dermatitis and/or conjunctivitis.  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.  Inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Skin contact with the material is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  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.  Chronic inhalation exposure may result in nasal ulceration and/orperforation of nasal septum.