Need advice from those who work with chemicals?"?

Question

Need someone who knows their chemical,and how "Safe" tehy really are.
My work place is using a product called "Dispatch" to kill germs.ICS[infection control nurse] says it is safe to be around.But I became very ill just breathing it in.It caused my eyes to burn,I vomitted and had a migraine.I don't have respiratory problems.However,I do have a heart condition.
So, little old me went on line and researched this chemical.It is"Sodium Hypochlorite,[5200 ppm] whatever that means.All I know is we are around many patients with respiratory problems and I don't think it should be used around these patinets.If it is ok to be used,then why did it make me sick,as well as other workers? And shouldn't there be MSDS [material safety data sheets] on the premises to let us know what we are dealing with.Just in case of poisoning effects like I went through?

sεαη · Accepted Answer

i will try posting few msds's

http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/S4106.htm

http://ptcl.chem.ox.ac.uk/MSDS/SO/sodium_hypochlorite.html

http://www.sciencestuff.com/msds/C2654.html

5200 ppm or parts per million
(5200 x 100) / 1000,000 
= 0.52 %
>> pretty much dilute to cause bodily harm
unless, as u say u r alergic ...

pretty lucidly explained in wikipedia,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical compound with the formula NaClO. A solution of sodium hypochlorite is frequently used as a disinfectant and as a bleaching agent "bleach".

ukfire · Answer

Sodium Hypochlorite is better known as "Bleach" which is found in most home cleaning products. "PPM"  usually refers to "Parts Per Million". So 5200 would equate to a solution of .52% which is much lower than what you would find in a household cleaning product. It may be that you have an allergy to another chemical in the product, or that the product reacted with another chemical already present on the surface (Hibi-scrub, ecover, powders?). If you have a heart condition and you feel you did have a reaction to this chemical then see a doctor for a check up and tests. And yes, if the states are like the U.K your employer should have a chem-data sheet for the product (http://www.caltechind.com/msds/DISPATCH-MSDS-FPH340-06.pdf). Have a chat to them about your concerns, it is the best way to resolve the issue. Also, when was the last time you went to an optician? Your symptoms could also point to an eye condition? Better to play safe than worry.

Good Luck

Bill

Ron · Answer

It is important to consult a doctor regarding your illness. You may have come into physical contact with the chemicals in addition to only breathing it in. A similar content can be found in household bleach. (Are you allergic to that too?)

I don't think it is necessary to have MSDS when the concentration of the chemicals are very high. However it is a good practise to check for harmful effects of any chemicals before handling. Remeber to avoid inhaling directly or touching the chemicals, and always wash your hands after using them.

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