Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HELIOTRINE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Hepatoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid extracted from, for example, Heliotropium acutiflorum and
other Heliotropium spp.

SYNONYMS

C16-H27-N-O5, C16-H27-N-O5, heliotron, "pyrrolizidine alkaloid"

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.  Pyrrolizidine poisoning, in its acute form, is characterized by a dull, dragging ache in the upper abdomen, fluid in the abdomen, reduced frequency of urination and effusion from the chest cavity. Subacute symptoms include vague symptoms and enlargement of the liver; hardening of the liver (cirrhosis) can occur despite removal of exposure. Children are particularly prone. Mortality can be high with death due to liver failure, vomiting of blood resulting of perforation of the esophagus. In epidemic settings, the onset of symptoms can be insidious (gradual), with loss of appetite, extreme tiredness and weight loss. Subsequently, emaciation, enlargement of the liver and spleen, swelling and fluid in the abdomen develop.  

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

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. 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

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  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.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of generated dust.  PAs (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) may cause cancer in humans. They also pass through the placenta to reach the fetus and also into the milk. Some can cause severe fetal abnormalities and death.