2.1 Health Effects - Acute

Swallowed

Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments. The liquid is extremely discomforting and is toxic if swallowed. Ingestion may cause immediate severe adbominal pain, with vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, anuria, dizziness followed by unconsciousness, convulsions and may result in death.

Eye

The liquid is extremely discomforting to the eyes and is capable of causing pain and severe conjunctivitis. Corneal injury may develop, with possible permanent impairment of vision, if not promptly and adequately treated. The vapour is highly discomforting to the eyes and may cause lachrymation (tears) and burning sensation. The material may produce severe irritation to the eye causing pronounced unflammation.

Skin

The liquid is highly discomforting to the skin and may cause chemical burns if exposure is prolonged. The material is capable of causing allergic dermatitis responses inlcuding rash, itching, hives or swelling of extremities. Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.

Inhaled

The vapour is highly discomforting to the upper respiratory tract and repeated exposure may cause sensitisation and/or allergic reactions. Respiratory sensitisation may result in allergic/asthma like responses; from coughing and minor breathing difficulties to bronchitis with wheezing, gasping. Sensitisation reactions may appear suddenly after repeated symptom free exposures. Inhalation of vapour may aggravate a pre-existing respiratory condition. The material may produce respiratory tract irritation and result in damage to the lung including reduced lung function. Inhalation of vapour at relatively low concentrations may cause a tingling sensation in the nose and upper respiratory tract. Slightly higher concentrations may cause a burning sensation. headache.

2.2 Health Effects - Chronic

Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of vapour and skin contact/absorption. Sensitisation may give severe responses to very low levels of exposure, i.e hypersensitivity. Sensitised persons should not be allowed to work in situations where exposure may occur. As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapour, mist or dust in workplace atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.

2.3 First Aid

Swallowed

If poisoning occurs contact a doctor or . If swallowed DO NOT induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain open airway and prevent aspiration. Give water ir milk then raw egg.

Eye

If this product comes in contact with the eyes. Immediately hold eyes open and wash continuously for at least 15 minutes with fresh running water. Ensure complete irrigation of the eye by keeping eyelids apart and away from eye and moving the eyelids by occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids. Transport to hospital or doctor without delay. Removal of contact lenses after eye injury should only undertaken by skilled personnel.

Skin

If this product comes in contact with the skin. Immediately flush body and clothes with karge amounts of water, using saftey shower if available. Quickly remove all contaminated clothing, including footwear. Wash affected areas with water (and soap if available) for at least 15 minutes. Transport to a hospital, or doctor.

Inhaled

If fumes or combustion products are inhaled, remove to fresh air. Lay patient down. Keep warm and rested. Prostheses such as false teeth, which may block airway, should be removed, where possible, prior to initiating first aid procedures. If available, administer medical oxygen by trained personnel. If breathing shallow or has tsopped, ensure clear airway and apply resuscitation, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve mask device, or pocket mask as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Transport to hospital,or doctor without delay.

First Aid Facilities

Ensure an eye bath and safety shower are available and ready for use.

2.5 Advice to Doctor

Ingestion - patient perent early with severe corrosion of the gastro-intestinal tract and systemic effects. Inflammation and ulceration may progress to strictures. Severe acidosis results from rapir conversion of formaldehyde to formaic acid. Coma, hypotension, renal failure and apnoea complicate ingestion. Decontaminate by dilution with milk or water containing ammonium acetate; vomiting should be induced. Follow with gastric lavage using a weak ammonia solution (converts formaldehyde to relatively inert pentamethylenetetramine). Gastric lavage is warranted only in first 15 minutes following ingestion.

2.6 Toxicity Data

Reported fatal dose for humans : 60 - 90 mls. For formaldehyde; Oral LD50 (rat) : 80 mg/kg Inhalation LC50 (rat) : 590 mg/m3 Low concentrations of formaldehyde may cause sensitisation by skin contact. Formaldehyde vapour is irritant to mucous membranes and respiratory tract. Asthma-like symptoms have occasionally been reported following inhalation. Animal studies have shown formaldehyde to cause carcinogenic effects. In particular, chronic inhalation studies in rats have shown the development of nasal cavity carcinomas at 6 and 15 ppm. These cancers developed at concentrations which produced chronic tissue irritation and would not be voluntarily tolerated by humans. For methanol; Oral LD50 (rat) : 5628 mg/kg Inhalation LC50 (rat) : 64000 ppm/4 hr Evidence indicates that repeated or prolonged exposure to methanol could result in visual impairment and central nervous system effects.