Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

ULTRAMARINE BLUE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used according to manufacturer' s directions.

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  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.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  

SKIN

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact 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.  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

  Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of dusts, or fume, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Hydrogen sulfide poisoning can cause increased secretion of saliva, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, giddiness, headache, vertigo, memory loss, palpitations, heartbeat irregularities, weakness, muscle cramps, confusion, sudden collapse, unconsciousness and death due to paralysis of breathing (at levels above 300 parts per million). The "rotten egg" odor is not a good indicator of exposure since odor fatigue occurs and odor is lost at over 200 ppm. The gas can enter the body through a punctured ear drum and even wearing some respiratory protection. Immediate supportive care is essential. Ensure medical help is addressed as part of the site emergency plan and that employees who may be accidentally exposed are made aware of the existence of such a plan.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Long term low level exposure to hydrogen sulfide may produce headache, fatigue, dizziness,  irritability and loss of sexual desire. These symptoms may also result when exposed to hydrogen sulfide at high concentration for a short period of time.  Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.