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#1 Posted : 09 April 2001 13:55:00(UTC)
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Posted By Juliet Fennell
In response to an employees request we are about to Scotch -guard (or provide a similar substance) to a new carpet. The reason being that she is very susceptible to dust allergies and believes scotch guard on the carpet will assist. However I have heard that such substances may be carcinogenic. Can anybody assist me?
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#2 Posted : 09 April 2001 21:03:00(UTC)
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Posted By Dawn Ingham
The company I work for had their carpets treated with 3M Protector (similar product but slightly cheaper) over a weekend in February this year. I requested the Safety Data Sheet and it contains some hazards (flammable, avoid skin contact etc.) but no mention of carcinogens. However, I would think that with regard to the employee's dust allergy, it's not going to help that much, it only stops the dust and dirt sinking into the carpet, thereby doing nothing to hinder the build-up of dust - unless anyone can offer a better solution.
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#3 Posted : 10 April 2001 08:27:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ken Taylor
It might assist in terms of reducing fibre release from the carpet. Have you checked the relative humidity? This also has a bearing on dust issues and humidification may help. I haven't used Scotchguard in the workplace but, if you get a copy of the materials safety data sheet from the supplier, as well as reading the risk phrases, etc you can then look up the chemicals involved on one of the USA or Canadian data-bases to find out what the hazards are according to them! Try Vermont SIRI on http://siri.org. I suspect that the propellant will be more of an issue than the applied substance and your colleague will be happier 'once the smell has gone'.
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#4 Posted : 10 April 2001 14:31:00(UTC)
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Posted By Richard
Juliet

To get back to your original question, I too have read recently that Scotchguard can be hazardous to health. Unfortunately I can't remember the details, but the suspicion must certainly be there

Richard
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#5 Posted : 11 April 2001 19:36:00(UTC)
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Posted By Jay Joshi
Scotchguard - the manufacturers of fabric and carpet coatings that protect against soil, water and oil, have discovered that some chemicals in their products persist in the environment and in the human body for a number of years.

The manufacturing company, 3M have announced that they are to stop using the combination of chemicals in their products.

3M say they do not plan to phase out any products, but to reformulate those that use a particular combination of chemicals.

The company has discovered that perfluoroocatanyl sulfonate (PFOS), the active ingredient in its ‘Protector’ products, persists in both the environment and the human body for a number of years.

3M say -

"Our decision anticipates increasing attention to the appropriate use and management of persistent materials.
"While this chemistry has been used effectively for more than 40 years and our products are safe, our decision to phase out production is based on our principles of responsible environmental management."

A spokesman for the US Environmental Protection Agency says: -

"3M’s experiments have caused concern about the reproductive and developmental effects in laboratory animals and the widespread PFOS in humans and the environment"

The Agency believes that there are no immediate risks but says:-

"It is important to eliminate PFOS quickly to reduce long-term risk"

The affected product lines represent about 2% of 3M’s nearly $16 billion in annual sales. These include many Scotchguard TM products such as soil, oil and water repellent products; coatings used for oil and grease resistance on paper packaging; fire fighting foams; and speciality components for other products.

The household products due to be reformulated by the end of this year are:-

· Scotchguard Protector for Fabrics
· Protector for Leather, Suede and Nubuck
· Protector for Shoes

3M stress that it’s safe to continue using them in the meantime, provided you follow the warnings on the can. (The Heavy Duty Water Repellent for Outdoor Fabrics and the range of household cleaners don not contain PFOS)

Scotchguard protection applied to upholstery and carpets during manufacture is also being reformulated, as is the brand’s product used by dry cleaners.

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#6 Posted : 12 April 2001 09:49:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ken Taylor
Thanks for the information, Jay. I hadn't heard this one. NIOSH don't seem to list PFOS and 3Ms do not have the product on their USA & Canada MSDS databases! However they still include their 'Scotchguard Automotive Uphostery & Carpet Protector' - which has a secret 'flouochemical' (see below).
It seems that the relative humidity route may be the most acceptable at this stage.

[ 3M Canada Company
Post Office Box 5757
London, Ontario N6A 4T1
Medical Emergency Telephone: (519)451-2500, Ext. 2222

Material Safety Data Sheet

Document id : 05-3897-5 Issue date : 01/09/2001
Version : 17.01 Supersedes date : 03/15/1999

Prepared by: Environmental Health and Safety Services Department, 3M
Canada Company.
Telephone: (519) 452-6102, Fax: (519) 452-6015.


