Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

N-HEPTANE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

The use of a quantity of material in an unventilated or confined space may result in
increased exposure and an irritating atmosphere developing.Before starting consider
control of exposure by mechanical ventilation. As a solvent, in lacquer and enamels; as a
component of aliphatic solvent blends. Used in organic synthesis. Used as a zero octane
rating standard. Archaic use as an anaesthetic. Intermediate

SYNONYMS

C7-H16, CH3(CH2)CH3, "normal heptane", "dipropyl methane", "heptyl hydride"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Irritating to skin.
HARMFUL - May cause lung damage if swallowed.
Highly flammable.
Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation.
Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long- term adverse effects in the
aquatic environment.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Swallowing of the liquid may cause aspiration into the lungs with the risk of chemical pneumonitis; serious consequences may result. (ICSC13733).  Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.  

EYE

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

SKIN

  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  The material may accentuate any pre-existing dermatitis condition.  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  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 may produce health damage*.  Inhalation of vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness. This may be accompanied by narcosis, reduced alertness, loss of reflexes, lack of coordination and vertigo.  Inhalation of vapors or aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  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.  Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  Inhalation of high concentrations of gas/vapor causes lung irritation with coughing and nausea, central nervous depression with headache and dizziness, slowing of reflexes, fatigue and inco-ordination.  Central nervous system (CNS) depression may include general discomfort, symptoms of giddiness, headache, dizziness, nausea, anaesthetic effects, slowed reaction time, slurred speech and may progress to unconsciousness. Serious poisonings may result in respiratory depression and may be fatal.  If exposure to highly concentrated solvent atmosphere is prolonged this may lead to narcosis, unconsciousness, even coma and possible death.  Inhalation, by humans, of 1000 ppm heptane for 6 minutes was associated with slight dizziness; inhalation of higher concentrations for shorter periods, resulted in marked vertigo, incoordination, and hilarity. Signs of central nervous system system (CNS) involvement occurred in the absence of noticeable mucous membrane irritation and were noticed promptly on entering such atmospheres.  Concentrations of 10,000-15,000 ppm, heptane produced narcosis on mice within 30-50 minutes. Exposure at higher concentrations (15,000-20,000 ppm) for 30-60 minutes caused convulsions and death in mice; inhalation of 48,000 ppm produced respiratory arrest in three of four head-exposed mice within 3 minutes. Brief exposure ( 4 minutes) to high levels (5000 ppm) produced nausea, loss of appetite and a "gasoline-taste" that persisted for several hours post-exposure.  The use of a quantity of material in an unventilated or confined space may result in increased exposure and an irritating atmosphere developing.Before starting consider control of exposure by mechanical ventilation.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Chronic solvent inhalation exposures may result in nervous system impairment and liver and blood changes. [PATTYS].