Ammonium thiosulfate

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

CHEMWATCH HAZARD RATINGS Min Max Flammability: 0 Toxicity: 2 Body Contact: 2 Min/Nil=0 Low=1 Reactivity: 0 CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS 1 of 7 EMERGENCY OVERVIEW RISK Harmful by inhalation. Danger of cumulative effects. Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.

Potential Acute Health Effects

SWALLOWED Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual. Thiosulfate salts are poorly absorbed and stimulate the emptying of thebowel. Large doses of ammonia or injected ammonium salts may produce diarrhea and may be sufficiently absorbed to produce increased production of urine and systemic poisoning. Symptoms include weakening of facial muscle, tremor, anxiety, reduced muscle and limb control. 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. Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material. Solution of material in moisture on the skin, or perspiration, mayincrease irritant effects. 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 Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material, during the course of normalhandling, may be harmful. The material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage. Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.

Potential chronic health

Repeated or long-term occupational exposure is likely to produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems. Long-term exposure to respiratory irritants may result in disease of the airways involving difficult breathing and related systemic problems. Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung.