3-Mercapto-1-propanol

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

CHEMWATCH HAZARD RATINGS Min Max Flammability: 1 Toxicity: 3 Body Contact: 3 Min/Nil=0 Low=1 Reactivity: 1 Moderate=2 High=3 Chronic: 2 Extreme=4 CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS EMERGENCY OVERVIEW RISK Toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed. Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.

Potential Acute Health Effects

SWALLOWED Toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 40 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual. EYE This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons. SKIN Skin contact with the material may produce toxic effects; systemic effectsmay result following absorption. This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons. The material may accentuate any pre-existing dermatitis condition. Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material. Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected. INHALED The material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage. Inhalation of aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual. Thiols (particularly ethyl mercaptan) produce lethargy or sleepiness. Exposure to high levels may result in nausea, vomiting, restlessness, muscle incoordination and or paralysis, bluing of skin, depression of breathing, coma and death. Prolonged exposure may cause headache, nausea and ultimately loss ofconsciousness. Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.

Potential chronic health

Long-term exposure to respiratory irritants may result in disease of the airways involving difficult breathing and related systemic problems. Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems. Chronic exposure to mercaptans may result in damage to the lungs, kidneys and liver.