Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

N-DODECYL MERCAPTAN

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used in the manufacture of synthetic rubber and plastics; in the synthesis of
pharmaceuticals and in insecticides and fungicides; nonionic detergent. May also be used
as a complexing agent for the removal of metals from wastes. Intermediate

SYNONYMS

C12-H26-S, CH3(CH2)10CHSH, 1-dodecanethiol, 1-dodecanethiol, "dodecyl mercaptan", "n
dodecyl mercaptan", "m-dodecyl mercaptan", "m-dodecyl mercaptan", "1-dodecyl mercaptan",
"1-dodecyl mercaptan", "lauryl mercaptan", "m-lauryl mercaptan", "m-lauryl mercaptan", 1-
mercaptododecane, 1-mercaptododecane, "dodecane 1 thiol", dodecane-1-thiol, dodecane-1-
thiol, dodecanethiol, NCI-C60935, "Pennfloat M", "Pennfloat S"

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.  

EYE

  Although the liquid 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.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  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

  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of vapors, fumes or aerosols, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Inhalation of aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  Thiols (particularly ethyl mercaptan) produce lethargy or sleepiness. Exposure to high levels may result in nausea, vomiting, restlessness, muscle incoordination and or paralysis, bluing of skin, depression of breathing, coma and death.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Chronic exposure to mercaptans may result in damage to the lungs, kidneysand liver.  Skin irritation and sensitisation are common for example in the shoe industry following occupational use. It is postulated that synergistic effects may result following exposure to other chemicals commonly used with synthetic rubber compounds. Workers exposed to mixtures with polychloroprene latexes show a significant increase in the number of chromosome aberrations in the peripheral blood. Rabbits exposed to mixtures encountered in synthetic rubber compounds show increases in the occurrence of chromosomal aberrations of the brain.