Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

KENSO AGCARE KEN-AMINE 625 SELECTIVE HERBICIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Selective control of broadleaf weeds in various crops.

SYNONYMS

"selective broadleaf herbicide weedicide"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Risk of serious damage to eyes.
May cause SENSITIZATION by skin contact.
Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Irritating to respiratory system and skin.
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 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.  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause, if swallowed once, irreversible damage of organs.  Chlorphenoxy compounds irritate the digestive system and cause nausea and vomiting, chest pain, and diarrhea. Taking large doses can result in mineral imbalance, temperature changes, hyperventilation, low blood pressure, dilated blood vessels, damage to the heart and liver with death of white blood cells, and convulsions. Most salts and esters of 2,4-  D exhibit similar effects, although the free acid is more toxic. Massive doses can cause ventricular fibrillation followed by death. If death is delayed, there may be a sluggishness followed by spastic changes in muscles and inco-ordination. Severe cases cause apathy, weakness in the legs, regular muscle spasms and coma. Subacute poisonings cause severe nosebleeds, bleeding from the mouth and irritation of the eye and nose. Clinically, poisonings are uncommon, although muscle weakness and nervous symptoms in the extremities are sometimes reported. The substances are not metabolized and are excreted only slowly from the body, in the urine.  

EYE

  If applied to the eyes, this material causes severe eye damage.  Corneal injury resulting from 2,4-D exposure may be slow to heal.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may be harmful; systemic effects may resultfollowing absorption.  There is some evidence to suggest that this material, on a single contact with skin, can cause irreversible damage of organs.  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  The material may accentuate any pre-existing dermatitis condition.  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.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  2,4-D and its derivatives can all be absorbed through the skin of humans. Severe peripheral neuropathy has followed causing limb paralysis and loss of sensation. Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea and swelling occur, followed by "pins and needles", pain and paralysis. Disability is long-lasting.  

INHALED

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause, if inhaled once, irreversible damage of organs.  The material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  Inhalation of chlorophenoxy dusts or mists may result in sore throat, burning sensations in the throat and chest, cough, tears, inflamed nose, dizziness and inco-ordination, as a result of absorption from the lungs.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Asthma-like symptoms may continue for months or even years after exposure to the material ceases. This may be due to a non-allergenic condition known as reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) which can occur following exposure to high levels of highly irritating compound. Key criteria for the diagnosis of RADS include the absence of preceding respiratory disease, in a non-atopic individual, with abrupt onset of persistent asthma-like symptoms within minutes to hours of a documented exposure to the irritant. A reversible airflow pattern, on spirometry, with the presence of moderate to severe bronchial hyperreactivity on methacholine challenge testing and the lack of minimal lymphocytic inflammation, without eosinophilia, have also been included in the criteria for diagnosis of RADS. RADS (or asthma) following an irritating inhalation is an infrequent disorder with rates related to the concentration of and duration of exposure to the irritating substance. Industrial bronchitis, on the other hand, is a disorder that occurs as result of exposure due to high concentrations of irritating substance (often particulate in nature) and is completely reversible after exposure ceases. The disorder is characterised by dyspnea, cough and mucus production.  There has been concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations, but there is not enough data to make an assessment.  Skin contact with the material is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Chlorophenoxy herbicides cause an increased risk of cancers of soft tissue, lymph and bronchi. Inflammation of skin can result from long term contact. Chronic exposure to 2,4-  D can cause nausea, liver changes, skin eruptions, irritation of the airways and eyes, as well as nervous changes. People with chronic health conditions or who have endocrinological or immune disorders should not be exposed to herbicides.