1 Product Identification
Tradename:
"SCOTCHGARD" (TM) AUTOMOTIVE UPHOLSTERY AND CARPET PROTECTOR,
CATALOG NO. 3572 W
Product ID:
70-0704-0019-0 70-0705-5061-4 70-0705-8089-2 70-0707-1600-9
70-0707-1936-7 70-0707-2791-5 70-0708-3593-2 70-0708-3336-6
70-0709-1950-4 70-0709-1962-9 CT-0608-2461-3
Intended Use of Product:
Protector
Division:
CONSTRUCTION & HOME IMPROVEMENT PRODUCTS

2 Composition/Information on Ingredients

Ingredient Name CAS Number Percentage
WATER 7732-18-5 75.0 - 85.0
ISOBUTANE PROPELLANT 68476-85-7 6.0 - 9.0
1-METHOXY-2-PROPANOL 107-98-2 1.0 - 5.0
DIETHYLENE GLYCOL BUTYL ETHER 112-34-5 1.0 - 5.0
FLUOROCHEMICAL Trade Secret 1.0 - 5.0
3,5-DIMETHYL-1-HEXYNE-3-OL 107-54-0 0.5 - 1.5
ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL 67-63-0 0.1 - 1.0 2-METHOXY-1-PROPANOL 1589-47-5 < 0.1
NOTE:
FLUOROCHEMICAL is a non-hazardous Trade Secret material according to
WHMIS criteria.

"SCOTCHGARD" (TM) AUTOMOTIVE UPHOLSTERY AND CARPET Page 2 of 8
PROTECTOR, CATALOG NO. 3572 W

3 Hazards Identification

Critical Hazards
Moderate Eye Irritation: signs/symptoms can include redness,
swelling, pain, tearing, and hazy vision.
May be absorbed through the skin and produce effects similiar to
those caused by inhalation and/or ingestion.
Intentional concentration and inhalation may be harmful or fatal.
Inhalation may cause: Central Nervous System Depression:
signs/symptoms can include headache, dizziness, drowsiness,
incoordination, slowed reaction time, slurred speech, giddiness and
unconsciousness.
Aerosol container contains flammable gas under pressure.
See Sections 7 and 11 for further information.

4 First Aid Measures

Instructions for Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with large amounts of water. Get immediate
medical attention.
Instructions for Skin Contact:
Flush skin with large amounts of water. If irritation persists, get
medical attention.
Instructions for Inhalation:
If signs/symptoms occur, remove person to fresh air. If
signs/symptoms continue, call a physician.
Instructions for Ingestion:
Do not induce vomiting. Drink two glasses of water. Call a
physician.

5 Fire Fighting Measures

Flash point: Approximately 58.3 C TCC
(liquid phase)
Lower Explosive Limit (%): Not Available.
Upper Explosive Limit (%): Not Available.
Autoignition temperature: Not Available.
Suitable Extinguishing Media:
Water spray; Carbon Dioxide; Dry chemical; Alcohol-type foam
Exposure Hazards during Fire:
Closed containers exposed to heat from fire may build pressure and
explode.



"SCOTCHGARD" (TM) AUTOMOTIVE UPHOLSTERY AND CARPET Page 3 of 8
PROTECTOR, CATALOG NO. 3572 W

Combustion Products from Fire:
Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide; hydrogen fluoride; Aldehydes;
Ketones;
Fire Fighting Procedures:
Not determined

6 Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions:
Refer to other sections of this MSDS for information regarding
physical and health hazards, respiratory protection, ventilation,
and personal protective equipment.
Spill Response:
Ventilate area. Extinguish all ignition sources. Contain spill.
Evacuate unprotected personnel from hazard area. Cover with
absorbent material. Collect using non-sparking tools. Clean up
residue with water. Place in an approved metal container. Seal the
container. Place leaking containers in a well-ventilated area,
preferrably in an exhaust hood, if available, or outdoors.
Methods for Disposal:
Incinerate in a permitted hazardous waste incinerator. Facility must
be capable of handling aerosol cans. Combustion products will
include HF.

