RESIDUAL OILS, PETROLEUM, SOLVENT DEWAXED
Flammability | 1 | |
Toxicity | 0 | |
Body Contact | 1 | |
Reactivity | 1 | |
Chronic | 3 | |
SCALE: Min/Nil=0 Low=1 Moderate=2 High=3 Extreme=4 |
Residual oils are manufactured in whole or in part from distillation residues from
distillation residues from refinery processing. Residual oils are complex mixtures of
relatively high molecular weight compounds and are difficult to characterize in detail.
Molecular types include asphaltenes, polar aromatics, naphthalene aromatics, aromatics,
saturated hydrocarbons and heteromolecules containing sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen and metals.
Most blending stocks of residual fuel oils are likely to contain 5% or more of four- to
six- ring condensed aromatic hydrocarbons. In residual fuel oils, the identities and
concentration of PAHs depends on the nature and amount of the low viscosity blending
stocks and the proportions of virgin and cracked residues used in their production. If the
blending stocks are primarily atmospheric or vacuum residues, the concentration of three-
to seven- ring aromatic hydrocarbons are likely to be in the order of 6- 8%; if larger
quantities of heavily catalytically cracked or steam cracked components are used, the
levels may approach 20%. One of the blending stocks, catalytically cracked clarified oil
has been reported to contain 58% three- to five- ring aromatic hydrocarbons and 22%
carbazoles and benzocarbazoles. Used as a rotogravure ink oil; process oil. Intermediate
"naphthenic/ paraffinic mineral oil", "aliphatic hydrocarbon"
May cause CANCER.
The material has NOT been classified as "harmful by ingestion". This is because of the lack of corroborating animal or human evidence. 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, unintentional ingestion is not thought to be cause for concern.
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).
The liquid may be miscible with fats or oils and may degrease the skin, producing a skin reaction described as non-allergic contact dermatitis. The material is unlikely to produce an irritant dermatitis as described in EC Directives . 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.
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. Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product. Inhalation of oil droplets/ aerosols may cause discomfort and may produce chemical pneumonitis.
There is ample evidence that this material can be regarded as being able to cause cancer in humans based on experiments and other information.
Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems. High boiling residues of petroleum process can produce both benign and malignant skin tumors, according to animal testing. They may contain significant concentrations of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Oil may contact the skin or be inhaled. Extended exposure can lead to eczema, inflammation of hair follicles, pigmentation of the face and warts on the soles of the feet. There are few systemic effects, but prolonged exposure may lead to a higher incidence of lung scarring.