Poly(dimethylsiloxane)

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

CHEMWATCH HAZARD RATINGS Min Max Flammability: 1 Toxicity: 0 Body Contact: 2 Min/Nil=0 Low=1 Reactivity: 1 Moderate=2 High=3 Chronic: 0 Extreme=4 CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS None EMERGENCY OVERVIEW RISK

Potential Acute Health Effects

SWALLOWED Silicone fluids do not have a high acute toxicity. They may have a laxative effect and produce central nervous system depression. High molecular weight material; on single acute exposure would be expected to pass through gastrointestinal tract with little change / absorption. Occasionally accumulation of the solid material within the alimentary tract may result in formation of a bezoar (concretion), producing discomfort. The material has NOT been classified as "harmful by ingestion". This is because of the lack of corroborating animal or human evidence. EYE There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons. Eye exposure to silicone fluids causes temporary irritation of the conjunctiva. Injection into the specific structures of the eye, however, causes corneal scarring, permanent eye damage, allergic reactions and cataract, and may lead to blindness. SKIN The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting. 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. There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons. Low molecular weight silicone fluids may exhibit solvent action andmay produce skin irritation. INHALED The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting. Vapors of silicones are generally fairly well tolerated, however very high concentrations can cause death within minutes due to respiratory failure. At high temperatures, the fumes and oxidation products can be irritating and toxic and can cause depression leading to death in very high doses. Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.