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Engine
Coolants Heat Transfer Fluids
Engine Test Fluids
Product
Information leaflets Material Safety Data Sheet PRODUCT SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION SHEETS COOLANTS A range of products used to prevent overheating, freezing and/or corrosion of internal combustion engine cooling systems. Most coolants are based on ethylene glycol and typically contain additives to prevent corrosion and foaming. Some are based on propylene glycol which is less toxic than ethylene glycol. Coolants are of low volatility and do not present a significant inhalation hazard unless misting or overheating occurs. All ethylene glycol-based products are particularly harmful and may be fatal if swallowed. This is especially so in the case of children. Domestic pets and other animals are also considered to be at risk from ingesting coolants that may have leaked from radiators onto surfaces to which they have access. Engine coolants must always be kept out of the reach of children and must never be stored in improperly labelled or otherwise unsuitable containers. HEALTH HAZARDS The component of major concern is ethylene glycol, which is poisonous by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Its effects on the central nervous system are similar to those of ethyl alcohol intoxication: stimulation, followed by depression. Inhalation of ethylene glycol vapour or mist (as, for example, from a hot, burst car radiator) can cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract, difficulty in breathing, coughing, and/or burning in the chest (pulmonary oedema). Ingestion, which may be fatal, can cause lack of appetite, spastic motion of the eyeballs, dizziness, abdominal pain, respiratory arrest or cardiovascular collapse, coma or kidney failure; skin absorption can also contribute to the systemic poisoning. Always inform the treating physician or first-aider if ethylene glycol poisoning is suspected. ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS Coolants are not believed to present any significant environmental hazard, particularly in the amounts likely to be handled in a retail setting. However, to prevent contamination of drinking water supplies, and poisoning of children, aquatic life, wildlife and farm and domestic animals, ethylene glycol-based products such as used antifreeze solution, should never be discarded onto the ground, into surface waters or storm sewers, regardless of the amounts. WISE USE PRECAUTIONS
FIRST AID Ingestion: Obtain immediate medical attention and advise that the product may contain significant quantities of ethylene glycol. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious or convulsing person. Eye contact: Immediately flush the eyes with plenty of water. If irritation occurs and persists, obtain medical advice. Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected area well with water. Inhalation: Not considered likely, but if exposure to high levels of vapour or mist have occurred, remove affected person to fresh air and if recovery is not immediate, obtain medical advice, pointing out that the affected person may have been exposed to ethylene glycol mist or vapour. Burns may be a complicating factor if the exposure has arisen as a result of improperly dealing with an over-heated vehicle radiator. FIRE Not normally considered combustible. SPILLS AND LEAKS Contain spill if possible. Use inert material to cover and remove spilled material. Dispose of contaminated materials in accordance with local legislation. Do not dispose of surplus fresh or waste coolants into sewers or onto the ground. This document is a general summary of the safety, health and environmental characteristics of a class of products and has been prepared for your convenience. It is not intended to be or to take the place of a Material Safety Data Sheet. For more specific and complete information regarding the product you are using, please review the Material Safety Data Sheet for that product.
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