Applying Properties – MSDS/SDS

What is a MSDS/SDS?

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is designed to provide both workers and emergency personnel with the proper procedures for handling or working with a particular substance. MSDS’s include information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill/leak procedures. These are of particular use if a spill or other accident occurs.

The MSDS’s are available from many sources such as the chemistry store, health and safety offices, material producing companies, etc. Any business or industry that has chemicals on site is required to have access to MSDS files for employers to be able to access at any time. If an employee is concerned about their exposure to chemicals, they can peruse an MSDS to obtain helpful information. Likewise, one could research household chemicals that could be dangerous to humans and animals. Many substances found around the home (pesticides, fuels, and cleaners) can be hazardous or harmless.

Other Terms Used in MSDS/SDS

Aspects of toxicity and how chemicals will affect a body can also be found in this resource. Along with physical and chemical properties, you should be familiar with the terms below that could also be found in an MSDS/SDS document.

• Mutagen: able to alter DNA and could result in carcinogenesis (a chemical example would be nitrosamine)
• Carcinogen: able to cause cancer (this can get complicated, animal and human carcinogens both exist). There are very few chemicals classified as being human carcinogens. (benzene, radon, asbestos)
• Neurotoxin: affects the nervous system (chemical examples include lead and mercury)

• Teratogen: affects developing fetus or embryo (pharmaceutical examples would be thalidomide and Accutane)
• Corrosive: can chemically destroy things easily (acids/bases are examples)
• Flammable/Combustible: able to catch on fire (examples would include gasoline and acetone)
• Volatile: a liquid that can transform into gas easily (examples would include gasoline and acetone)