Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VINYL ACETATE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Widely used in Polyvinyl acetate i.e. PVA ; PVA copolymer latex manufacture., Latex is
binder in water base PVA glues and paints.

SYNONYMS

C4-H6-O2, CH3COOH=CH2, VAM, "ethenyl ethanoate", "ethenyl acetate", "acetic acid vinyl
ester", "acetic acid, ethenyl ester", 1-acetoxyethylene, 1-acetoxyethylene, "vinyl
acetate H.Q."

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May form explosive peroxides.
HARMFUL - May cause lung damage if swallowed.
Highly flammable.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.  Swallowing of the liquid may cause aspiration into the lungs with the risk of chemical pneumonitis; serious consequences may result. (ICSC13733).  The main effects of simple esters are irritation, stupor and insensibility. Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, coma and behavioral changes may occur. Respiratory symptoms may include irritation, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, throat inflammation, bronchitis,  lung inflammation and pulmonary edema, sometimes delayed. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramps are observed. Liver and kidney damage may result from massive exposures.  Vinyl esters, when ingested, can cause damage to the brain and spinal cord, resulting in muscular weakness and loss of sensation in the limbs.  

EYE

  Limited evidence or practical experience suggests, that the material may cause eye irritation in a substantial number of individuals. Prolonged eye contact may cause inflammation characterized by a temporary redness of the conjunctiva (similar to windburn).  The liquid may produce eye discomfort and is capable of causing temporary impairment of vision and/or transient eye inflammation, ulceration.  

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.  Repeated exposure may cause skin cracking, flaking or drying following normal handling and use.  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

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  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.  There is some evidence to suggest that the material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  Inhalation of vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness. This may be accompanied by narcosis, reduced alertness, loss of reflexes, lack of coordination and vertigo.  The main effects of simple esters are irritation, stupor and insensibility. Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, coma and behavioral changes may occur. Respiratory symptoms may include irritation, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, throat inflammation, bronchitis,  lung inflammation and pulmonary edema, sometimes delayed. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramps are observed. Liver and kidney damage may result from massive exposures.  Inhalation of vinyl esters is associated with damage to the nervous system. Exposure for extended periods can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision and depression which is characterized by dizziness, drowsiness and headache, slowed reaction time, slurred speech and coma. Respiratory depression in serious cases of poisoning can cause death.  If exposure to highly concentrated solvent atmosphere is prolonged this may lead to narcosis, unconsciousness, even coma and possible death.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There has been concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations, but there is not enough data to make an assessment.  There is some evidence that inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  There is limited evidence that, skin contact with this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Information not supplied on manufacturer's material safety data sheet.  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.  Sensitization may result in allergic dermatitis responses includingrash, itching, hives or swelling of extremities.  Some animal studies have shown vapours to cause respiratory tract tumors  in rats/mice in lifetime inhalation studies at high exposure levels (200  -2500 ppm). Vinyl acetate appears to have little, if any, potential to  induce developmental or reproductive toxicity.