ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
CEDARWOOD OIL
Cedarwood oil is a natural product with a variable molecular
structure.
SYNONYMS
Oil cedar, red cedarwood oil, cedrus atlantica oil.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless to slightly yellow viscous liquid with a cedar odour.
Moderately flammable.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Cedarwood oil is incompatible with strong oxidants. Heating
produces toxic oxides of carbon.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
There is a slight fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat
or flame. It is used in perfumes and insecticides and is a mild
irritant and allergen. It has been used to induce abortions,
sometimes with fatal results. It is a narcotic and may affect
the kidneys. Acute exposure to the skin may result in
irritation. It will irritate the eyes, possibly severely.
Inhalation may irritate the respiratory tract with heavy
exposure causing dizziness, headache and nausea. Prolonged
exposure may cause kidney damage. Ingestion will irritate the
gastrointestinal tract, bladder and kidneys and may cause
headache, dizziness and nausea. The results may be fatal.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Can induce an allergic response in sensitised individuals.
Do not store close to strong oxidants.
Exposure limits have not been established for cedarwood oil,
however it should always be handled in a well ventilated area.
If exposure levels are expected to be high use a respirator.
Wear protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or
gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum
standard. Neoprene or nitrile gloves should be used.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and shoes, immediately wash
the affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts
of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek medical
advice. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek medical
advice.
Inhalation remove immediately to fresh air. If the patient is
experiencing a breathing difficulty give oxygen. Keep warm and
allow to rest and seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion wash the mouth with water, do not induce vomiting
but immediately seek medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat or naked flames.
Store away from strong oxidants.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. Have an all
purpose canister respirator available.
SPILLS:
A gas leak - keep the concentration of the gas below the
explosive mixture range by forced ventilation. Remove the tank
to an open area and allow dissipation to the atmosphere. Attempt
to cap the valve outlet and return the tank to the supplier.
A liquid - absorb on paper. Evaporate in an iron pan in a flame
proof fume hood then burn the paper.
A solid - sweep on to paper and place in an iron pan in a fume
hood. Burn the paper and compound.
PACKAGE LOTS:
A gas - pipe the gas into an incinerator or lower into a pit and
allow to burn.
A liquid - atomise into an incinerator. Combustion may be
improved by mixing with a more flammable solvent.
A solid - make up packages in paper or other flammable material.
Burn in the incinerator. Or the solid may be dissolved in a
flammable solvent and sprayed into a fire chamber.
ENVIRONMENT
BACK to the
top of the Glossary Contents List
BACK to the top of the
Chemical Contents List