Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HACH FORMALDEHYDE 36-38%

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Laboratory reagent.

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Causes burns.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.
May cause SENSITIZATION by skin contact.
Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation, in
contact with skin and if swallowed.
Flammable.
Harmful to aquatic organisms.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 40 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  The material can produce chemical burns within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause, if swallowed once, very serious, irreversible damage of organs.  

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.  Irritation of the eyes may produce a heavy secretion of tears (lachrymation).  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may produce toxic effects; systemic effectsmay result following absorption.  The material can produce chemical burns following direct contactwith the skin.  There is strong evidence to suggest that this material, on a single contact with skin, can cause serious, irreversible damage of organs.  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.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  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 produce toxic effects.  Minor but regular methanol exposures may effect the central nervous system, optic nerves and retinae. Symptoms may be delayed, with headache, fatigue, nausea, blurring of vision and double vision. Continued or severe exposures may cause damage to optic nerves, which may become severe with permanent visual impairment even blindness resulting. WARNING: Methanol is only slowly eliminated from the body and should be regarded as a cumulative poison which cannot be made non-harmful [CCINFO].  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.  There is strong evidence to suggest that this material, on a single contact with skin, can cause serious, irreversible damage of organs.  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause, if swallowed once, very serious, irreversible damage of organs.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  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.  Skin contact with the material is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  There is some evidence that inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Long-term exposure to methanol vapor, at concentrations exceeding 3000 ppm, may produce cumulative effects characterized by gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting), headache, ringing in the ears, insomnia, trembling, unsteady gait, vertigo, conjunctivitis and clouded or double vision. Liver and/or kidney injury may also result. Some individuals show severe eye damage following prolonged exposure to 800 ppm of the vapor.  Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause drying with cracking,irritation and possible dermatitis following.