Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

OCTYL ETHER

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Intermediate.

SYNONYMS

C16-H34-O, (CH3(CH2)7)2O, "caprylic ether", "dioctyl ether", "di-n-octyl ether", "di-n-
octyl ether", "1, 1'-oxybisoctane", "1, 1'-oxybisoctane", "octane, 1, 1'-oxybis-",
"octane, 1, 1'-oxybis-", Antar

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May form explosive peroxides.
HARMFUL - May cause lung damage if swallowed.

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.  Ingestion may result in nausea, pain, vomiting. Vomit entering the lungs by aspiration may cause potentially lethal chemical pneumonitis.  Ingestion of alkyl ethers may produce stupor, blurred vision, headache, dizziness and irritation of the nose and throat. Respiratory distress and asphyxia may result.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  Eye contact with alkyl ethers (vapor or liquid) may produce irritation,redness and tears.  

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.  The liquid may produce skin discomfort following prolonged contact. Defatting and/or drying of the skin may lead to dermatitis.  Alkyl ethers may defat and dehydrate the skin producing dermatoses. Absorption may produce headache, dizziness, and central nervous system depression.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  There is some evidence to suggest that this material, if inhaled, can irritate the throat and lungs of some persons.  Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  Inhalation of high concentrations of gas/vapor causes lung irritation with coughing and nausea, central nervous depression with headache and dizziness, slowing of reflexes, fatigue and inco-ordination.  Inhalation of vapor may aggravate a pre-existing respiratory condition.  Following inhalation, ethers cause lethargy and stupor. Inhaling lower alkyl ethers results in headache, dizziness, weakness, blurred vision, seizures and possible coma. Low blood pressure, slow heartbeat and cardiovascular collapse may be seen with throat irritation, irregular breathing, pulmonary edema and respiratory arrest. Nausea, vomiting and salivation may be seen. There have been deaths reported, and convulsions and paralysis can be found in severe cases. Massive exposures can cause damage to the kidney and liver.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of vapor.  No human exposure data available. For this reason health effects described are based on experience with chemically related materials.  Chronic exposure to alkyl ethers may result in loss of appetite, excessivethirst, fatigue,  and weight loss.