Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

OPIUM

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Intermediate for preparation of narcotic analgesics such as morphine, codeine and other
opium alkaloids. Narcotic, analgesic, antidiarrhoeal, antitussive. The air- dried milky
exudate from incised, unripe capsukes of Papaver somniferum L., or P. album Mill.,
Papaveraceae found throughout Asia Minor, Persia, Africa, Chine, India, and cultivated in
many other parts of the world. Contains about 20 alkaloids which constitute about 20% of
the dried solid. Various grades of opium are available. " Denarcotized opium" is a powder
freed from its odour and nauseous substances by treatment with petroleum ether; it
contains about 10- 15% anhydrous morphine. " Granulated opium" is dried at not above 70 C,
reduced to a 16- 50 mesh powder and supplied following addition of lactose or other inert
diluents; contains about 10- 15% anhydrous morphine. " Powdered opium" is the fine powder
produced from the granulated form.

SYNONYMS

"gum opium", "crude opium"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Danger of cumulative effects.

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.  Morphine and other analgesics cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness and confusion. Urination can be difficult, and the bowel and bile ducts can spasm. They also cause dry mouth, pin point pupils, sweating, flushing, vertigo, slow and shallow breathing, weak pulse, blue-gray skin (cyanosis), palpitations, low blood pressure, low temperature, restlessness, and mood changes. Acute toxic effects include lung swelling, spasticity, muscle twitching and unconsciousness. Increased pressure in the head may occur. Larger doses can cause depression of breathing and low blood pressure, with failure of circulation and deepening coma. Failure of breathing can cause death. As the analgesia (loss of sensation) wears off, sensitivity to pain is increased. Higher doses produce stiffening of the muscles and depression of the central nervous system; this can progress to stupor, sedation, unconsciousness and coma. The blood vessels may dilate, causing flushing of the face, neck and upper chest, and lowering of the blood pressure, resulting in fainting. Serious effects due to toxicity to the heart include high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, shock, acute heart failure and stoppage. Hypersensitive reactions can occur, producing rashes, itch, bleeding, and blistering. Digestive effects include constipation, impaction of the bowel with feces and cramps. Urine movements may become less frequent. There may be liver abnormalities, and the liver may be enlarged and tender to touch.  

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.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  Contact dermatitis has been reported with morphine and other narcoticanalgesics.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce serious 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

  Chronic morphine poisoning or addiction causes pin-point pupils, rapid mood changes and poor social adaptation. As dependence and tolerance occurs, there is an overwhelming need to continue taking the drug or similar drugs and to increase the dose. Prolonged therapy or abuse may cause abnormal lung function, increased body temperature, and kidney failure. Withdrawal symptoms can last for months. Abrupt withdrawal of the opiates may produce yawning, dilated pupils, tears, runny nose, sneezing, muscle tremor, headache, weakness, sweating, anxiety, irritability, disturbed sleep or insomnia, restlessness, orgasm, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, loss of weight, diarrhea, dehydration, increase in the number of white blood cells, bone pain, abdominal and muscle cramps, increase in heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure, rise in temperature and gooseflesh and blood vessel dilation or constriction.