Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

MAGNESIUM C10-16-ALKYL SULFATE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Anionic detergent, surfactant, foaming, wetting and emulsifying agent.

SYNONYMS

"sulfuric acid, mono-C10-16-alkyl esters, magnesium salts", "sulfuric acid, mono-C10-
16-alkyl esters, magnesium salts", "(C10-16)alkyl alcohol sulfuric acid, magnesium
salt", "magnesium lauryl sulfate", "Empicol ML26/ ML-26"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Irritating to eyes and skin.

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.  Ingestion may result in nausea, abdominal irritation, pain and vomiting.  Ingestion of anionic surfactants may produce diarrhea, bloated stomach,and occasional vomiting.  Magnesium salts are generally absorbed so slowly that oral administration causes few toxic effects, as the dose is readily expelled via the bowel. If evacuation fails, mucosal irritation and absorption may result. This can result in nervous system depression, heart effects, loss of reflexes and death due to paralysis of breathing. These usually do not occur unless the bowel or kidneys are damaged.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  Direct eye contact with some anionic surfactants in high concentration can cause severe damage to the cornea. Low concentrations can cause discomfort, excess blood flow, and corneal clouding and swelling. Recovery may take several days.  The material may produce severe irritation to the eye causing pronounced inflammation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants may produce conjunctivitis.  

SKIN

  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  Skin contact is not thought to have harmful health effects, however the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions.  Excessive use or prolonged contact may lead to defatting, dryingand irritation of sensitive skin.  Anionic surfactants can cause skin redness and pain, as well as a rash. Cracking, scaling and blistering can occur.  Repeated skin contact with some sulfonated surfactants has produced sensitization dermatitis in predisposed individuals.  The material may cause severe skin irritation after prolonged or repeated exposure and may produce on contact skin redness, swelling, the production of vesicles, scaling and thickening of the skin. Repeated exposures may produce severe ulceration.  

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.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Inhalation of vapor may aggravate a pre-existing respiratory condition.  Exposure to Sulfonates can cause an imbalance in cellular salts and therefore cellular function. Airborne sulfonates may be responsible for respiratory allergies and, in some instances, minor dermal allergies.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is some evidence that inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact and by inhalation of vapors especially at higher temperatures.  The sodium salt of the substance has been reported to cause pulmonary  sensitisation resulting in hyperactive airway dysfunction and pulmonary  allergy accompanied by fatigue, malaise and aching. Significant symptoms  of exposure can persist for more than two years and can be activated by  a variety of non-specific environmental stimulii such as a exhaust,  perfumes and passive smoking.