Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

MAGIC ACID

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

In the study of stable solutions of alkyl- and arylcarbonium ions. Food

SYNONYMS

F6-O3S-Sb.H, "HSO3F-SbF5 (4:1)", "fluorosulfuric acid/ antimony pentafluoride",
antimonate(1-)pentafluoro(fluorosulfate-O)hydrogen, antimonate(1-
)pentafluoro(fluorosulfate)-hydrogen

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Reacts violently with water.
Contact with water liberates toxic gas.
Causes severe burns.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.
Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed.
Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long- term adverse effects in the aquatic
environment.

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.  The material can produce severe chemical burns within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.  Ingestion of acidic corrosives may produce burns around and in the mouth. the throat and esophagus. Immediate pain and difficulties in swallowing and speaking may also be evident. Swelling of the epiglottis may make it difficult to breathe which may result in suffocation. More severe exposure may result in vomiting blood and thick mucus, shock, abnormally low blood pressure, fluctuating pulse, shallow respiration and clammy skin, inflammation of stomach wall, and rupture of esophageal tissue. Untreated shock may eventually result in kidney failure. Severe cases may result in perforation of the stomach and abdominal cavity with consequent infection, rigidity and fever. There may be severe narrowing of the esophageal or pyloric sphincters; this may occur immediately or after a delay of weeks to years. There may be coma and convulsions, followed by death due to infection of the abdominal cavity, kidneys or lungs.  Antimony poisoning causes similar symptoms to arsenic poisoning although vomiting is more prominent. There may be changes in the rhythm of the heart beat. The insoluble salts are less dangerous.  Fluoride causes severe loss of calcium in the blood, with symptoms appearing several hours later including painful and rigid muscle contractions of the limbs. Cardiovascular collapse can occur and may cause death with increased heart rate and other heart rhythm irregularities. The brain and kidneys may be affected. Other toxic effects include headache, increased saliva output, jerking of the eyeball and dilated pupils, lethargy, stupor, coma and rarely, convulsions.  

EYE

  The material can produce severe chemical burns to the eye following direct contact. Vapors or mists may be extremely irritating.  If applied to the eyes, this material causes severe eye damage.  Direct eye contact with acid corrosives may produce pain, tears, sensitivity to light and burns. Mild burns of the epithelia generally recover rapidly and completely. Severe burns produce long-lasting and possibly irreversible damage. The appearance of the burn may not be apparent for several weeks after the initial contact. The cornea may ultimately become deeply opaque resulting in blindness.  

SKIN

  The material can produce severe chemical burns following direct contactwith the skin.  Skin contact is not thought to produce harmful health effects (as classified using animal models). Systemic harm, however, has been identified following exposure of animals by at least one other route and the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Skin contact with antimony compounds may result in redness and severe irritation with the formation of itchy papules, pustules, skin lesions/ small septic blisters (antimony spots) within a few hours.  Rhinitis may also result from dermal contact.  Fluorides are easily absorbed through the skin and cause death of soft tissue and erode bone. Healing is delayed and death of tissue may continue to spread beneath skin.  Solutions of hydrofluoric acid, as dilute as 2%, may cause severe skinburns.  Skin contact with acidic corrosives may result in pain and burns; these may be deep with distinct edges and may heal slowly with the formation of scar tissue.  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 vapors or aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be harmful.  The material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  Corrosive acids can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, with coughing, choking and mucous membrane damage. There may be dizziness, headache, nausea and weakness. Swelling of the lungs can occur, either immediately or after a delay; symptoms of this include chest tightness, shortness of breath, frothy phlegm and cyanosis. Lack of oxygen can cause death hours after onset.  Inhalation of antimony can cause breathing difficulties and gastrointestinal upset including sore throat, shallow breathing, dizziness, weight loss, gum bleeds and anemia. Lung swelling and congestion can occur. Damage can happen to the heart, liver and kidneys,  with heart failure causing death.  Acute effects of fluoride inhalation include irritation of nose and throat, coughing and chest discomfort. A single acute over-exposure may even cause nose bleed. Pre-existing respiratory conditions such as emphysema, bronchitis may be aggravated by exposure. Occupational asthma may result from exposure.  High concentrations cause inflamed airways and watery swellingof the lungs with edema.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Long-term exposure to respiratory irritants may result in disease of the airways involving difficult breathing and related systemic problems.  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  There has been some concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations but there is not enough data to make an assessment.  Repeated or prolonged exposure to antimony and its compounds may produce inflammation of the mouth cavity, dry throat, metallic taste, gum infection, perforation of the nasal septum and throat, laryngitis, headache, difficulty breathing, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, anemia, weight loss, tightness and pain in the chest, sleeplessness, muscular pain and weakness, dizziness, pharyngitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. Degenerative changes of the liver and kidney may occur. Chronic exposure to antimony compounds may result in itchiness, spots and pus blisters around sweat glands, Workers exposed to antimony can develop obstructive lung disease. Antimony crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk. There may be an increased incidence of spontaneous late abortions, premature births, and gynecological problems among female antimony smelter workers. Antimony may be associated with an increased incidence of cancers of the lung and chest.  Repeated or prolonged exposure to acids may result in the erosion of teeth, swelling and or ulceration of mouth lining. Irritation of airways to lung, with cough, and inflammation of lung tissue often occurs. Chronic exposure may inflame the skin or conjunctiva.  Extended exposure to inorganic fluorides causes fluorosis, which includes signs of joint pain and stiffness, tooth discoloration, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss, anemia, weakness and general unwellness. There may also be frequent urination and thirst. Redness, itchiness and allergy-like inflammation of the skin and mouth cavity can occur. The central nervous system may be involved.  Hydrogen fluoride easily penetrates the skin and causes destruction and corrosion of the bone and underlying tissue. Ingestion causes severe pains and burns in the mouth and throat and blood calcium levels are dangerously reduced. Symptoms include spasm and twitching of the muscles, high fever, convulsions and general extreme pain. Inhalation may cause corrosion of the throat, nose and lungs, leading to severe inflammation and lung swelling.