Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HELVETICOSIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Trialled as a cardiac glycoside. Increases the force of myocardial contraction and in
heart failure this positive inotropic effect results in improved cardiac output with a
more complete emptying of the ventricole at systole, a reduction in elevated end-
diastolic ventricular pressure and a reduction in the size of the dilated heart. Isolated
form Erysimum helveticum (Jacq.) DC and Erysimum crepidfolium Reichenb. Cruciferae.
Described as a " violent poison" (Merck Index).

SYNONYMS

C29-H42-O9, "card-20(22)-enolide, 3-[(2, 6-dideoxy-beta-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-5, 14-
dihydroxy-19-oxo-, (3beta, 5beta)-", "card-20(22)-enolide, 3-[(2, 6-dideoxy-beta-D-ribo-
hexopyranosyl)oxy]-5, 14-dihydroxy-19-oxo-, (3beta, 5beta)-", "alleoside A",
deglucoerysimoside, ersimin, erysimotoxin, helvetikosid, strophanthidin-beta-D-
digitoxoside, strophanthidin-beta-D-digitoxoside, "strophanthidin 3beta-digitoxoside",
Erizimin, Erysimin, "cardiac glycoside"

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.  Cardiac glycosides such as digoxin often cause side effects because there is little therapeutic window between therapeutic and toxic doses, and many deaths have occurred. Early signs of overdose include nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. There is a wide range of other symptoms including headache, facial pain, general unwellness, fatigue, drowsiness, delirium and hallucinations. Often "pins and needles" occur in the fingers and toes. Blurred vision and color disturbances may be present. There may be mental disturbances, hallucinations, personality changes, inability to speak, disorientation, delirium, poor concentration and psychosis may be seen. Often irregularities in the heart beat occur, especially in the ventricles. Heart block often occurs in older persons.  

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 dust 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.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce 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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Cardiac glycosides may have similar effects to female sex hormones and cause enlargement of the breasts in men.