Granular Salt

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Inhalation Very high concentrations of salt dust may result in inflammations of the mucus membranes of the respiratory tract. Skin contact Dry salt and concentrated solutions can cause withdrawal of fluid from the skin and may, on prolonged contact produce irritation. Eye contact Salt and salt solutions are not toxic to the eye but concentrations much above that of tears cause a stinging sensation. Ingestion Acute and chronic toxic effects can result from the ingestion of excessive amounts of either salt or brine. Salt should not be used as an emetic to induce vomiting. High concentrations produce inflammatory reactions in the gastrointestinal tract and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions and collapse. The ingestion of hypertonic solutions can cause fatal of body electrolyte and fluid balance particularly in the young and the elderly. Less than a tablespoon of salt may severely poison an infant and sometimes prove fatal.