CHEMONITE TREATED WOOD

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: This product consists of chemically treated dark brown to greenish-brown wood. The product presents limited hazards in an emergency situation. Arsenic, a component of this product, is a confirmed human carcinogen, additionally, wood dusts have been implicated in human cancer and sensitization of the respiratory system and skin. Dusts from this product can be irritating to exposed tissue. The product is a combustible wood material, producing acrid smoke and toxic gases (i.e. carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and arsenic, copper and zinc compounds) when burned. This product is not reactive under typical emergency situations. Personal protective equipment appropriate to the specific release should be worn by Emergency Response personnel. SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: The most significant routes of occupational over- exposure are via inhalation of dust or contact with skin and eyes. The symptoms of over-exposure to this product are as follows: INHALATION: Inhalation of finely divided dusts of this product, as with any untreated wood product, may cause irritation of the nose, throat, and other tissues of the respiratory system. Chronic inhalation over-exposure can potentially cause adverse effects on the lungs and nasal system, including some forms of cancer. Some individuals may become sensitized to wood dusts and develop allergy-like symptoms upon repeated exposure. CONTACT WITH SKIN or EYES: Dusts which may contaminate the eyes can cause irritation and scratching of eye tissues. Prolonged exposure can also cause reversible corneal damage caused by abrasion to the cornea. Prolonged and/or repeated skin contact can cause mild irritation or dermatitis, which disappears after exposure ends, unless the person is susceptible to possible sensitization effects of wood dusts and the arsenic present in the preservative solution. SKIN ABSORPTION: Though not anticipated to be a significant route of occupational over-exposure, arsenic compounds may be absorbed through the skin, causing symptoms as those described under “Contact with Skin or Eyes”. INGESTION: Ingestion is not anticipated to be a significant route of occupational over-exposure. If dusts or particles of this product are ingested, especially in large quantities, irritation of the mouth, throat, stomach, and other tissues of the digestive system can occur. One of the most significant health effects associated with ingestion of this product is the potential for arsenic poisoning. Symptoms of arsenic poisoning may be delayed many hours and can include constriction in the throat and difficulty swallowing, dehydration with intense thirst and muscular cramps, blood, albumin and high sugar content in the urine and vertigo. Chronic exposure can cause skin eruptions and discolorations. Severe ingestion over-exposures can be fatal. (Continued) INJECTION: The only likely manner in which injection of this material could occur is by wood splinters puncturing the skin. The main HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM symptoms associated with such an exposure would be redness and irritation at the point of injection.

Potential health effects

OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE An Explanation in HEALTH (BLUE) 1 Lay Terms. ACUTE: The main health hazard presented by this product after short- term exposure would be irritation of contaminated tissues, especially the with the wood dust. respiratory system, skin, and eyes, from contact with the treated wood or FLAMMABILITY (RED) 2 CHRONIC: The symptoms of long-term exposure would be similar to those for acute exposure, described above. Symptoms of chronic, long- term exposure to dusts generated by this product will include irritation of REACTIVITY (YELLOW) 0 exposed tissues. Prolonged exposure to the eyes can cause reversible corneal damage caused by abrasion to the cornea. Prolonged exposure, via inhalation, to dusts generated by this product can result in some forms of cancer. Additionally, some individuals can become PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT C sensitized to wood dusts and develop allergy-like symptoms upon repeated exposures. Chronic over-exposure to arsenic, a component of EYES RESPIRATORY HANDS BODY this product, can cause skin eruptions and discolorations. Arsenic is a confirmed human carcinogen. Refer to Section 11 (Toxicological Information) for further information on potential carcinogenic and SEE SECTION 8 sensitization effects of this product. TARGET ORGANS (For Dusts of Product): For routine wood handling operations ACUTE: Respiratory system, skin, eyes. CHRONIC: Respiratory system, eyes, skin. What should I do if a hazardous situation occurs? See Section 16 for Definition of Ratings