7 Handling and Storage

Storage Requirements:
Store away from areas where product may come into contact with food
or pharmaceuticals. Store at temperatures below 120 degrees F (49
degrees C). Store at temperatures above 32 degrees F (O degrees C).
Incompatible Materials:
Heat;
Fire Prevention:
Aerosol container contains flammable gas under pressure.
Explosion Prevention:
Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, and other sources of
ignition.
Use Instructions:
Do not pierce or burn container, even after use. Keep small children
and pets out of vehicle while applying product and until upholstery
is dry.

"SCOTCHGARD" (TM) AUTOMOTIVE UPHOLSTERY AND CARPET Page 4 of 8
PROTECTOR, CATALOG NO. 3572 W

8 Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eye Protection:
Avoid eye contact with vapour, spray, or mist. Do not spray in eyes,
in mouth, or on skin.
Skin Protection:
Avoid skin contact.
Respiratory Protection:
Avoid breathing of vapours, mists or spray. Avoid breathing of
airborne material.
Ingestion (Prevention):
Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. Wash exposed
areas thoroughly with soap and water. Wash hands after handling and
before eating. Do not ingest. Keep out of the reach of children.
Recommended Ventilation:
Do not use in a confined area or areas with little or no air
movement. Use in a well-ventilated area. Use with adequate dilution
ventilation. Use only as directed and only in areas adequately
ventilated to remove vapors and prevent vapor buildup. Maintain
cross ventilation until sprayed article is dry through use of fans,
open windows and doors. Do not use product in small rooms, bathrooms
or closets. Do not use product in small rooms, bathrooms or closets.
Special Instructions:
Keep children and pets off treated area until thoroughly dry.

Ingredient Exposure Data

WATER (7732-18-5)
LD50 (rat, oral): > 90 ml/kg

ISOBUTANE PROPELLANT (68476-85-7)
Ontario TWAEV: 1,800 mg/m3

1-METHOXY-2-PROPANOL (107-98-2)
LD50 (rat, oral): 5660 mg/kg
LC50 (rat, inhalation/4 hours): 15,000 ppm
PIN (Product Identification Number): 3092
Ontario TWAEV: 100 ppm 365 mg/m3
Ontario STEV: 150 ppm 550 mg/m3
ACGIH TLV-TWA: 100 ppm 369 mg/m3
ACGIH TLV-STEL: 150 ppm 553 mg/m3


"SCOTCHGARD" (TM) AUTOMOTIVE UPHOLSTERY AND CARPET Page 5 of 8
PROTECTOR, CATALOG NO. 3572 W

DIETHYLENE GLYCOL BUTYL ETHER (112-34-5)
LD50 (rat, oral): 5660 mg/kg
Chemical Manufacturers' Recommended Guideline (CMRG) TWA Exposure
Limit: 35 ppm
Specific Ingredient Data: LD50 (rabbit, dermal): 2700 mg/kg

FLUOROCHEMICAL (Trade Secret)
Specific Ingredient Data: No data available.

3,5-DIMETHYL-1-HEXYNE-3-OL (107-54-0)
Specific Ingredient Data: No data available.

ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL (67-63-0)
LD50 (rat, oral): 4710 mg/kg
LC50 (rat, inhalation/4 hours): 17000 ppm
PIN (Product Identification Number): 1219
Ontario TWAEV: 400 ppm 980 mg/m3
Ontario STEV: 500 ppm 1225 mg/m3
ACGIH TLV-TWA: 400 ppm 985 mg/m3
ACGIH TLV-STEL: 500 ppm 1230 mg/m3

2-METHOXY-1-PROPANOL (1589-47-5)
Specific Ingredient Data: No data available.

9 Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical form,Color,Odour: Aerosol spray container; foamy;
White; mild honeysuckle odour;
Odour Threshold: No data available.
pH: 9.00 - 10.00
Boiling point/boiling range: Not Available.
Melting point/melting range: Not Available.
Vapour pressure: Approximately 62.0000 mmHg @
37.8 C
Water Solubility: Not Available.
Partition coefficient (K o/w): No data available.
Specific gravity: Approximately 1.020 Water=1
Vapour density: Not Available.
Volatile organic compounds: Approximately 15 % calculated
Evaporation rate: Not Available.
Viscosity: Not Available.



"SCOTCHGARD" (TM) AUTOMOTIVE UPHOLSTERY AND CARPET Page 6 of 8
PROTECTOR, CATALOG NO. 3572 W

10 Stability and Reactivity

Conditions to Avoid:
None known.
Materials to Avoid:
Heat;
Hazardous Decomposition:
Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide; hydrogen fluoride; Aldehydes;
Ketones;
Stability and Reactivity:
Stable. Hazardous polymerization will not occur.

