Wood Treated With Pentachlorophenol

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Handling may cause splinters. Preservative treatment may cause eye and skin irritation. Observe good hygiene and safety practices when handling this product. Wood dust is classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Do not use this product until the MSDS has been read and understood.

Potential health effects

INHALATION: Concentrations of 0.3 mg/m technical grade pentachlorophenol can cause nose irritation. Concentrations 3 above 1 mg/m can cause irritation of upper respiratory tract with sneezing and coughing. Finely divided wood dust, treated or untreated, may cause nose, throat, or lung irritation and other respiratory effects. Preservative vapors may cause respiratory tract irritation. If exposed in a closed space, preservative vapors may product headache, drowsiness, and possible weakness and incoordination. SKIN: Technical grade pentachlorophenol is readily absorbed through the skin. Pressure treated wood can cause irritation of the skin. Wood dust can cause dermatitis. Chloracne: In humans, the absorption of technical grade pentachlorophenol by any route may result in the development of the skin condition, chloracne. This usually appears as blackheads, whiteheads and yellow cysts over the temples and around the ears. In severe cases, involvement may be extensive. Mild cases may be similar in appearance to other forms of acne and to skin changes commonly seen with aging. EYES: Technical grade pentachlorophenol causes irritation of the eyes at 1 mg/m . If exposure is prolonged, slight transient 3 corneal damage can occur. DO NOT RUB EYES. Get medical attention if irritation persists. INGESTION: Ingestion of pressure treated wood or sawdust is unlikely. Wipe material from mouth and lips. If symptoms appear, seek medical aid. Symptoms of ingestion of technical grade pentachlorophenol can include rapid heartbeat and respiration, elevated temperature and blood pressure, muscular weakness, excessive sweating, dizziness and nausea.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

No medical conditions are expected to be aggravated from normal exposures to penta treated wood. Exposure to technical grade penta may cause acute or chronic kidney or liver disease, asthma, bronchitis, chronic acne or other skin conditions.

Potential chronic health

PENTACHLOROPHENOL PRESERVATIVE: Pentachlorophenol is listed on the IARC carcinogen list but not by NTP or OSHA. UNTREATED WOOD DUST OR SAWDUST: Wood dust, depending on species, may cause dermatitis on prolonged, repetitive contact; may cause respiratory sensitization and/or irritation. IARC classifies wood dust as a carcinogen to humans (Group 1).

HMIS® ratings

is based primarily on IARC's evaluation of increased risk in the occurrence of adenocarcinomas of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses associated with exposure to wood dust. IARC did not find sufficient evidence to associate cancers of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, lung, lymphatic and hematopoietic systems, stomach, colon or rectum with exposure to wood dust. Wood dust will most likely occur during the cutting of the treated wood and should not be expected during normal handling.