Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

MAGNESIUM DICHROMATE(VI)

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Corrosion inhibitor; metal treatment. Regeant

SYNONYMS

Mg2Cr2O7, "dichromic acid, magnesium salt", "chromic acid (H2Cr2O7), dimagnesium salt",
"chromium magnesium oxide"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May cause CANCER by inhalation.
May cause SENSITIZATION by skin contact.
Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long- term adverse effects in the
aquatic environment.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.  Chromate salts are corrosive and produce cellular damage to tissue. Ingestion may produce inflammation of the digestive tract, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Chromates cause kidney damage and blood cell damage.  Magnesium salts are generally absorbed so slowly that oral administration causes few toxic effects, as the dose is readily expelled via the bowel. If evacuation fails, mucosal irritation and absorption may result. This can result in nervous system depression, heart effects, loss of reflexes and death due to paralysis of breathing. These usually do not occur unless the bowel or kidneys are damaged.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may cause transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn). Slight abrasive damage may also result. The material may produce foreign body irritation in certain individuals.  

SKIN

  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.  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons.  Chrome fume, as the chrome VI oxide, is corrosive to the skin and may aggravate pre-  existing skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema. As a potential skin sensitizer, the fume may cause dermatoses to appear suddenly and without warning. Absorption of chrome VI compounds through the skin can cause systemic poisoning effecting the kidneys and liver.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  There is some evidence to suggest that the material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  Chrome fume is irritating to the respiratory tract and lungs. Toxic effects result from over-exposure. Asthmatic conditions may result as a consequence of the sensitising action of chrome VI compounds.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Skin contact with the material is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  On the basis of epidemiological data, it has been concluded that prolonged inhalation of the material, in an occupational setting, may produce cancer in humans.  Chromium(III) is an essential trace mineral. Chronic exposure to chromium(III) irritates the airways, malnourishes the liver and kidneys, causes fluid in the lungs, and adverse effects on white blood cells, and also increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Chromium (VI) can irritate the skin, eyes and airways. Allergic reactions can involve both the skin and airways, and the compounds can diminish taste and smell, discolor the skin and eyes, cause blood disorders and damage the liver, kidneys, digestive tract and lungs. It predisposes humans to cancers of the respiratory tract and digestive system. Ulceration to the skin can occur, and, chromium(VI) is one of the most allergenic substances known.  Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.