Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VALERALDEHYDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

In flavouring compounds, resin chemistry, rubber accelerators.

SYNONYMS

C5-H10-O, CH3(CH2)3CHO, "amyl aldehyde", "butyl formal", pentanal, "valeric aldehyde",
valeral, n-valeraldehyde, n-valeraldehyde, "valerianic aldehyde", "valeric acid aldehyde",
"n-valeric aldehyde", "n-valeric aldehyde", valerylaldehyde

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

HARMFUL - May cause lung damage if swallowed.
Irritating to eyes and skin.
Highly 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.  

EYE

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

SKIN

  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  Skin contact is not thought to have harmful health effects, however the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  The material may accentuate any pre-existing skin condition.  The material may cause severe 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. Repeated exposures may produce severe ulceration.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  If exposure to highly concentrated solvent atmosphere is prolonged this may lead to narcosis, unconsciousness, even coma and possible death.  Inhalation of vapor may aggravate a pre-existing respiratory condition.  Exposure to aldehydes causes neurological symptoms such as headache, drowsiness, dizziness, seizures, depression and coma. Cardiovascular involvement may result in increased heart rate, collapse and low blood pressure; respiratory effects include throat spasms, irritation, difficulty swallowing, pulmonary edema and an asthma-like condition. Gastrointestinal signs include nausea, blood in vomit, diarrhea, ulcers and abdominal pain. Massive exposures may damage the kidney and liver.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by.  skin contact/absorption and inhalation of vapor.  No human exposure data available. For this reason health effects described are based on experience with chemically related materials.  Chronic solvent inhalation exposures may result in nervous system impairment and liver and blood changes. [PATTYS].  Prolonged or continuous skin contact with the liquid may cause defatting with drying, cracking, irritation and dermatitis following.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.