Toxic Synthetic Chemicals - Ingredient Directory
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1,4-dioxane
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A carcinogenic contaminant of cosmetic
products. Almost 50% of cosmetics containing ethoxylated surfactants were
found to contain dioxane. See Ethoxylated surfactants
From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
1,4-DIOXANE MAY EXERT ITS EFFECTS THROUGH INHALATION, SKIN ABSORPTION, AND
INGESTION.
1,4-DIOXANE IS LISTED AS A CARCINOGEN.
EFFECTS OF OVER EXPOSURE: 1,4-DIOXANE IS AN EYE AND MUCOUS MEMBRANE
IRRITANT, PRIMARY SKIN IRRITANT, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSANT, NEPHROTOXIN, AND HEPATOTOXIN.
ACUTE EXPOSURE CAUSES IRRITATION, HEADACHE, DIZZINESS, AND NARCOSIS.
CHRONIC INHALATION EXPOSURE CAN PRODUCE DAMAGE TO THE LIVER AND KIDNEYS,
AND BLOOD DISORDERS.
MEDICAL CONDITION AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE PRECLUDE FROM EXPOSURE THOSE
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISEASE OF THE BLOOD, LIVER KIDNEYS, CENTRAL NERVOUS
SYSTEM, AND THOSE SUSCEPTIBLE TO DERMATITIS.
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2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
(Bronopol) |
Toxic, causes allergic contact
dermatitis. Back
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See Nitrosating agents |
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Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40)
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A very drying and irritating solvent and
dehydrator that strips your skin's natural acid mantle, making us more
vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses. It is made from propylene, a
petroleum derivative. It may promote brown spots and premature aging of
skin. |
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Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES) |
See Anionic
Surfactants
See Sodium Laureth Sulfate
See Nitrosating Agents |
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Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
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See Anionic
Surfactants
See Sodium Laureth Sulfate
See Nitrosating Agents |
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Anionic Surfactants
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Anionic refers to the negative charge
these surfactants have. They may be contaminated with nitrosamines, which
are carcinogenic. Surfactants can pose serious health threats. They are
used in car washes, as garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers - and
in 90% of personal-care products that foam.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen
TEA (Triethanolamine) Lauryl
Sulfate
TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth
Sulfate
Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine
Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate
etc
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Benzalkonium Chloride
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Highly toxic, primary skin irritant.
See Cationic surfactants
From Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
MATERIAL IS HIGHLY TOXIC VIA ORAL ROUTE.
EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: MISTS CAN CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE SKIN, EYES,
NOSE, THROAT AND MUCOUS MEMBRANES. AVOID DIRECT CONTACT. SYMPTOMS:
MUSCULAR PARALYSIS, LOW BLOOD PRESSURE, CNS DEPRESSION AND WEAKNESS.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES
EYES: CORROSIVE! IMMEDIATELY WASH EYES WITH PLENTY OF WATER.
INHALATION: REMOVE PERSON TO FRESH AIR. GIVE OXYGEN (IF BREATHING IS
DIFFICULT). CALL PHYSICIAN.
INGESTION: IF CONSCIOUS, IMMEDIATELY DRINK LARGE QUANTITIES OF FLUID TO
DILUTE AND INDUCE VOMITING. CALL PHYSICIAN. |
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Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) |
Dr Epstein reports in his book
Unreasonable Risk this chemical is carcinogenic! Also known to cause allergic contact dermatitis. |
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Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) |
Causes allergic contact dermatitis.
Contains toluene.
See Toluene |
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Cationic
surfactants
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These chemicals have a positive
electrical charge. They contain a quaternary ammonium group and are often
called "quats". These are used in hair conditioners, but originated from
the paper and fabric industries as softeners and anti-static agents. In
the long run they cause the hair to become dry and brittle. They are
synthetic, irritating, allergenic and toxic, and oral intake of them can
be lethal. Stearalkonium chloride
Benzalkonium chloride
Cetrimonium chloride
Cetalkonium chloride
Lauryl dimonium hydrolysed
collagen
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Cetalkonium chloride |
See Cationic
surfactants |
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Cetrimonium chloride |
See Cationic
surfactants |
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Chloromethylisothiazolinone and
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Causes contact dermatitis |
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Isothiazolinone
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Causes contact dermatitis
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
EYE CONTACT: CORROSIVE TO THE EYES WITH POSSIBLE PERMANENT DAMAGE.
