Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

OCTACHLORODIBENZOFURAN

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Possession prohibited; other than for Approved Research use. [NHMRC] Operators should be
trained in procedures for safe use of this material. Handling of this material must be
planned and monitored. Use best control measures, best handling procedures and full body
protection to avoid any possible contact.

SYNONYMS

C12-H-Cl7-O, F135, "dibenzofuran, octachloro-", OCDF, octa-CDF, perchlorodibenzofuran,
"polychlorinated dibenzofuran"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May cause long- term adverse effects in the environment.

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.  

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.  Exposure to the material may result in a skin inflammation called chloracne. This is characterized by white- and blackheads, keratin cysts, spots, excessive discoloration. These mainly involve the skin under the eyes and behind the ears. The reaction may be delayed. There may also be excess hair growth, degeneration of elastic tissue as a result of sunlight, and scarring of the membrane of the penis.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce severe health damage*.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  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

  Polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs) can cause effects on hormones and mimic thyroid hormone. Acne, discharge in the eye, eyelid swellings and visual disturbances may occur. Babies born to exposed mothers can also exhibit these effects. There is an increased risk of liver cancer among those who have taken PHAHs.