Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

OAKMOSS OIL

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Perfumery; natural fixative. Usnic acid, a component, is a potential antibiotic True
oakmoss extracts are derived from Evernia Prunastri (L.) Arch. (Usneaceae), a lichen
growing primarily on oak trees. The lichen is collected all over central and southern
Europe, and also in Morocco and Algeria. Very few commercially available oakmoss extracts
have been ' true and genuine' : There is hardly any other perfume material that has so
frequently been ' doctored up' , ' compounded' , ' bouquetted' as oakmoss extracts. Most
oakmoss products have, in reality, been mixtures of oakmoss and treemoss extracts.
Recently a recommendation has been issued by The International Fragrance Association that
oakmoss extracts used in perfumes must not contain treemoss extracts . The admixture of
treemoss to oakmoss may occur at the point of harvesting Treemoss extracts may contain
constituents which cause allergenic reaction. As treemoss grows on conifers, it may be
contaminated with some conifer rosin. This rosin usually contains resinic acids (abietic
acid for example) which are known to be allergenic. Medicine

SYNONYMS

"Evernia, prunstri lichen extract", "Oakmoss concrete"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May cause SENSITIZATION by skin contact.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be harmful; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 150 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Essential oils cause mild irritation of the mouth if taken orally, causing more saliva to be produced and a warm feeling. Large amounts affect the digestive system causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Sometimes urination may be affected, causing difficulty or pain in urinating, reduced urine output, blood in the urine, unconsciousness and shallow breathing. Lung swelling and inflammation are possible complications. Stupor, excitement and respiratory failure may result, as well as convulsions; the central nervous system may either be depressed or stimulated. The kidneys may be damaged, and swelling and severe clogging can occur in the lungs, skin and kidneys. Essential oils increase the rate of miscarriage, but in low doses do not usually cause an abortion.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments. The liquid may produce gastrointestinal discomfort and may be harmful if swallowed. Ingestion may result in nausea, pain and vomiting. Vomit entering the lungs by aspiration may cause potentially lethal chemical pneumonitis.  Ingestion of thujone may produce gastrointestinal symptoms, nervousness, stupor, convulsions and death. Psychoactive effects may also be evident. Thujone ingestion may result in "absinthism" characterised by hallucinations, sleeplessness, tremors, convulsions and paralysis. Thujone has been used as an abortifacient.  

EYE

  Although the liquid 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

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons.  Essential oils irritate the skin and redden it, causing at first warmth and smarting, followed by some local loss of sensation. They have been used to treat chronic inflammatory conditions and to relieve neuralgia and rheumatic pain. Care should be taken to avoid blistering; these oils may also produce sensitization.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  Inhalation of vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness. This may be accompanied by narcosis, reduced alertness, loss of reflexes, lack of coordination and vertigo.  There is some evidence to suggest that the material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  Inhalation of essential oil volatiles may cause dizziness, rapid, shallow breathing, increased heart rate, respiratory irritation, loss of consciousness or convulsions. Urination may stop, and there may be swelling and inflammation of the lungs.  Inhalation of aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  Inhalation of high concentrations of gas/vapor causes lung irritation with coughing and nausea, central nervous depression with headache and dizziness, slowing of reflexes, fatigue and inco-ordination.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Skin contact with the material is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Ample evidence exists, from results in experimentation, that developmental disorders are directly caused by human exposure to the material.