Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

LEUKOTRIENE B4 METHYL ESTER

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Leukotrienes comprise a family of endogenous metabolites of certain fatty acids and are
related to the prostaglandins and thromboxanes. They are generally derived from leukocytes
and possess a conjugated triene structure (hence the name). Leukotriene B4 is a
chemotactic agent for polymorphonuclear leukocytes and is formed from an unstable
intermediate oxido- eicosotetraenoic acid, leukotriene A or LTA4. Leukotrienes derived
from arachidonic acid have the subscript 4, those derived from eicosotrienoic acid possess
the subscript 3 and those derived from eicosapentanoic acid possess the subscript 5.

SYNONYMS

"C21-H34-O4methyl ester of :", "6, 8, 10, 14-eicosatetraenoic acid, 5, 12-dihydroxy-,
(S-(R*, S*-(E, Z, E, Z)))-", "6, 8, 10, 14-eicosatetraenoic acid, 5, 12-dihydroxy-, (S-
(R*, S*-(E, Z, E, Z)))-", "cis-leukotriene B4", "(5S, 12R)leukotriene B4", LTB4,
"prostaglandin/ thromboxane/ leukotriene"

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.  

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.  

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.  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.  Some leukotrienes can severely narrow the airways and also mediate the inflammatory response, causing a wide range of effects such as decreased blood flow to the heart and low blood pressure. Allergies can occur, with irregular heart beats. There may also be dizziness, flushing and nausea.