Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

J&J MEDICAL NOVACOL TINTURE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Hospital grade disinfectant/antiseptic for external use.

SYNONYMS

"Chlorhexidine/alcohol disinfectant", "hospital grade disinfectant antiseptic"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Irritating to eyes.
Highly flammable.

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 severe irritation to the eye causing pronounced inflammation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants may produce conjunctivitis.  

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 material may cause 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.  

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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal route of exposure is usually by skin contact.  Skin contact may result in irritation and redness. Repeated contact may cause  dermatitis or sensitisation in some individuals. Allergic contact dermatitis  due to skin contact and occupational asthma due to inhalation of  chlorhexidine/alcohol mist have been reported.  Inhalation of mist may result in mucous membrane and respiratory tract  irritation and central nervous system depression (headache, incoordination and  visual impairment).  Eye contact with the liquid may result in tissue damage.  Ingestion may cause mucous membrane irritation, intoxication and central  nervous system depression. Chronic ingestion of chlorhexidine gluconate may  result in liver or kidney damage.