Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

WOOLWORTHS PREWASH STAIN REMOVER PRODUCED BY TRENDPAC

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Pre wash stain remover.

SYNONYMS

Woolworths, "Home Brand"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

In use, may form flammable/ explosive vapor- air mixture.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.  Following ingestion, a single exposure to isopropyl alcohol produced lethargy and non-  specific effects such as weight loss and irritation. Ingestion of near-lethal doses of isopropanol produces histopathological changes of the stomach, lungs and kidneys, incoordination, lethargy, gastrointestinal tract irritation, and inactivity or anaesthesia.  Swallowing 10 ml. of isopropanol may cause serious injury; 100 ml. may be fatal if not promptly treated. The adult single lethal doses is approximately 250 ml. The toxicity of isopropanol is twice that of ethanol and the symptoms of intoxication appear to be similar except for the absence of an initial euphoric effect; gastritis and vomiting are more prominent. Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.  There is evidence that a slight tolerance to isopropanol may be acquired.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  Isopropanol vapour may cause mild eye irritation at 400 ppm. Splashes may cause severe eye irritation, possible corneal burns and eye damage. Eye contact may cause tearing or blurring of vision.  

SKIN

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons.  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

  The material is not thought to produce either adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract following inhalation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, adverse effects have been produced following exposure of animals by at least one other route and good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Prolonged exposure to ethanol may cause damage to the liver and cause scarring. It may also worsen damage caused by other agents. Large amounts of ethanol taken in pregnancy may result in "fetal alcohol syndrome", characterized by delay in mental and physical development, learning difficulties, behavioral problems and small head size. A small number of people develop allergic reactions to ethanol, which include eye infections, skin swelling, shortness of breath, and itchy rashes with blisters.  Long term or repeated ingestion exposure of isopropanol may produce incoordination, lethargy and reduced weight gain.  Repeated inhalation exposure to isopropanol may produce narcosis, incoordination and liver degeneration. Animal data show developmental effects only at exposure levels that produce toxic effects in the adult animals. Isopropanol does not cause genetic damage in bacterial or mammalian cell cultures or in animals.  There are inconclusive reports of human sensitisation from skin contact with isopropanol. Chronic alcoholics are more tolerant of systemic isopropanol than are persons who do not consume alcohol; alcoholics have survived as much as 500 ml. of 70% isopropanol.  Continued voluntary drinking of a 2.5% aqueous solution through two successive generations of rats produced no reproductive effects.  NOTE: Commercial isopropanol doers not contain "isopropyl oil". An excess incidence of sinus and laryngeal cancers in isopropanol production workers has been shown to be caused by the byproduct "isopropyl oil". Changes in the production processes now ensure that no byproduct is formed. Production changes include use of dilute sulfuric acid at higher temperatures.