Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

WHEY PROTEINS

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Product obtained as a co product of whey protein concentrate by the physical separation of
protein- free whey Whey, a by- product of cheese manufacturing, contains lactose, minerals
(e.g., calcium, magnesium, phosphorus), vitamins, noncasein protein (except
glycomacropeptide), and traces of milkfat . Protein is currently the component of whey
that produces the greatest value. Whey proteins have proportionately more sulfur-
containing amino acids (e.g., cysteine, methionine) than most proteins. Sulfur amino acids
help maintain levels of antioxidant peptides in the body. Cysteine is a rate- limiting
amino acid for the biosynthesis of glutathione, an antioxidant, anticarcinogen, and immune
stimulating sulfur- containing tripeptide. Compared to other protein sources, whey
proteins have higher concentrations of the branched chain amino acids, L- isoleucine, L-
leucine, and L- valine. Because branched chain amino acids help regulate muscle protein
synthesis, their potential use for athletes and others aiming to achieve optimal lean
muscle mass is an area of active investigation.

SYNONYMS

"milk protein"

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

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may cause transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn). Slight abrasive damage may also result. The material may produce foreign body irritation in certain individuals.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  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

  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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Dusts produced by proteins can sometimes sensitize workers like other foreign bodies. Symptoms include asthma appearing soon after exposure, with wheezing, narrowing of the airways and breathing difficulties. There may also be a chronic cough, phlegm, fever, muscle pains, fatigue and airway obstruction; chest X-rays may show a characteristic net-  like pattern or scarring at the tip and base. There may also be chest discomfort, headache, stomachache and a general feeling of unwellness. Often the clinical picture is similar to "farmer's lung" and other allergic lung inflammations. Prolonged contact with the skin can cause pain, redness, inflammation and ulceration. Repeated attacks can cause loss of lung function due to scarring.  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.  There is some evidence that inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  There is limited evidence that, skin contact with this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Exposure to small quantities may induce hypersensitivity reactions characterized by acute bronchospasm, hives (urticaria), deep dermal wheals (angioneurotic edema), running nose (rhinitis) and blurred vision . Anaphylactic shock and skin rash (non-thrombocytopenic purpura) may occur. An individual may be predisposed to such anti-body mediated reaction if other chemical agents have caused prior sensitization (cross-sensitivity).  Respiratory sensitization may result in allergic/asthma like responses; from coughing and minor breathing difficulties to bronchitis with wheezing, gasping.