Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VANTICO EPOCAST 89537B (LA)

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Potting system hardener. Hardener or Part B of a 2 pack. epoxy system. Requires that the
two parts be mixed by hand or mixer before use, in accordance with manufacturers
directions. Mix only as much as is required. Do not return the mixed material to the
original containers.

SYNONYMS

"epoxy resin hardener curing agent modified aliphatic polyamine amine adduct", "adducted
triethylenetetramine catalyst", "modified aliphatic amines"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful in contact with skin.
Causes burns.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.
May cause SENSITIZATION by skin contact.
May cause harm to the unborn child.
Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long- term adverse effects in the
aquatic environment.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  The material can produce chemical burns within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.  Amines without benzene rings when swallowed are absorbed throughout the gut. Corrosive action may cause damage throughout the gastrointestinal tract. They are removed through the liver, kidney and intestinal mucosa by enzyme breakdown.  Ingestion of amine epoxy-curing agents (hardeners) may cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. The vomitus may contain blood and mucous. If death does not occur within 24 hours there may be an improvement in the patients condition for 2-4 days only to be followed by the sudden onset of abdominal pain, boardlike abdominal rigidity or hypo- tension; this indicates that delayed gastric or esophageal corrosive damage has occurred.  

EYE

  The material can produce 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.  Vapors of volatile amines irritate the eyes, causing excessive secretion of tears, inflammation of the conjunctiva and slight swelling of the cornea, resulting in "halos" around lights. This effect is temporary, lasting only for a few hours. However this condition can reduce the efficiency of undertaking skilled tasks, such as driving a car. Direct eye contact with liquid volatile amines may produce eye damage, permanent for the lighter species.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may be harmful; systemic effects may resultfollowing absorption.  The material can produce chemical burns following direct contactwith the skin.  Volatile amine vapors produce irritation and inflammation of the skin. Direct contact can cause burns. They may be absorbed through the skin and cause similar effects to swallowing, leading to death. The skin may exhibit whiteness, redness and wheals.  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.  Amine epoxy-curing agents (hardeners) may produce primary skin irritation and sensitization dermatitis in predisposed individuals. Cutaneous reactions include erythema,  intolerable itching and severe facial swelling. Blistering, with weeping of serous fluid, and crusting and scaling may also occur. Individuals exhibiting "amine dermatitis" may experience a dramatic reaction upon re-exposure to minute quantities. Highly sensitive persons may even react to cured resins containing trace amounts of unreacted amine hardener. Minute quantities of air-borne amine may precipitate intense dermatological symptoms in sensitive individuals. Prolonged or repeated exposure may produce tissue necrosis.  The material may accentuate any pre-existing skin condition.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.  The material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  Inhalation of amine vapors may cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the nose and throat, and lung irritation with respiratory distress and cough. Swelling and inflammation of the respiratory tract is seen in serious cases; with headache, nausea, faintness and anxiety There may also be wheezing.  Inhalation of quantities of liquid mist may be extremely hazardous, even lethal due to spasm, extreme irritation of larynx and bronchi, chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema.  Inhalation of vapor may aggravate a pre-existing respiratory condition such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema.  Inhalation of epoxy resin amine hardeners (including polyamines and amine adducts) and may produce bronchospasm and coughing episodes lasting several days after cessation of the exposure. Even faint traces of these vapors may trigger an intense reaction in individuals showing "amine asthma". The literature records several instances of systemic intoxications following the use of amines in epoxy resin systems.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Ample evidence exists, from results in experimentation, that developmental disorders are directly caused by human exposure to the material.  

  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.  Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause drying with cracking,irritation and possible dermatitis following.  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.  Inhalation of epoxy resin amine hardeners (including polyamines and amine adducts) and may produce bronchospasm and coughing episodes lasting several days after cessation of the exposure. Even faint traces of these vapors may trigger an intense reaction in individuals showing "amine asthma". The literature records several instances of systemic intoxications following the use of amines in epoxy resin systems.  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.  A few individuals may show allergic/sensitization responses which may be minor to severe. Exposure will aggravate this pre-existing condition and those with sensitization reactions should not be required to work where exposure may occur.