Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

ORIPAVINE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

From Papaver orientale L. and P. bracteatum Lindl. Papaveracea; synthesised from morphine.

SYNONYMS

C18-H19-N-O3, C18-H19-N-O3, "morphinan-3-ol, 6, 7, 8, 14-tetradehydro-4, 5-alpha-epoxy-6-
methoxy-17-methyl-", "morphinan-3-ol, 6, 7, 8, 14-tetradehydro-4, 5-alpha-epoxy-6-
methoxy-17-methyl-", "6, 7, 8, 14-tetradehydro-4, 5-alpha-epoxy-6-methoxy-17-methyl-
morphinan-3-ol", "6, 7, 8, 14-tetradehydro-4, 5-alpha-epoxy-6-methoxy-17-methyl-morphinan-
3-ol", O3-demethylthebaine, "thebaine, O(sup 3)demethyl-"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Toxic in contact with skin.
Danger of cumulative effects.
Very toxic by inhalation and if swallowed.

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.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  The toxicity of strychnine is due to its strong excitatory effect on the central nervous system. Initially there may be tremors, stiffness and twitching of the face and legs; this progresses to apprehension, fear, nausea and a feeling of identity loss. Painful convulsions then occur after very minor stimuli. The body assumes a characteristic spastic posture with an arched back, extended limbs and the feet turned inwards. The jaw is rigidly shut and face muscles are contracted in a characteristic smile. The contraction of the muscles of breathing and spasms of trunk muscles causes breathing to stop, leading to death. Strychnine is absorbed and distributed to various parts of the body within a very short period of time.  Morphine and other analgesics cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness and confusion. Urination can be difficult, and the bowel and bile ducts can spasm. They also cause dry mouth, pin point pupils, sweating, flushing, vertigo, slow and shallow breathing, weak pulse, blue-gray skin (cyanosis), palpitations, low blood pressure, low temperature, restlessness, and mood changes. Acute toxic effects include lung swelling, spasticity, muscle twitching and unconsciousness. Increased pressure in the head may occur. Larger doses can cause depression of breathing and low blood pressure, with failure of circulation and deepening coma. Failure of breathing can cause death. As the analgesia (loss of sensation) wears off, sensitivity to pain is increased. Higher doses produce stiffening of the muscles and depression of the central nervous system; this can progress to stupor, sedation, unconsciousness and coma. The blood vessels may dilate, causing flushing of the face, neck and upper chest, and lowering of the blood pressure, resulting in fainting. Serious effects due to toxicity to the heart include high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, shock, acute heart failure and stoppage. Hypersensitive reactions can occur, producing rashes, itch, bleeding, and blistering. Digestive effects include constipation, impaction of the bowel with feces and cramps. Urine movements may become less frequent. There may be liver abnormalities, and the liver may be enlarged and tender to touch.  

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).  Contact dermatitis has been reported with morphine and other narcoticanalgesics.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may produce toxic effects; systemic effectsmay 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.  

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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of generated dust and skin contact.  Chronic morphine poisoning or addiction causes pin-point pupils, rapid mood changes and poor social adaptation. As dependence and tolerance occurs, there is an overwhelming need to continue taking the drug or similar drugs and to increase the dose. Prolonged therapy or abuse may cause abnormal lung function, increased body temperature, and kidney failure. Withdrawal symptoms can last for months. Abrupt withdrawal of the opiates may produce yawning, dilated pupils, tears, runny nose, sneezing, muscle tremor, headache, weakness, sweating, anxiety, irritability, disturbed sleep or insomnia, restlessness, orgasm, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, loss of weight, diarrhea, dehydration, increase in the number of white blood cells, bone pain, abdominal and muscle cramps, increase in heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure, rise in temperature and gooseflesh and blood vessel dilation or constriction.