Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HARRINGTONINE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Alkaloid of possible interest as an anti- leukaemic compound. Inhibits formation of
diphenylalanine- acetylphenylalanyl- puromycin in liver ribosomes. Isolated from plum yew
tree.

SYNONYMS

C29-H39-N-O9, C29-H39-N-O9, "cephalotaxine, 4-methyl-, 2-hydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-3-
methylbutyl)butanedioate(ester), (3(R))-", "cephalotaxine, 4-methyl-, 2-hydroxy-2-(3-
hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)butanedioate(ester), (3(R))-", harringtonin, 2'R-harringtonine,
NSC-124147, "cephalotaxus alkaloid", "antineoplastic/ cytotoxic"

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.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce serious 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.  The killing action of antineoplastic drugs used for cancer chemotherapy is not selective for cancerous cells alone but affect all dividing cells. Acute side effects include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, allergic reaction (skin rash, itch, redness, low blood pressure, unwellness and anaphylactic shock) and local irritation. Gout and renal failure can occur.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of generated dust.  Anti-cancer drugs used for chemotherapy can depress the bone marrow with reduction in the number of white blood cells and platelets and bleeding. Susceptibility to infections and bleeding is increased, which can be life- threatening. Digestive system effects may include inflammation of the mouth cavity, mouth ulcers, esophagus inflammation, abdominal pain and bleeds, diarrhea, bowel ulcers and perforation. Reversible hair loss can result and wound healing may be delayed. Long-term effects on the gonads may cause periods to stop and inhibit sperm production. Most anti-cancer drugs can potentially cause mutations and birth defects, and coupled with the effects of the suppression of the immune system, may also cause cancer.