Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VAN VLODROP OPTI-FIX

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used as fixer for photographic systems.

SYNONYMS

"ammonium bisulfite solution", "ammonium hydrogen sulphite solution", "monoammonium
sulphite solution", "monoammonium sulfite solution", "photographic fixative", fixer

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Contact with acids liberates toxic gas.
Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  The material may produce moderate eye irritation leading to inflammation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants may produce conjunctivitis.  

SKIN

  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  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.  The material may cause severe skin irritation after prolonged or repeated exposure and may produce on contact skin redness, swelling, the production of vesicles, scaling and thickening of the skin. Repeated exposures may produce severe ulceration.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons.  The material may produce respiratory tract irritation, and result in damage to the lung including reduced lung function.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/eye contact and inhalation.  Prolonged skin contact may result in irritation and burns.  Inhalation of mist or sulphur dioxide vapour may cause nose, throat and lung  irritation.  Ingestion may cause irritation to the mouth, esophagus and stomach resulting  in nausea, vomiting, headache and abdominal pain.  Some individuals are extremely sensitive to minute amounts of ingested  sulphites. Symptoms may include broncho constriction, shock,  gastro-intestinal disturbances, angio oedema, flushing and tingling  sensation.