Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

OCTYL PEROXIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Catalyst.

SYNONYMS

C16-H34-O2, "caprylyl peroxide", "organic peroxide"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Contact with combustible material may cause fire.
Irritating to eyes.

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, abdominal irritation, pain and vomiting.  Ingestion of organic peroxides may produce nausea, vomiting, abnormal pain, stupor, bluish discoloration of skin and mucous membranes. Inflammation of the heart muscle may also occur.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  Eye contact with organic peroxides can cause clouding, redness, swelling and burns of the eye on prolonged contact.  

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 material may accentuate any pre-existing skin condition.  All organic peroxides are irritating to the skin and if allowed to remain on the skin, may produce inflammation; some are allergenic.  

INHALED

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material, if inhaled, can irritate the throat and lungs of some persons.  Although inhalation is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still produce health damage, especially where pre-existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally confined to doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-  health).  Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.  The inhalation of organic peroxide dusts or vapors can produce throat and lung irritation and cause an asthma-like effect. Over-exposure can cause tears, salivation, lethargy, slow breathing, breathing difficulties, headache, weakness, tremor, stupor and swelling of the lung.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact, eye contact with the material and inhalation of vapor/spray mist.  Persistent exposure over a long period of time to peroxides produces allergic skin reactions ( redness and scaling of the skin ) and asthmatic wheezing.