Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HEPTYL NONYL PHTHALATE, BRANCHED AND LINEAR

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Intermediate.

SYNONYMS

"heptyl nonyl 1, 2-benzenedicarboxylate, branched and linear esters", "heptyl nonyl 1, 2-
benzenedicarboxylate, branched and linear esters", "dicarboxylic acid ester"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, 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, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Ingestion may result in nausea, pain, vomiting. Vomit entering the lungs by aspiration may cause potentially lethal chemical pneumonitis.  The toxicity of phthalates is not excessive due to slow oral absorption and metabolism. Absorption is affected by fat in the diet. Repeated doses can cause cumulative toxic effects, and symptoms include an enlarged liver which often reverses if exposure is maintained. Carbohydrate metabolism is disrupted, and cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood falls. There can also be withering of the testicles. Some phthalates can increase the effects of antibiotics, thiamine (vitamin B1) and sulfonamides.  

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.  The liquid may produce skin discomfort following prolonged contact. Defatting and/or drying of the skin may lead to dermatitis.  

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.  Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  Inhalation of vapor may aggravate a pre-existing respiratory condition.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of vapor.  Exposure to phthalates over years leads to pain, numbness and spasms in the hands and feet. Many people have developed multiple disorders in the nervous system and the balancing system. Levels of sex hormones are reduced in women, leading to missed ovulations and miscarriages. They also reduce sperm counts and fertility in men. They mimic certain sex hormones and can damage the fetus. Phthalates are found in paints, inks and glues.