Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

N-AMYL NITRITE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used in perfumes and in the manufacture of diazonium compounds. Amyl nitrite has long been
used as a vasodilator in angina therapy and in the treatment of hydrogen cyanide and
hydrogen sulfide poisonings. The material, as used in clinical practice, is usually a
mixture of isomers with iso- amyl nitrite being the principal one. The increasing abuse of
amyl nitrite " poppers" as aphrodisiacs has led to their restriction.

SYNONYMS

C5-H11-NO2, CH3(CH2)4NO2, amilnitrit, "amyl nitrite", amylnitrite, "pentyl nitrite", "1-
pentyl nitrite", "1-pentyl nitrite", n-pentylnitrite, n-pentylnitrite, "nitrous acid,
pentyl ester", Nitramyl

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed.
Highly flammable.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be harmful; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 150 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  Although the material 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).  

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.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Use of a quantity of this highly volatile material in a confined or poorly ventilated area may result in increased exposure with vapor concentration above recommended levels.  The substance and/or its metabolites may bind to hemoglobin inhibiting normal uptake of oxygen. This condition, known as "methemoglobinemia", is a form of oxygen starvation (anoxia).  Symptoms include cyanosis (a bluish discoloration skin and mucous membranes) and breathing difficulties. Symptoms may not be evident until several hours after exposure.  At about 15% concentration of blood methemoglobin there is observable cyanosis of the lips, nose and earlobes. Symptoms may be absent although euphoria, flushed face and headache are commonly experienced. At 25-40%, cyanosis is marked but little disability occurs other than that produced on physical exertion. At 40-60%, symptoms include weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, increasingly severe headache, ataxia, rapid shallow respiration, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, lethargy and stupor. Above 60% symptoms include dyspnea, respiratory depression, tachycardia or bradycardia, and convulsions. Levels exceeding 70% may be fatal.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Primary route of exposure is usually by inhalation of vapor.  Chronic abuse of amyl nitrite has resulted in Heinz body haemolytic  anaemia in two individuals.