Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

PALLADIUM/CARBON CATALYST (5%)

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used as a laboratory or commercial dehydrogenation reaction catalyst. Catalyst

SYNONYMS

Pd/C, "dehydrogenation catalyst", "palladized carbon", "palladium on charcoal catalyst"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Spontaneously flammable in air.
Flammable.
May cause fire.
Harmful to aquatic organisms.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.  Ingestion of finely divided carbon may produce gagging and constipation. Aspiration does not appear to be a concern as the material is generally regarded as inert and is often used as a food additive. Ingestion may produce a black stool.  Colloidal palladium is reported to increase body temperature, producediscoloration and tissue death at the site of injection, decreasebody-weight and cause some destruction of blood cells.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  Eyes exposed to carbon particulates may be liable to irritation and burning. These can remain in the eye causing inflammation lasting weeks, and can cause permanent dark dotty discoloration.  

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.  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 may produce health damage*.  Inhalation of vapors or aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  There is some evidence to suggest that 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.  The inhalation of small particles of metal oxide results in sudden thirst, a sweet, metallic our foul taste, throat irritation, cough, dry mucous membranes, tiredness and general unwellness. Headache, nausea and vomiting, fever or chills, restlessness, sweating, diarrhea, excessive urination and prostration may also occur. After exposure is removed, recovery occurs within 24-36 hours.  Impurities found in carbons can be toxic, including iodine. Carbon dusts in the air may cause irritation of the mucous membranes, eyes and skin. Coughing, irritation of the upper airways and eye burning may occur.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There has been some concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations but there is not enough data to make an assessment.  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  There is limited evidence that, skin contact with this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  There is a weak association between palladium chloride and tumor productionon the basis of a single study.  There is insufficient evidence to suggest that exposure to carbon black causes increased susceptibility to cancer or other ill effects. Some lung changes can occur after a prolonged period of exposure as well as increased strain on the right side of the heart.