Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

UNION CARBIDE UCARE POLYMER JR-125, 400, 30M

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used in cosmetics and toiletries.

SYNONYMS

"Polyquaternium 10", "cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose", "cationic hydroxyethylcellulose,
chloride", "cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl 2-(2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propoxy) ethyl",
"cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl 2-(2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propoxy) ethyl", "cellulose
ether"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Toxic to aquatic organisms.

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.  Concentrated solutions of many cationics may cause corrosive damage to mucous membranes and the esophagus. Nausea and vomiting (sometimes bloody) may follow ingestion. Serious exposures may produce an immediate burning sensation of the mouth, throat and abdomen with profuse salivation, ulceration of mucous membranes, signs of circulatory shock (hypotension, labored breathing, and cyanosis) and a feeling of apprehension, restlessness, confusion and weakness. Weak convulsive movements may precede central nervous system depression. Erosion, ulceration, and petechial hemorrhage may occur through the small intestine with glottic, brain and pulmonary edema. Death may result from asphyxiation due to paralysis of the muscles of respiration or cardiovascular collapse. Fatal poisoning may arise even when the only pathological signs are visceral congestion, swallowing, mild pulmonary edema or varying signs of gastrointestinal irritation. Individuals who survive a period of severe hypertension may develop kidney failure. Cloudy swelling, patchy necrosis and fatty infiltration in such visceral organs as the heart, liver and kidneys shows at death.  Bulk laxatives can cause temporary bloating and blockage of the esophagus and/or intestine. As they shorten the time of digestion, the absorption of other drugs will be affected.  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.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

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.  

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.  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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Studies indicate that diets containing large amounts of non-absorbable polysaccharides, such as cellulose, might decrease absorption of calcium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus.  This material contains a substantial amount of polymer considered to be of low concern. These are classified under having MWs of between 1000 to 10000 with less than 25% of molecules with MWS under 1000 and less than 10% under 500; or having a molecular weight average of over 10000. Functional groups contained on the polymer are then classified into risk categories. Being classified as a polymer of "low concern" does not mean that there are no hazards associated with the chemical.