3-Methoxypropionitrile

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

CHEMWATCH HAZARD RATINGS Min Max Flammability 1 Toxicity 2 Min/Nil=0 Body Contact 2 Low=1 Reactivity Moderate=2 2 High=3 Chronic 2 Extreme=4 CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS EMERGENCY OVERVIEW RISK In use, may form flammable/explosive vapour-air mixture. May form explosive peroxides. Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas. Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin. May cause long-term adverse effects in the environment.

Potential Acute Health Effects

SWALLOWED ■ Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual. ■ Cyanide poisoning can cause increased saliva output, nausea without vomiting, anxiety, confusion, vertigo, dizziness, stiffness of the lower jaw, convulsions, spasm, paralysis, coma and irregular heartbeat, and stimulation of breathing followed by failure. Often the skin becomes cyanosed (blue-gray), and this is often delayed. ■ Nitrile poisoning exhibits similar symptoms to poisoning due to hydrogen cyanide. The substances irritate the eyes and skin, and are absorbed quickly and completely through the skin. EYE ■ This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons. SKIN ■ This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons. ■ The material may accentuate any pre-existing dermatitis condition. ■ Skin contact is not thought to have harmful health effects, however the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions. ■ 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 vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness. This may be accompanied by narcosis, reduced alertness, loss of reflexes, lack of coordination and vertigo.

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 cyanides and certain nitriles may result in interference to iodine uptake by thyroid gland and its consequent enlargement. This occurs following metabolic conversion of the cyanide moiety to thiocyanate.