Aldehydes

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency overview Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid. Flash Point: None, Tag Closed Cup (ASTM D56) Warning! Causes burns of eye, skin, digestive tract, respiratory tract. May cause sensitization. Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. Aspiration hazard if swallowed - can enter lungs and cause damage. Target Organs: Central nervous system, lungs, respiratory system, eyes, skin

Potential health effects

Eye Liquid will cause severe and persistent conjunctivitis, including excess redness and swelling of the conjunctiva with profuse discharge. May develop severe corneal injury; permanent impairment of vision possible. Vapor will cause stinging sensations with excess tear production, blinking and redness of the conjunctiva. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin: May cause skin sensitization May cause hives. Brief contact will cause itching with mild to moderate local redness and possible swelling. Prolonged contact may result in pain, severe redness and swelling, with ulceration, tissue destruction and possible bleeding into inflamed area. Contact with glutaraldehyde solutions may result in a harmless yellow or brownish discoloration of the skin. Ingestion: Moderately toxic. May cause moderate to marked irritation and chemical burns of the mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach. May cause discomfort or pain in the chest and abdomen, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, faintness, drowsiness, thirst. Advanced cases may cause weakness, circulatory shock, collapse, coma, or death due to respiratory failure.

Aspiration hazard

May cause damage to the lungs Inhalation: Harmful if inhaled. Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract. May cause bleeding from the nose, coughing, chest discomfort and tightness, difficulty breathing, and headache. May cause asthma and shortness of breath. Chronic: Effects may be delayed. May aggravate an existing dermatitis. May cause skin sensitization and allergic reaction.