Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HEPTACHLORNORBORNADIENE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Derivative of a chlorinated cyclodiene.

SYNONYMS

C7-H-Cl7, "norbornadiene, heptachlor-", "cyclodiene organochlorine pesticide/
insecticide", heptachloronorbornadiene

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May cause long- term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.

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.  Organochlorine pesticides excite the central nervous system, causing shortness of breath, cough, narrowing of airways and throat spasms. In the muscles it can cause twitches, spastic movements and seizures. Headache, dizziness and confusion may result as well as a feeling of warmth. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and difficulty in urination. There may be alterations in blood pressure or irregularities in heart rhythm. Delayed poisoning may occur after 30 minutes to several hours. Symptoms may include diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, inco-ordination, "pins and needles", restlessness, irritability, confusion and tremors, progressing to stupor, coma and epilepsy-like or spastic seizures with frothing at the mouth, a contorted face, violent convulsions and limb stiffness. Tremors may spread from the face to the torso and limbs. Severe poisoning may cause continuous convulsion, fever, unconsciousness, labored breathing, rapid heartbeat and general depression; this is followed by lack of oxygen, collapse of breathing, and death. Kidney damage and inflammation and anemia has also been reported.  

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).  The liquid may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

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.  Chlorinated cyclodiene pesticides are absorbed through the skin. Central nervous system effects can occur, including hyperexcitability of muscle, which can cause twitching, jerks and convulsions. Symptoms can also include headache, nausea, vomiting, general unwellness and dizziness. Brain wave abnormalities can persist for months.  Exposure to the material may result in a skin inflammation called chloracne. This is characterized by white- and blackheads, keratin cysts, spots, excessive discoloration. These mainly involve the skin under the eyes and behind the ears. The reaction may be delayed. There may also be excess hair growth, degeneration of elastic tissue as a result of sunlight, and scarring of the membrane of the penis.  

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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Human exposure to cyclodienes can cause reduction of blood cell numbers, leukemia and anemia. Prolonged exposure causes cumulative effects such as irritability, drowsiness, loss of appetite and acute exposure symptoms. There may be effects on the reproductive system.  Exposure to organochlorine pesticides for long periods can cause multiple nervous system infections and disorders involving the brain and autonomic nerves with headache, dizziness, "pins and needles", tremor in the limbs, disturbances in nerves supplying blood vessels, pain in the bowel and stiffening of the bile duct, rapid heartbeat, hollow heart sounds and a tight pain in the chest. There can be blood problems with loss of platelets and white blood cells, change in blood cell distribution, anemia, loss of appetite and weight. There may be disturbed behavior. Some organochlorines may have female sex hormone-like effects, causing withering of the testicles, reduced fertility and disturbed sexual activity.