Phenolphthalein

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid. Danger! Flammable. Poison. Causes eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation. May be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed. May cause central nervous system depression. May cause liver, kidney, and heart damage. Causes adverse reproductive and fetal effects. Cannot be made non- poisonous. May cause cancer. Target Organs: Kidneys, heart, central nervous system, liver, gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular system, eyes.

Potential health effects

1 - Eye: Causes eye irritation. May cause painful sensitization to light. May cause chemical conjunctivitis and corneal damage. Skin: Causes skin irritation. May be absorbed through the skin. Ingestion: May be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed. May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. May cause systemic toxicity with acidosis. May cause central nervous system depression, characterized by excitement, followed by headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. Advanced stages may cause collapse, unconsciousness, coma, and possible death due to respiratory failure. Inhalation: Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects characterized by nausea, headache, dizziness, unconsciousness, and coma. Causes respiratory tract irritation. May cause visual impairment and possible permanent blindness. Vapors may cause suffocation. Chronic: Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause defatting and dermatitis. May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Laboratory experiments have resulted in mutagenic effects. Animal studies have reported the development of tumors. Prolonged exposure may cause liver, kidney, and heart damage. Phenolphthalein is a cancer hazard.