Chemicals used in Funeral Profession Flashcards
A narcotic in high concentrations which can cause skin irritation from defatting of tissue. Prolonged inhalation can cause headache, dryness, and throat irritation. A dangerous fire risk when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers
Acetone
This material belongs to the chemical family “quaternary ammonium compounds”. It is a skin and eye irritant. It has moderate to high oral toxicity and is moderately toxic via skin absorption
Alkyl dimethylbenzyl Ammonium Chloride
Formerly known as red dye #2, this member of the azo dye family is a suspect of human carcinogen. It is no longer acceptable in food, drugs, or cosmetics
Amaranth
Moderate to low oral toxicity. Listed by IARC and NTP as a possible carcinogen
Amitrole
Mildly irritating to skin; can be absorbed via skin contact. It is a strong respiratory and eye irritant. Exposure may result in transient corneal clouding. Repeated overexposure can yield fatigue, headache, nausea, and tremor. It is a moderate fire risk; will react with oxidizers
2-Butoxyethanol
High to moderate ingestion hazard. Local exposure may cause irritation
Camphor
High to moderate skin/eye irritation. Can be corrosive to tissue. High to moderate respiratory irritation. They are Strong oxidizers and are highly reactive. They can be a serious fire risk when exposed to reducing agents (i.e. acids) or petroleum derivatives
Chlorine Salts
Formerly used as an anaesthetic, the material causes CNS depression, skin and eye irritation. Prolonged exposure can lead to cardiac and respiratory arrest, paralysis. Chronic exposure may cause live damage. Listed in IARC and NTP as a possible carcinogen
Chloroform
The health effects are similar to those of phenol, but not quite as severe. It is corrosive to skin, eyes, mucous membranes, capable of causing burns at point of contact. The material can be absorbed through the skin. Chronic low-level exposure can cause skin rash and discoloration. Systemically, chronic low level exposure can cause GI disturbances, nervous system disturbances, kidney and liver damage. It is a moderate fire hazard; Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials
Cresol
A severe eye irritant, mild skin irritant, moderately toxic via ingestion. It can react with oxidizers
Diethanolamine
A skin/eye irritant. Highly toxic via inhalation. It can react with oxidizers
Diethylene glycol
It is a strong irritant to skin and other tissues. It is readily absorbed thru skin contact. Absorption via inhalation/skin contact can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, facial flushing, elevated blood pressure, CNS effects, liver and kidney damage.
It is a moderate fire risk. It can be an explosion hazard when exposed to flame and is reactive with a variety of halogenated materials and organics
Methylformamide
Causes eye irritation. Causes irritation to the mucous linings of the eyes, gums, respiratory tract. It can act as a mild narcotic and can cause dermatitis.
Repeated overexposures can cause conjunctivitic and corneal clouding. High concentrations can cause congestion of the liver and kidneys. It is a dangerous fire risk.
Ethyl Acetate
Is familiar as the alcohol in beverages. Oxidized by the liver to form carbon dioxide and water. It is generally not considered and occupational health hazard,, however, it is a safety hazard due to its flammability
Ethyl Alcohol
Found in products as either the tetra sodium or disodium salt. They react chemically to bind calcium, which inhibits the blood clotting mechanism. It is a skin irritant, causing dryness and cracking
Ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid
Toxic via inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. It is a strong irritant to skin and eyes. It is a dangerous fire risk. It is listed in IARC as a possible carcinogen
Ethylene dichloride
Moderately irritating to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Very toxic via inhalation, which can produce CNS depression and damage to blood forming organs. Does not readily volatize at room temperature, and inhalation would be likely only by heating or mechanical action (mist)
Ingestion can cause initial CNS excitement, followed by CNS excitement, followed by CNS depression; respiratory, renal, and cardiac failure. Brain damage may also result from ingestion.
Chronic exposure can cause anorexia, decreased urinary output, and nystagmus.
Combustible. Can react violently with certain acids and oxidizers
Ethylene Glycol
Moderately toxic via inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. May cause conjunctivitis, transient corneal clouding, and upper respiratory tract irritation
Ethylene glycol-monomethyl ether