SKIN CONTACT: CORROSIVE TO THE SKIN, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN THIRD DEGREE
BURNS. CAN BE HARMFUL IF ABSORBED. CAN CAUSE ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS
IN SUSCEPTIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
INGESTION: CAN BE FATAL.
INHALATION: CAN BE CORROSIVE TO THE MUCOUS MEMBRANES AND THE LUNGS. CAN
CAUSE AN ALLERGIC REACTION IN SUSCEPTIBLE INDIVIDUALS. |
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Cocoamidopropyl Betaine
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From Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
CAN CAUSE EYE AND SKIN IRRITATION.
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Cocoyl Sarcosine |
See Nitrosating
agents |
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Cyclomethicone |
See Silicone derived
emollients |
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DEA (diethanolamine),
MEA (Monoethanolamine),
& TEA (triethanolamine)
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Often used in cosmetics to adjust the
pH, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate),
which then becomes the base for a cleanser. TEA causes allergic reactions
including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic if
absorbed into the body over a long period of time.
These chemicals are already restricted
in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects. Dr. Samuel Epstein (Professor
of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois) says that repeated
skin applications . . . of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major
increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.
See
Nitrosating agents
From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
Health Hazard Acute And Chronic: Product is severely irritating to body
tissues and possibly corrosive to the eyes.
Explanation Carcinogenicity: Amines react with nitrosating agents to form
nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.
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Diazolidinyl urea
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Established as a primary cause of
contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology). Contains
formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical, is toxic by inhalation, a strong
irritant, and causes contact dermatitis.
See Formaldehyde
From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
CAUSES SEVERE EYE IRRITATION. MAY CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION. SIGNS AND
SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE
SYMPTOMS OF INHALATION: IF MISTED,
WILL CAUSE IRRITATION OF MUCOUS MEMBRANES, NOSE, EYES AND THROAT.
COUGHING, DIFFICULTY IN BREATHING.
SYMPTOMS OF SKIN CONTACT: CONTACT
CAUSES SMARTING AND BURNING SENSATIONS, INFLAMMATION, BURNS, PAINFUL
BLISTERS. PROFOUND DAMAGE TO TISSUE.
SYMPTOMS OF EYE CONTACT: WILL CAUSE
PAINFUL BURNING OR STINGING OF EYES AND LIDS, WATERING OF EYES, AND
INFLAMMATION OF CONJUNCTIVA. |
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Dimethicone
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See Silicone derived
emollients |
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Dimethicone Copolyol |
See Silicone derived
emollients |
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Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate |
See Anionic
surfactants |
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Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
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See Anionic
surfactants
See Ethoxylated surfactants |
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Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate |
See Anionic
Surfactants Back
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DMDM Hydantoin
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Contains formaldehyde.
See Formaldehyde |
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Ethoxylated
surfactants
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Ethoxylated surfactants are widely used
in cosmetics as foaming agents, emulsifiers and humectants. As part of the
manufacturing process the toxic chemical 1,4-dioxane, a potent carcinogen,
is generated. On the label,
they are identified by the prefix "PEG", "polyethylene", "polyethylene
glycol", "polyoxyethylene", "-eth-", or "-oxynol-".
See 1,4-Dioxane
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FD&C Colour Pigments
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Synthetic colours made from coal tar.
Contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin
sensitivity and irritation. Animal studies have shown almost all of them
to be carcinogenic. |
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Formaldehyde
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Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen
(causes cancer). Causes allergic, irritant and contact dermatitis,
headaches and chronic fatigue. The vapour is extremely irritating to the
eyes, nose and throat (mucous membranes).
