Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HEMIASTERLINS

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Family of toxins extracted from various marine sponges; inhibit the growth of a wide
variety of cancer cells. Act by binding to actin, a component of the cells cytoskeleton ("
backbone" ). The cystoskeleton gives cells their shape and mobility and, as well plays an
important function in cell division. The toxin binds to actin forcing it to link into
increasingly longer filaments which prevent cell division. The actin cytoskeleton and its
associated proteins represent the organisers and motors for the dynamic shape changes
observed in cell- crawling, polarisation, and cytokinesis. The importance of controlling
the cell shape is best illustrated by the dramatic cytoskeletal changes observed upon
malignant cell growth as well as programmed cell death. Actin- binding proteins comprise a
family known to regulate the properties and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. The
biochemical mechanisms involved in binding include cross- linking, severing, capping or
nucleation of actin filaments.

SYNONYMS

"actin/ micro-tubulin disrupter/ antimitotic tripeptide/ peptide", "Auletta spp./
Siphonochalina spp./ Hemiasterella minor/", "Cymbastela spp. sponge antineoplastic/
cytotoxic"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

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.  The killing action of antineoplastic drugs used for cancer chemotherapy is not selective for cancerous cells alone but affect all dividing cells. Acute side effects include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, allergic reaction (skin rash, itch, redness, low blood pressure, unwellness and anaphylactic shock) and local irritation. Gout and renal failure can occur.  

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

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce 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

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of generated dust.  Anti-cancer drugs used for chemotherapy can depress the bone marrow with reduction in the number of white blood cells and platelets and bleeding. Susceptibility to infections and bleeding is increased, which can be life- threatening. Digestive system effects may include inflammation of the mouth cavity, mouth ulcers, esophagus inflammation, abdominal pain and bleeds, diarrhea, bowel ulcers and perforation. Reversible hair loss can result and wound healing may be delayed. Long-term effects on the gonads may cause periods to stop and inhibit sperm production. Most anti-cancer drugs can potentially cause mutations and birth defects, and coupled with the effects of the suppression of the immune system, may also cause cancer.