Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

M-PHENETIDINE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Dyestuffs intermediate, pharmaceuticals, lab reagent. Fragrance

SYNONYMS

C8-H11-NO, C2H5O-C6H4-NH2, meta-phenetidine, 3-aminoethoxybenzene, 3-aminoethoxybenzene,
m-aminophenetole, m-aminophenetole, meta-aminophenetole, 3-aminophenetole, 3-
aminophenetole, m-ethoxyaniline, m-ethoxyaniline, meta-ethoxyaniline, 3-
ethoxybenzeneamine, 3-ethoxybenzeneamine, 2-ethoxyaniline, 2-ethoxyaniline, phenethidine,
p-phenetidin, p-phenetidin, para-phenetidin, NH2C6H4OC2H5, C8-H11-N-O, C8-H11-N-O

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Danger of cumulative effects.
Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 40 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  The substance and/or its metabolites may bind to hemoglobin inhibiting normal uptake of oxygen. This condition, known as "methemoglobinemia", is a form of oxygen starvation (anoxia).  Symptoms include cyanosis (a bluish discoloration skin and mucous membranes) and breathing difficulties. Symptoms may not be evident until several hours after exposure.  At about 15% concentration of blood methemoglobin there is observable cyanosis of the lips, nose and earlobes. Symptoms may be absent although euphoria, flushed face and headache are commonly experienced. At 25-40%, cyanosis is marked but little disability occurs other than that produced on physical exertion. At 40-60%, symptoms include weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, increasingly severe headache, ataxia, rapid shallow respiration, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, lethargy and stupor. Above 60% symptoms include dyspnea, respiratory depression, tachycardia or bradycardia, and convulsions. Levels exceeding 70% may be fatal.  

EYE

  Although the liquid 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

  Skin contact with the material may produce toxic effects; systemic effectsmay result following absorption.  The liquid may be miscible with fats or oils and may degrease the skin, producing a skin reaction described as non-allergic contact dermatitis. The material is unlikely to produce an irritant dermatitis as described in EC Directives .  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 of aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may produce toxic effects; these may be fatal.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of vapors, fumes or aerosols, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Repeated or long-term occupational exposure is likely to produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Most arylamines are powerful poisons to the blood-making system. High chronic doses cause congestion of the spleen and tumor formation.  Absorption into the body leads to the formation of methemoglobin which in sufficient concentration causes cyanosis. Onset may be delayed 2 to 4 hours or longer.  About 30% of ingested phenetidine is excreted as ethereal sulfates. A p-toluidine-  ammonium glucuronate complex has been isolated from p-, o-, m-phenetidine urines.