11 Toxicological Information

Effects from Eye Contact:
Moderate Eye Irritation: signs/symptoms can include redness,
swelling, pain, tearing, and hazy vision.
Effects from Skin Contact:
Mild Skin Irritation (after prolonged or repeated contact):
signs/symptoms can include redness, swelling, and itching. May be
absorbed through the skin and produce effects similiar to those
caused by inhalation and/or ingestion.
Effects from Inhalation:
Intentional concentration and inhalation may be harmful or fatal.
Central Nervous System Depression: signs/symptoms can include
headache, dizziness, drowsiness, incoordination, slowed reaction
time, slurred speech, giddiness and unconsciousness. Irritation
(upper respiratory): signs/symptoms can include soreness of the nose
and throat, coughing and sneezing.
Effects from Ingestion:
Ingestion is not a likely route of exposure to this product.
Ingestion may cause: Irritation of Gastrointestinal Tissues:
signs/symptoms can include pain, vomiting, abdominal tenderness,
nausea, blood in vomitus, and blood in feces.
Sensitization Information:
No data available.
Carcinogenicity:
No data available.
Mutagenicity:
No data available.
Reproductive Effects:
No data available.

"SCOTCHGARD" (TM) AUTOMOTIVE UPHOLSTERY AND CARPET Page 7 of 8
PROTECTOR, CATALOG NO. 3572 W

12 Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity Data:
No data available.
Other Effects and Information:
Not determined.

13 Disposal Considerations

Product as Sold:
No data available.
Product after Use:
Do not puncture or burn cans in a household incinerator.
Product Packaging:
No data available.
Special Instructions:
Since regulations vary, consult applicable regulations or
authorities before disposal.

14 Transportation Information

Transportation of Dangerous Goods
TDG Classification: Consumer Commodity by ground Do not ship by air.

International Dangerous Goods Classification

IMO Class: No data available.
ICAO Class: No data available.

15 Regulatory Information
WHMIS Classification: Exempt (Consumer Product)
NOTE:
This product has been classified in accordance with the hazard
criteria of the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) and the MSDS
contains all the information required by the CPR.
Product Certifications:
The product on this MSDS, or all its components, is included on the
following countries' chemical inventories, as noted:
EINECS - European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical

"SCOTCHGARD" (TM) AUTOMOTIVE UPHOLSTERY AND CARPET Page 8 of 8
PROTECTOR, CATALOG NO. 3572 W

Substances
TSCA - Toxic Substances Control Act (USA)
DSL - Domestic Substances List (Canada)

6 Other Information
Reason for Reissue:
Added/Changed Product ID Number of MSDS

Copyright, 1997, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. All rights reserved. Copying and/or downloading of this information for
the purpose of properly utilizing 3M products is allowed provided
that:
1) the information is copied in full with no changes unless prior
written agreement is obtained from 3M, and
2) neither the copy nor the original is resold or otherwise
distributed with the intention of earning a profit thereon.

The information in this Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is
believed to be correct as of the date issued. 3M MAKES NO
WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR COURSE OF
PERFORMANCE OR USAGE OF TRADE. User is responsible for determining
whether the 3M product is fit for a particular purpose and suitable
for user's method of use or application. Given the variety of
factors that can affect the use and application of a 3M product,
some of which are uniquely within the user's knowledge and control,
it is essential that the user evaluate the 3M product to determine
whether it is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for user's
method of use or application. ]
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#7 Posted : 12 April 2001 12:54:00(UTC)
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Posted By Jay Joshi
Sorry, I missed including the source of the information--it is from the BBC website!!!
I am in the process of getting the "official" viewpoint from 3M
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#8 Posted : 12 April 2001 13:20:00(UTC)
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Posted By Jay Joshi
There is a reference in an ENDS Report, no 307,August 2000, pp5-6,"3M's phase-out casts a shadow over fluorocarbon chemicals". The article discusses the impact of fluorocarbons on the environment and human health following 3M's decision to phase out a number of its fluorocarbon based products. In particular the article focuses on the effects of exposure to Perfluorooctanyl sulphonate (PFOS). While 3M is praised for its responsible policy, the article considers the wider issues of such "persistent materials".




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