Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

LEMONGRASS OIL, TERPENE FRACTION

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Principal component of lemon grass oil (from Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf., or
Cymbopogan flexuosus (Nees) Stapf Gramineae). Also present in limited amounts in the oils
of verbena, lemon and orange. Used in the synthesis of Vitamin A, ionine and methylionine;
flavourings; perfumes for its citrus effect in lemon and verbena scents; in cologne
odours. Causes discolouration of white soaps and white cosmetics.

SYNONYMS

"terpenes and terpinoids, lemongrass oil"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Causes burns.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.
HARMFUL - May cause lung damage if swallowed.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  The material can produce chemical burns within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.  Essential oils cause mild irritation of the mouth if taken orally, causing more saliva to be produced and a warm feeling. Large amounts affect the digestive system causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Sometimes urination may be affected, causing difficulty or pain in urinating, reduced urine output, blood in the urine, unconsciousness and shallow breathing. Lung swelling and inflammation are possible complications. Stupor, excitement and respiratory failure may result, as well as convulsions; the central nervous system may either be depressed or stimulated. The kidneys may be damaged, and swelling and severe clogging can occur in the lungs, skin and kidneys. Essential oils increase the rate of miscarriage, but in low doses do not usually cause an abortion.  An estimated acceptable daily intake of up to 500 microgram per kilogram body weight was estimated for the terpene/ terpenoids, citral, geranyl acetate, citronellol, linalool and linaly acetate (expressed as citral).  Twenty-third Report of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives  Tech. Rep. Ser. Wld Hlth Org. No. 648, 1980.  

EYE

  The material can produce chemical burns to the eye following direct contact. Vapors or mists may be extremely irritating.  If applied to the eyes, this material causes severe eye damage.  Precautions for handling reactive unsaturated aldehydes should be the same as for those of highly active eye and pulmonary irritants such as phosgene. Sufficient engineering controls, with monitoring where possible, are of importance.  The material may be irritating to the eye, with prolonged contact causing inflammation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants may produce conjunctivitis.  

SKIN

  The material can produce chemical burns following direct contactwith the skin.  Essential oils irritate the skin and redden it, causing at first warmth and smarting, followed by some local loss of sensation. They have been used to treat chronic inflammatory conditions and to relieve neuralgia and rheumatic pain. Care should be taken to avoid blistering; these oils may also produce sensitization.  The material may cause 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.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons.  Inhalation of essential oil volatiles may cause dizziness, rapid, shallow breathing, increased heart rate, respiratory irritation, loss of consciousness or convulsions. Urination may stop, and there may be swelling and inflammation of the lungs.  Inhalation of quantities of liquid mist may be extremely hazardous, even lethal due to spasm, extreme irritation of larynx and bronchi, chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema.  Exposure to aldehydes causes neurological symptoms such as headache, drowsiness, dizziness, seizures, depression and coma. Cardiovascular involvement may result in increased heart rate, collapse and low blood pressure; respiratory effects include throat spasms, irritation, difficulty swallowing, pulmonary edema and an asthma-like condition. Gastrointestinal signs include nausea, blood in vomit, diarrhea, ulcers and abdominal pain. Massive exposures may damage the kidney and liver.  The material may produce respiratory tract irritation, and result in damage to the lung including reduced lung function.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact and by inhalation of vapors especially at higher temperatures.  No human exposure data available. For this reason health effects described are based on experience with chemically related materials.  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.