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See Nitrosating
agents |
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Fragrance
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Fragrance on a label can indicate the
presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients, many toxic or
carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to the USA FDA include headaches,
dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and
vomiting, and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances can
affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, and
irritability. Back
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Hydrolysed Animal Protein |
See Nitrosating
agents |
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Imidazolidinyl urea
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The trade name for this chemical is
Germall 115. Releases formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical, into
cosmetics at over 10°C. Toxic. See Formaldehyde |
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Imidazolidinyl Urea |
See Nitrosating
agents |
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Isopropyl Palmitate |
A fatty acid from palm oil combined with
synthetic alcohol. Industry tests on rabbits indicate the chemical can
cause skin irritation and dermatitis. Also shown to be comedogenic (acne
promoting) Back
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Lanolin
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Any chemicals used on sheep will
contaminate the lanolin obtained from the wool. The majority of lanolin
used in cosmetics is highly contaminated with organo-phosphate pesticides
and insecticides. |
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Lauryl dimonium hydrolysed collagen |
See Cationic
surfactants |
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Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine |
See Anionic
Surfactants |
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Lauryl Sarcosine |
See Nitrosating
agents |
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Liquidum Paraffinum
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Liquidum Paraffinum is an exotic
sounding way to say mineral oil (!!) See Mineral Oil
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MEA compounds |
See Nitrosating
agents |
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Methylisothiazolinone and
Methylchloroisothiazolinone |
Both cause cosmetic allergies
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Mineral Oil
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Petroleum by-product that coats the skin
like plastic, clogging the pores. Interferes with skin's ability to
eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. Slows down skin
function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Used in many
products (baby oil is 100% mineral oil!) Any mineral oil derivative can be
contaminated with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons).
Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.
Breast cancer and impurities. EWG's assessment of
product ingredient labels and data on cancer-causing chemicals identified
three common impurities in personal care products that are linked to
mammary tumors in animal studies — ethylene oxide, PAHs, and
1,3-butadiene. Since September 2004 the EU has banned the use of petroleum
jelly due to the carcinogenic contamination found in products containing
petrolatum. The ingredients for which these impurities are of concern are
used in one of every four personal care products on the market.
Read More
Mineral oil
Liquidum paraffinum (also known as
posh mineral oil!)
Paraffin oil
Paraffin wax
Petrolatum
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Nitrosating
Agents
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The following chemicals can cause
nitrosamine contamination, which have been determined to form cancer in
laboratory animals. There are wide and repeated concerns in the USA and
Europe about the contamination of cosmetics products with nitrosamines.
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
Cocoyl Sarcosine
DEA compounds
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Formaldehyde
Hydrolysed Animal Protein
Lauryl Sarcosine
MEA compounds
Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
TEA compounds
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Paraben preservatives (methyl,
propyl, butyl, and ethyl)
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Used as inhibitors of microbial growth
and to extend shelf life of products. Widely used even though they are
known to be toxic. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes.
Highly toxic.
From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW:
WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES
AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION.
SKIN CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION TO
SKIN. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE REDNESS, ITCHING, AND PAIN. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN
REACTIONS.
EYE CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION,
REDNESS, AND PAIN. |
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Paraffin wax/oil |
Paraffin Wax is mineral oil wax. See
Mineral Oil |
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Phthalates
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Toxic gender bending chemical used as a
plasticizer in food wraps and many pliable plastics and containers. Also
used in hairsprays and some cosmetics including nail varnishes from where
it is readily absorbed into the system. All 289 people in a recent test
for body load of chemicals tested positive for phthalates. Phthalates are
implicated with low sperm counts and also causing sexual abnormalities and
deformities. An in depth article on phthalates can be found on the
http://www.health-report.co.uk/phthalates.html
website |
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Polyethylene Glycol
(PEG) compounds
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Potentially carcinogenic petroleum
ingredient that can alter and reduce the skin's natural moisture factor.
This could increase the appearance of aging and leave you more vulnerable
to bacteria. Used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. It adjusts the
melting point and thickens products. Also used in caustic spray-on oven
cleaners. See Ethoxylated surfactants
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Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen |
See Anionic
Surfactants |
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Propylene/Butylene Glycol
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Propylene glycol (PG) is a petroleum
derivative. It penetrates the skin and can weaken protein and cellular
structure. Commonly used to make extracts from herbs. PG is strong enough
to remove barnacles from boats! The EPA considers PG so toxic that it
requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles and to
dispose of any PG solutions by burying them in the ground. Because PG
penetrates the skin so quickly, the EPA warns against skin contact to
prevent consequences such as brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. But
there isn't even a warning label on products such as stick deodorants,
where the concentration is greater than in most industrial applications.
From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
Health Hazard Acute And Chronic
INHALATION: May cause respiratory and
throat Irritation, central nervous system depression, blood and kidney
disorders. May cause Nystagmus, Lymphocytosis.
SKIN: Irritation and dermatitis,
absorption.
EYES: Irritation and conjunctivitis.
INGESTION: Pulmonary oedema, brain
damage, hypoglycaemia, intravascular hemolysis. Death may occur.
