Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

QUANTUM EXPLOSIVES EMULSION MATRIX (QEM)

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

A matrix for bulk blasting agents for use in large mining applications.

SYNONYMS

"matrix for explosives", "Quantum matrix", "ANFO emulsion", "ammonium nitrate emulsion",
"AN emulsion", "bulk ammonium nitrate emulsion"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of ignition.
Contact with combustible material may cause fire.
Harmful if swallowed.
Irritating to eyes.
May cause CANCER.
HARMFUL - May cause lung damage if swallowed.
Harmful to aquatic organisms.

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.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

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

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.  

INHALED

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material, if inhaled, can irritate the throat and lungs of some persons.  Although inhalation is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still produce health damage, especially where pre-existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally confined to doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-  health).  Inhalation of vapor may result in nausea, headache.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is ample evidence that this material can be regarded as being able to cause cancer in humans based on experiments and other information.  

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact and inhalation of vapor.  Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause drying with cracking,irritation and possible dermatitis following.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.  Over exposure may lead to methaemoglobinaemia (presence of methaemoglobin in  the blood). Symptoms are fatigue, headache, dizziness and cyanosis.  Nitrates can have a smooth muscle relaxant effect which may result in  hypotension.  Decomposition of the material can involve the liberation of toxic oxides  of nitrogen the inhalation of which can lead to chest discomfort,  shortness of breath and possibly pulmonary oedema, the onset of which may  be delayed.