MINERAL SPIRIT

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

WOOO

Potential Acute Health Effects

SWALLOWED Accidental Ingestion of the material may be damaging {o the health of the individual, Considered an unllkely route of entry in commercial/indusirial environments. Ingestion may result in nausea, paln, vomiting. Vomit entering the lungs by aspiration may cause potentially lethal chemical pneumonitis, lsoparaffinic hydrocarbons cause temporary lethargy, weakness, Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW) Revision No: 2 Chemwatch 1993-45 Issue date 3-Aug-2006 CD 2007/1 inco-ordination and diarrhea. EYE Although the matertal 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 This material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons. Skin contact is not thought to have harmful health effects, however the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions. The material may accentuate any pre-existing skin condition. INHALED inhalation may produce health damage*. There is some evidence to suggest that this material, if Inhaled, can irritate the throat and lungs of some persons. Inhalation of vapor is more likely at higher than normal ternperatures. 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. . if exposure to highly concentrated solvent atmosphere is prolonged thls may lead to narcosis, unconsciousness, even coma and possible death. Nerve damage can be caused by some non-ring hydrocarbons. Symptoms are temporary, and include weakness, tremors, increased saliva, some convulsions, excessive tears with discoloration and inco-ordination lasting up to 24 hours. {inhaling high concentrations of mixed hydrocarbons can cause narcosis, with nausea, vomiting and lightheadedness. Low molecular weight (C2-C12) hydrocarbons can irritate mucous membranes and cause incoordination, giddiness, nausea, vertigo, confusion, headache, appetite loss, drowsiness, tremors and stupor. Massive exposures can lead to severe central nervous system depression, deep coma and death. Convulstons can occur due to brain irritation and/or lack of oxygen. Permanent scarring may occur, with epileptic seizures and brain bleeds occurring months after exposure. Respiratory system effects include inflammation of the lungs with edema and bleeding. Lighter species mainly cause kidney and nerve damage; the heavier paraffins and olefins are especially irritant to the respiratory system, Alkenes produce pulmonary edema at high concentrations. Liquid paraffins may produce sensation loss and depressant actions leading to weakness, dizziness, slow and shallow respiration, unconsciousness, convulsions and death. C5-7 paraffins may also produce multiple nerve damage. Aromatic hydrocarbons accumulate in lipid rich tissues (typically the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves) and may produce functional impairment manifested by nonspecific symptoms such as nausea, weakness, fatigue, vertigo; severe exposures may produce inebriation or unconsciousness. Many of the petroleum hydrocarbons can sensitize the heart and may cause ventricular fibrillation, leading to death.

Potential chronic health

There has been some concer that this material can cause cancer or mutations but there is not enough data to make an assessment.

Principle Routes of Exposure

are usually by skin contact with the material and inhalation of vapour Prolonged or continuous skin contact with the llquid may cause defatting with drying, cracking, irritation and dermatitis following. Chronic solvent inhalation exposures may result in nervous system impairment and liver and blood changes. [PATTYS}.