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PVP/VA Copolymer
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A petroleum-derived chemical used in
hairsprays, wavesets and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic,
since particles may contribute to foreign bodies in the lungs of sensitive
persons. |
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Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc
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Toxic, causes skin rashes and allergic
reactions. Formaldehyde releasers. Dr Epstein reports in his book
Unreasonable Risk "Substantive evidence of casual relation to leukaemia,
multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other cancers"
See
Nitrosating agents
From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
SKIN: PROLONGED OR REPEATED EXPOSURE MAY CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION. MAY CAUSE
MORE SEVERE RESPONSE IF SKIN IS DAMP.
MAY BE A WEAK SKIN SENSITIZER IN
SUSCEPTIBLE INDIVIDUALS AT GREATER THAN 1% IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION.
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Rancid Natural Emollients
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Natural oils used in cosmetics should be
cold pressed. The refined vegetable oils found on supermarket shelves and
many health food stores which lack colour, odour and taste are devoid of
nutrients, essential fatty acids, vitamins and unsaponifiables - all
valuable skin conditioning agents! They also contain poisonous "trans"
fatty acids as a result of the refining process.
Another important factor to consider
with creams made from plant oil is the use-by date. The most beneficial
plant oils (like rosehip, borage and evening primrose oils) are
polyunsaturated, which means they oxidise and go rancid fairly quickly
(about 6 months). Most off-the-shelf cosmetics have a shelf life of three
years. Rancid oils are harmful, they form free-radicals, which damage and
age your skin. |
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Silicone derived
emollients
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Silicone emollients are occlusive - that
is they coat the skin, trapping anything beneath it, and do not allow the
skin to breathe (much like plastic wrap would do.)
Recent studies have indicated that
prolonged exposure of the skin to sweat, by occlusion, causes skin
irritation. Some synthetic emollients are known tumour promoters and
accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes. They are also non-biodegradable,
causing negative environmental impact.
Dimethicone
Dimethicone Copolyol
Cyclomethicone
Silicone was and still is used as
breast implants. Tens of thousands of women with breast implants have
complained of debilitating symptoms. Anecdotal evidence indicates silicone to be toxic to the
human body. For more detailed information on the dangers of silicone
simply key "silicone toxicity" into the Google search engine |
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Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate |
See Anionic
Surfactants |
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Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate |
Surfactant - Cleansing Agent; FOAMING
SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE:
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is a sodium salt of the coconut fatty acid
amide ofN-methyltaurine.
Other names: Amides,
Coconut Oil, N-Methyltaurine, Sodium Salts, Sodium N-Cocy-N-Methyl
Taurate, Sodium N-Methyl-Cocyl Taurate, Sodium Salts Amides, Coconut Oil
with N-Methyletaurine |
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Sodium Hydroxide |
Also known as caustic soda. A powerful
alkali used in industry for cleaning drains and pipe lines also used in
oven cleaners. Workers exposed to steam containing sodium hydroxide have
suffered lung damage and an increased risk of throat cancer. Used in
toothpastes and as a pH adjuster in skin creams. Causes contact dermatitis
and sensitizes individuals to other chemicals.
From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
POISON! DANGER! CORROSIVE. MAY BE FATAL IF SWALLOWED. HARMFUL IF
INHALED. CAUSES BURNS TO ANY AREA OF CONTACT. REACTS WITH WATER, ACIDS AND
OTHER MATERIALS
Ingestion:
Corrosive! Swallowing may cause severe burns of mouth, throat, and
stomach. Severe scarring of tissue and death may result. Symptoms may
include bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, fall in blood pressure. Damage may
appears days after exposure.
Skin Contact:
Corrosive! Contact with skin can cause irritation or severe burns and
scarring with greater exposures.
Eye Contact:
Corrosive! Causes irritation of eyes, and with greater exposures it can
cause burns that may result in permanent impairment of vision, even
blindness.
Chronic Exposure:
Prolonged contact with dilute solutions has a destructive effect upon
tissue.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or eye problems or impaired
respiratory function may be more susceptible to the effects of the
substance.
