Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

WILLOW BARK (WHITE)

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Anti- inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antirheumatic, astringent. Consists of the
dried bark of Salix alba L., and other species of Salix such as S. fragilis, S.purpurea
L., S.daphnoides Villars and S.pentandra L., Salicacea collected during the growth period
from young branches. Contains esters such as salicortin, 2' - O- acetylsalicortin and
tremulacin which are slowly hydrolysed to salicin in the alkaline environment of the
intestine. Salicin is enzymatically hydrolysed by intestinal flora to the aglycone,
saligenin (2- hydroxybenzyl alcohol) which is absorbed and then oxidised in the blood and
liver to salicylic acid. Salicylates reduce pain by acting on tissues and associated
sensory nerves, inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins and the actions of neutrophils
involved in the inflammation.

SYNONYMS

"Salicis cortex", Salix, "Salix alba"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

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.  High oral doses of salicylates, such as aspirin, may cause a mild burning pain in the throat and stomach, causing vomiting. This is followed (within hours) by deep, rapid breathing, tiredness, nausea and further vomiting, thirst and diarrhea. The central nervous system is first stimulated, and then depression from failure occurs. Stimulation produces vomiting, hyperventilation, headache, ringing in the ears, confusion, behavior and mood changes, and generalized convulsions. Respiratory failure and cardiovascular collapse can result in death. There may also be sweating, skin eruptions, internal bleeding, kidney failure and inflamed pancreas. There may be bloody stools, purple skin spots or blood in the vomit. Many of these symptoms are due to disturbances in blood chemistry. A dose of 300 mg/kg can cause serious effects while 500 mg/kg can be lethal.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

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

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of generated dust.  Prolonged use of non-steroidal analgesics damages the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, causing ulcers and bleeding. There may be diarrhea or constipation, perforations causing serious infection, and blood in the vomit or stools. Kidney damage can result in blood or pus in the urine, changes in urine chemistry, change in the frequency of urination, insufficiency of kidney function, destruction of the kidney lining and kidney inflammation. Occasionally, the liver may be affected, causing inflammation (hepatitis) and jaundice. There may be changes in blood cell distribution, and disturbance in platelet function. Sensitivity to light may occur. Anaphylatic-like syndrome is characterized by rash with redness, spots and blisters, itching, and fainting. The eyes, ears and urinary tract can all be affected. Asthma and anemia may be exacerbated. These drugs can cause circulatory defects in the fetus and newborn. Once the kidney has been damaged, there is an increased likelihood that cancers could develop there.