Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

WATTYL NETCLEAR

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Water- based, synthetic latex antifouling coating for aquaculture nets.

SYNONYMS

"acrylic water latex emulsion paint coating", "aquaculture net coating"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful by inhalation.
May cause SENSITIZATION by skin contact.
Very toxic to aquatic organisms.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.  Isothiazolinones are moderately to highly toxic by oral administration. The major signs of toxicity were severe gastric irritation, lethargy, and ataxia.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  Solutions containing isothiazolinones may produce corrosion of the mucous membranes and cornea. Instillation of 0.1 ml of an aqueous solution containing 560 ppm isothiazolinone into rabbit eye did not produce irritation whereas concentrations, typically around 3% and 5.5 %, were severely irritating or corrosive to the eye.. Symptoms included clouding of the cornea, chemosis and swelling of the eyelids.  

SKIN

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons.  Aqueous solutions of isothiazolinones may be irritating r even corrosive depending on concentration. Solutions containing more than 0.5% (5000 ppm active substance) may produce severe irritation of human skin whilst solutions containing more than 100 ppm may irritate the skin.  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 aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be harmful.  There is some evidence to suggest that the material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  Aqueous solutions of isothiazolinones may be irritating r even corrosive depending on concentration. Solutions containing more than 0.5% (5000 ppm active substance) may produce severe irritation of human skin whilst solutions containing more than 100 ppm may irritate the skin.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  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.  The isothiazolinones are known contact sensitizers. Data are presented which demonstrate that, in comparison with the chlorinated and dichlorinated compounds which share immunological cross-reactivity, the non-chlorinated isothiazolinones have a lower potential for sensitization and no documented immunological cross-reaction with the chlorinated isothiazolinones. The risk of sensitization depends on how contact with the product occurs. The risk is greater when the skin barrier has been damaged and smaller when the skin is healthy. Dermatological studies have demonstrated that mixed isothiazolinone concentrations below 20 ppm may cause sensitisation and that allergic reactions can be provoked in sensitized persons even with concentrations in the range of 7-15 ppm active isothiazolones.  The isothiazolinones are a group of heterocyclic sulfur-containing compounds. In general all are electrophilic molecules containing an activated N-S bond that enables them with nucleophilic cell entities, thus exerting biocidal activity. A vinyl activated chlorine atom makes allows to molecule to exert greater antimicrobial efficiency but at the same time produces a greater potential for sensitisation.  Several conclusions relating to the sensitising characteristics of the isothiazolinones may therefore be drawn*:  · The strongest sensitisers are the chlorinated isothiazolinones.  · There are known immunological cross-reactions between at least 2 different chlorinated isothiazolinones.  · There appears to be no immunological crossreaction between non-chlorinated isothiazolinones and chlorinated isothiazolinones.  · Although classified as sensitisers, the nonchlorinated isothiazolinones are considerably less potent sensitizers than are the chlorinated isothiazolinones.  · By avoiding the use of chlorinated isothiazolinones, the potential to induce sensitization is greatly reduced.  · Despite a significant percentage of the population having been previously sensitised to chlorinated and non-chlorinated species, it is likely that careful and judicious use of non-chlorinated isothiazolinones will result in reduced risk of allergic reactions in those persons.  · Although presently available data promise that several non-chlorinated isothiazolinones will offer effective antimicrobial protection in industrial and personal care products, it is only with the passage of time that proof of their safety in use or otherwise will become available.  * B.R. Alexander: Contact Dermatitis 2002, 46, pp 191-196  Although there have been conflicting reports in the literature, it has been reported by several investigators that isothiazolinones are mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium strains (Ames test). Negative results were obtained in studies of the DNA-damaging potential of mixed isothiazolinones (Kathon) in mammalian cells in vitro and of cytogenetic effects and DNA-binding in vivo. The addition of rat liver S-9 (metabolic activation) reduced toxicity but did not eliminate mutagenicity. These compounds bind to the proteins in the S-9. At higher concentrations of Kathon the increase in mutagenicity may be due to an excess of unbound active compounds.  A study of cutaneous application of Kathon CG in 30 months, three times per week at a concentration of 400 ppm (0.04%) a.i. had no local or systemic tumourigenic effect in male mice. No dermal or systemic carcinogenic potential was observed.  Reproduction and teratogenicity studies with rats, given isothiazolinone doses of 1.4-14 mg/kg/day orally from day 6 to day 15 of gestation, showed no treatment related effects in either the dams or in the foetuses.  Some glycol esters and their ethers cause wasting of the testicles, reproductive changes, infertility and changes to kidney function. Shorter chain compounds are more dangerous. Higher concentrations and prolonged exposure can cause blood in the urine.  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.