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Sodium Laureth Sulfate
(SLES) Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)
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When combined with other chemicals, SLES
and ALES can create nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens. It is
frequently disguised in semi-natural cosmetics with the explanation "comes
from coconut". See Anionic
Surfactants
See Ethoxylated surfactants
See Nitrosating agents
From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
WARNING! CAUSES SKIN AND EYE IRRITATION! AVOID CONTACT WITH EYES, SKIN AND
CLOTHING. THE MATERIAL WAS CLASSIFIED AS A MODERATE TO SEVERE EYE
IRRITANT. |
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Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate |
See Anionic
Surfactants |
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Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
(SLS) Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
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Used in car washes, garage floor
cleaners and engine degreasers - and in 90% of products that foam.
Animals exposed to SLS and ALS
experience eye damage, central nervous system depression, laboured
breathing, diarrhoea, severe skin irritation, and even death.
Young eyes may not develop properly
if exposed to SLS and ALS because proteins are dissolved. SLS and ALS may
also damage the skin's immune system by causing layers to separate and
inflame. It is frequently disguised in semi-natural cosmetics with the
explanation "comes from coconut".
See
Nitrosating agents
See Anionic Surfactants
From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
EYE CONTACT:
INSTILLATION OF A 29% SODIUM LAURYL
SULFATE SOLUTION INTO THE EYES OF SIX ALBINO RABBITS PRODUCED SEVERE
IRRITATION. THE MATERIAL WAS CLASSIFIED AS A SEVERE SKIN IRRITANT.
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Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate |
See Nitrosating
agents
See Anionic Surfactants |
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Stearalkonium Chloride
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A chemical used in hair conditioners and
creams. Causes allergic reactions. Stearalkonium chloride was developed by
the fabric industry as a fabric softener, and is a lot cheaper and easier
to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which do
help hair health. Toxic.
See Cationic
surfactants |
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Talc
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Scientific studies have shown that
routine application of talcum powder in the genital area is associated
with a three-to-fourfold increase in the development of ovarian cancer. |
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TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate
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Synthetic emulsifier. Highly acidic.
Over 40% of cosmetics containing Triethanolamine (TEA), have been found to
be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens.
From Material
Safety Data Sheet
Special Hazard Precautions:
PRODUCT IS SEVERELY IRRITATING TO BODY TISSUES AND POSSIBLY CORROSIVE TO
THE EYES. HANDLE WITH CARE. AVOID EYE & SKIN CONTACT. AVOID BREATHING
VAPORS IF GENERATED. IF THERE IS DANGER OF EYE CONTACT, WEAR A FACE
SHIELD.
Explanation Carcinogenicity: AMINES
REACT WITH NITROSATING AGENTS TO FORM NITROSOAMINES, WHICH ARE
CARCINOGENIC.
See Anionic
Surfactants
See Nitrosating agents |
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TEA compounds |
See Nitrosating
agents |
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Toluene
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From Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
POISON! DANGER! HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. HARMFUL IF INHALED OR
ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN.VAPOR
HARMFUL. FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. MAY AFFECT LIVER, KIDNEYS, BLOOD
SYSTEM, OR CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND
RESPIRATORY TRACT.
INHALATION: INHALATION MAY CAUSE
IRRITATION OF THE UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT. SYMPTOMS OF OVEREXPOSURE MAY
INCLUDE FATIGUE, CONFUSION, HEADACHE, DIZZINESS AND DROWSINESS. PECULIAR
SKIN SENSATIONS (E. G. PINS AND NEEDLES) OR NUMBNESS MAY BE PRODUCED. VERY
HIGH CONCENTRATIONS MAY CAUSE UNCONSCIOUSNESS AND DEATH.
INGESTION: SWALLOWING MAY CAUSE
ABDOMINAL SPASMS AND OTHER SYMPTOMS THAT PARALLEL OVER-EXPOSURE FROM
INHALATION. ASPIRATION OF MATERIAL INTO THE LUNGS CAN CAUSE CHEMICAL
PNEUMONITIS, WHICH MAY BE FATAL. SKIN CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION. MAY BE
ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN.
EYE CONTACT: CAUSES SEVERE EYE
IRRITATION WITH REDNESS AND PAIN. CHRONIC EXPOSURE: REPORTS OF CHRONIC
POISONING DESCRIBE ANEMIA, DECREASED BLOOD CELL COUNT AND BONE MARROW
HYPOPLASIA. LIVER AND KIDNEY DAMAGE MAY OCCUR. REPEATED OR PROLONGED
CONTACT HAS A DEFATTING ACTION, CAUSING DRYING, REDNESS, AND DERMATITIS.
EXPOSURE TO TOLUENE MAY AFFECT THE
DEVELOPING FOETUS.
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