PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE (ICSC)

PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE	ICSC: 0005

Date of Peer Review: October 2001

Paraquat
1,1'-Dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride
Methyl viologen dichloride

CAS #

1910-42-5

CH₃(C₅H₄N)₂CH₃Cl₂

RTECS #

DW2275000

Molecular mass: 257.2

UN #

2781

EC #

613-090-00-7

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.		In case of fire in the surroundings: powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Inhalation	Cough. Sore throat. Laboured breathing. Headache. Nosebleeds.	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes	Redness. Pain.	Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion	Sore throat. Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. (See Notes).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink, or bentonite clay in water, or give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Consult an expert! Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.

Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
EU Classification
Symbol: T+, N
R: 24/25-26-36/37/38-48/25-50/53
S: (1/2-)-22-28-36/37/39-45-60-61
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Pack Group: II

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

SAFE STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61GT7-I

Keep in a well-ventilated room. Well closed. Separated from food and feedstuffs. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities Š IPCS, CEC 2004

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE

ICSC: 0005

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALS OR WHITE TO YELLOW HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALLINE POWDER. WATER SOLUTION OF PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE IS DARK RED.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating above 300°C, producing toxic fumes including nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride. Attacks metal.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: (as paraquat, respirable fraction) 0.1 mg/mł; (ACGIH 2004).
TLV: (as paraquat) 0.5 mg/mł; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 0.1 ppm H; Peak limitation category: I(1); (DFG 2004).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly on spraying and when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of this substance may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The substance may cause effects on the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system and lungs, resulting in impaired functions, tissue lesions including haemorrhage and lung fibrosis. Exposure to high concentrations may result in death. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the nails, resulting in nail damage.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Boiling point (decomposes): 300°C
Melting point: 175-180°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.25
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 70
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: <0.0001

Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -4.2

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment. This substance does enter the environment under normal use. Great care, however, should be given to avoid any additional release, e.g. through inappropriate disposal.

NOTES

The toxicological information is the same for paraquat (CAS 4685-14-7). Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. The symptoms of lung fibrosis (shortness of breath, laboured breathing) do not become manifest until several days. Do NOT take working clothes home. Carrier solvents used in commercial formulations may change physical and toxicological properties. If the substance is formulated with solvents also consult the ICSCs of these materials.
Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information

Š IPCS, CEC 2004

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations