Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

WST-1

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Intermediate. Novel tetrazolium compound for use in colourimetric assays determining the
number of viable cells in proliferation, in cytotoxicity chemosensitivity assays.
Bioreduced by cells into a water- soluble formazan by dehydrogenases found in
metabolically active cells. The WST range of reagents are readily reduced by NADP or NADP,
in the presence of an electron coupling reagent to produce yellow or purple formazans.

SYNONYMS

C19-H11-I-N5-Na-O8-S2, "2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2, 4-disulfophenyl)-2H-
tetrazolium, monosodium salt", "2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2, 4-disulfophenyl)-
2H-tetrazolium, monosodium salt", WST1, "formazan generator"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Irritating to eyes and respiratory system.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be harmful; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 150 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Harmful if swallowed.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  Irritating to eyes.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may be harmful; systemic effects may resultfollowing absorption.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Harmful in contact with skin.  

INHALED

  If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons.  Harmful by inhalation.  Irritating to respiratory system.  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 usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of generated dust.  Iodine and iodides cause goiter and diminished as well as increased activity of the thyroid gland. A toxic syndrome resulting from chronic iodide overdose and from repeated administration of small amounts of iodine is characterized by excessive saliva production,  head cold, sneezing, conjunctivitis, headache, fever, laryngitis, inflammation of the bronchi and mouth cavity, inflamed parotid gland, and various skin rashes. Swelling and inflammation of the throat, irritated and swollen eyes and lung swelling may also occur. Swelling of the glottis, necessitating a tracheotomy has been reported. Use of iodides in frequency can cause fetal death, severe goiter, hypothyroidism and the cretinoid appearance of the newborn.