Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HYDROCARBONS, C2-4

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

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

SYNONYMS

"liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)", "liquid overheads"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May cause CANCER.
May cause heritable genetic damage.
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

  There is sufficient evidence to suggest that this materialdirectly causes cancer in humans.  Based on experiments and other information, there is ample evidence to presume that exposure to this material can cause genetic defects that can be inherited.  

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of the gas and skin contact with liquid.  No long-term effects have been reported for exposure to propylene.  Propylene exposure induced an increase in the incidence of squamous  metaplasia of the respiratory epithelium in male and female rats and  epithelial hyperplasia in female rats. No concentration-response  relationship was identified. Squamous metaplasia was accompanied by  submucosal lymphocytic and macrocytic infiltration and a concentration  dependent increase in regenerative, epithelial hyperplasia. Suppurative  nasal inflammation occurred at all concentrations in male rats and at high  concentrations only, in female rats.  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.  <* LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) *>  Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation and skin contact/eye contact.  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.  <* propane *>  Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of the gas and skin contact with liquid.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.  <* propylene *>  Primary route of exposure is via inhalation of vapour and skin  contact.  No long-term effects have been reported for exposure to propylene.  Propylene exposure induced an increase in the incidence of squamous  metaplasia of the respiratory epithelium in male and female rats and  epithelial hyperplasia in female rats. No concentration-response  relationship was identified. Squamous metaplasia was accompanied by  submucosal lymphocytic and macrocytic infiltration and a concentration  dependent increase in regenerative, epithelial hyperplasia. Suppurative  nasal inflammation occurred at all concentrations in male rats and at high  concentrations only, in female rats.  <* hydrogen sulfide *>  Primary route of exposure is by inhalation of the gas or eye contact.  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.