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HYDROQUINONE ICSC: 0166
Date of Peer Review: October 2001

 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene
Hydroquinol
Quinol
CAS # 123-31-9 C6H6O2 / C6H4(OH)2
RTECS # MX3500000 Molecular mass: 110.1
UN # 2662
EC # 604-005-00-4
TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible.
NO open flames.
Powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!

Inhalation Cough. Laboured breathing.
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin Redness.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eyes Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.
Safety goggles.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Shortness of breath. Convulsions. Vomiting. Ringing in the ears.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
EU Classification
Symbol: Xn, N
R: 22-40-41-43-50-68
S: (2-)-26-36/37/39-61
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Pack Group: III
EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61GT2-III
NFPA Code: H2; F1; R0;
Separated from strong bases, food and feedstuffs.
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 © IPCS, CEC 2004

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HYDROQUINONE ICSC: 0166
IMPORTANT DATA
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS CRYSTALS.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts violently with sodium hydroxide.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 2 mg/m³ as TWA; A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: skin absorption (H); Carcinogen category: 2; Germ cell mutagen group: 3A; (DFG 2004).
 		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air will not or will only very slowly be reached on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is severely irritating to the eyes. The substance is irritating to the skin and the respiratory tract.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. The substance may have effects on the eyes and skin, resulting in discolouration of the conjunctiva and cornea and skin depigmentation. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Boiling point: 287°C
Melting point: 172°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.3
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 15°C: 5.9
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 0.12
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.8
 		Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1
Flash point: 165°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 515°C
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.59
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms.
NOTES
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. No odour warning if toxic concentrations are present. Black & White Bleaching Cream, Diak 5, Eldopaque, Eldoquin, Tecquinol, Tenox HQ are trade names.
Card has been partly updated in April 2005. 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
© IPCS, CEC 2004 



    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Hydroquinone (EHC 157, 1994)
       Hydroquinone (HSG 101, 1996)
       Hydroquinone  (SIDS)
       Hydroquinone (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 71, 1999)