Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VINYL METHYL ETHER

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Copolymers used in coatings and lacquers; modifier for alkyl, polystyrene and ionomer
resins; nitrocellulose plasticiser.

SYNONYMS

C3-H6-O, CH2=CHOCH3, "methyl vinyl ether", methoxyethylene, MVE

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May form explosive peroxides.
Causes burns.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.
Extremely flammable.
Risk of explosion if heated under confinement.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Not normally a hazard due to physical form of product.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.  The material can produce chemical burns within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.  Swallowing of the liquid may cause aspiration into the lungs with the risk of chemical pneumonitis; serious consequences may result. (ICSC13733).  Ingestion of alkyl ethers may produce stupor, blurred vision, headache, dizziness and irritation of the nose and throat. Respiratory distress and asphyxia may result.  

EYE

  If applied to the eyes, this material causes severe eye damage.  The material can produce chemical burns to the eye following direct contact. Vapors or mists may be extremely irritating.  Irritation of the eyes may produce a heavy secretion of tears (lachrymation).  The liquid produces a high level of eye discomfort and is capable of causing pain and severe conjunctivitis. Corneal injury may develop, with possible permanent impairment of vision, if not promptly and adequately treated.  Eye contact with alkyl ethers (vapor or liquid) may produce irritation,redness and tears.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  The material can produce chemical burns following direct contactwith the skin.  Vaporizing liquid causes rapid cooling and contact may cause cold burns,frostbite.  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.  Absorption by skin may readily exceed vapor inhalation exposure. Symptoms for skin absorption are the same as for inhalation.  Alkyl ethers may defat and dehydrate the skin producing dermatoses. Absorption may produce headache, dizziness, and central nervous system depression.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons.  Inhalation of vapors or aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  Inhalation of non-toxic gases may cause:  ·  CNS effects: headache, confusion, dizziness, stupor, seizures and coma;  ·  respiratory: shortness of breath and rapid breathing;  ·  cardiovascular: collapse and irregular heart beats;  ·  gastrointestinal: mucous membrane irritation, nausea and vomiting.  Material is highly volatile and may quickly form a concentrated atmosphere in confined or unventilated areas. Vapor is heavier than air and may displace and replace air in breathing zone, acting as a simple asphyxiant. This may happen with little warning of overexposure.  Symptoms of asphyxia (suffocation) may include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, muscular weakness, drowsiness and ringing in the ears. If the asphyxia is allowed to progress, there may be nausea and vomiting, further physical weakness and unconsciousness and, finally, convulsions, coma and death. Significant concentrations of the non-toxic gas reduce the oxygen level in the air. As the amount of oxygen is reduced from 21 to 14 volume %, the pulse rate accelerates and the rate and volume of breathing increase. The ability to maintain attention and think clearly is diminished and muscular coordination is somewhat disturbed. As oxygen decreases from 14-10% judgement becomes faulty; severe injuries may cause no pain. Muscular exertion leads to rapid fatigue. Further reduction to 6% may produce nausea and vomiting and the ability to move may be lost. Permanent brain damage may result even after resuscitation at exposures to this lower oxygen level. Below 6% breathing is in gasps and convulsions may occur. Inhalation of a mixture containing no oxygen may result in unconsciousness from the first breath and death will follow in a few minutes.  Inhalation of vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness. This may be accompanied by narcosis, reduced alertness, loss of reflexes, lack of coordination and vertigo.  Following inhalation, ethers cause lethargy and stupor. Inhaling lower alkyl ethers results in headache, dizziness, weakness, blurred vision, seizures and possible coma. Low blood pressure, slow heartbeat and cardiovascular collapse may be seen with throat irritation, irregular breathing, pulmonary edema and respiratory arrest. Nausea, vomiting and salivation may be seen. There have been deaths reported, and convulsions and paralysis can be found in severe cases. Massive exposures can cause damage to the kidney and liver.  If exposure to highly concentrated solvent atmosphere is prolonged this may lead to narcosis, unconsciousness, even coma and possible death.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal route of occupational exposure to the gas is by inhalation.  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  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.  Chronic exposure to alkyl ethers may result in loss of appetite, excessivethirst, fatigue,  and weight loss.