Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

MAGNESIUM URANATE(VI)

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Reagent.

SYNONYMS

Mg-U2-O7, "compound of non-irradiated natural uranium", "uranic acid, magnesium salt (1:
1)"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Danger of cumulative effects.
Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.
Very toxic 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

  Severely toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 5 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Uranium compounds are not highly poisonous in low concentrations but may be lethal in high concentrations.  Magnesium salts are generally absorbed so slowly that oral administration causes few toxic effects, as the dose is readily expelled via the bowel. If evacuation fails, mucosal irritation and absorption may result. This can result in nervous system depression, heart effects, loss of reflexes and death due to paralysis of breathing. These usually do not occur unless the bowel or kidneys are damaged.  

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).  Soluble uranium compounds are very dangerous. A single dose of 1 Gray may cause inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea. Alpha radiation, which occurs with uranium, produces acute inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea. Lens clouding may develop with cataracts, causing blindness.  

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.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  All soluble uranium compounds are lethal when applied at sufficiently high concentrations in a single dose to the skin of rabbits; insoluble salts do not cause death and cause no signs of poisoning.  

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.  Dusts and mists containing uranium compounds are highly toxic and more so if inhaled rather than ingested. A single large dose can produce radiation sickness. Whole body doses of 2 to 10 Gray may cause loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea and vomiting. Soluble compounds are more dangerous and the effects on the body vary. Small particles may lodge in the lungs; larger ones tend to be swallowed. After a delay of up to several days, blood disturbances including loss of white blood cells and platelets may occur. Gastrointestinal symptoms can be severe with intense nausea, vomiting and diarrhea leading to dehydration and death. At doses up to 6 Gray survival is inversely proportional to dose. At 30 Gray, nausea, vomiting, listlessness and drowsiness, with tremors, weakness, convulsions, inco-ordination and death occurring within hours. Very small doses (0.3 Gray) can cause loss of male fertility; periods may stop in women.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There has been concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations, but there is not enough data to make an assessment.  

  If absorbed in the body, uranium can be a hazard due to its radioactivity (alpha and gamma radiation). Uranium accumulates in the bones and can cause cancers there. It also increases the risk of developing cancers of the lung, central nervous system, and lymph. Uranium can cause kidney failure and damage the liver. It also causes skin inflammation, conjunctivitis and cataracts. Soluble compounds can be toxic if inhaled. Insoluble uranium compounds can accumulate in the lungs, causing scarring. Uranium can cause a wide range of genetic damage; if the reproductive cells are affected, there may be no signs until the damage is inherited to the next generation.