Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HYDROCARBONS, C4, ETHYLENE MANUFACTURED BY PRODUCT

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Petroleum process stream. Refined liquefied petroleum gases are usedas aerosol propellants
and fuels.

SYNONYMS

"liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)", "butane, butylene concentrate"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Explosive when dry.
May form explosive peroxides.
Extremely flammable.
Risk of explosion if heated under confinement.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

SKIN

  Vaporizing liquid causes rapid cooling and contact may cause cold burns,frostbite.  

INHALED

  Material is highly volatile and may quickly form a concentrated atmosphere in confined or unventilated areas. Vapor is heavier than air and may displace and replace air in breathing zone, acting as a simple asphyxiant. This may happen with little warning of overexposure.  If exposure to highly concentrated atmosphere of gas is prolonged this may lead to narcosis, unconsciousness, even coma and unless resuscitated - death.  Exposure to Hydrocarbons may result in irregularity of heart beat. Symptoms of moderate poisoning may include dizziness, headache, nausea. Serious poisoning can result in decreased respiratory function, this may lead to unconsciousness and death. C4 hydrocarbons are especially dangerous to the nervous system. Inhalation of petroleum gases (partly due to olefin impurities) can induce sleep. Serious cases can result in cyanosis due to reduced oxygen concentration and hence asphyxiation, with symptoms of fast breathing, mental dullness, inco- ordination, poor judgment, nausea and vomiting; leading to unconsciousness and death.  Hydrogen sulfide poisoning can cause increased secretion of saliva, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, giddiness, headache, vertigo, memory loss, palpitations, heartbeat irregularities, weakness, muscle cramps, confusion, sudden collapse, unconsciousness and death due to paralysis of breathing (at levels above 300 parts per million). The "rotten egg" odor is not a good indicator of exposure since odor fatigue occurs and odor is lost at over 200 ppm. The gas can enter the body through a punctured ear drum and even wearing some respiratory protection. Immediate supportive care is essential. Ensure medical help is addressed as part of the site emergency plan and that employees who may be accidentally exposed are made aware of the existence of such a plan.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of the gas and skin contact with liquid.  Constant or exposure over long periods to mixed hydrocarbons may produce stupor with dizziness, weakness and visual disturbance, weight loss and anemia, and reduced liver and kidney function. Skin exposure may result in drying and cracking and redness of the skin. Chronic exposure to lighter hydrocarbons can cause nerve damage, peripheral neuropathy, bone marrow dysfunction and psychiatric disorders as well as damage the liver and kidneys.  Long term low level exposure to hydrogen sulfide may produce headache, fatigue, dizziness,  irritability and loss of sexual desire. These symptoms may also result when exposed to hydrogen sulfide at high concentration for a short period of time.