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PARACETAMOL ICSC: 1330
Date of peer-review: November 1998

Acetaminophen
4-Hydroxyacetanilide
p-Acetylaminophenol
CAS # 103-90-2 C8H9NO2 / HOC6H4NHCOCH3
RTECS # AE4200000 Molecular mass: 151.2
UN #
EC #
TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible.
NO open flames.
Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!

Inhalation See Notes.
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest.
Skin
Protective gloves.
Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
Eyes
Safety spectacles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Drowsiness. Abdominal pain. Unconsciousness.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into containers. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. (Extra personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles).
EU Classification
UN Classification

EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE


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 2001

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK


PARACETAMOL ICSC: 1330
IMPORTANT DATA
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS CRYSTALS OR CRYSTALLINE POWDER

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating above 45°C.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established. MAK not established.
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by ingestion.

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

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance may cause effects on the liver and kidney, resulting in liver impairment and kidney impairment only in case of large amount ingested. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. See Notes.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the kidneys and liver, resulting in impaired functions. May cause genetic damage in humans.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Boiling point: >500°C
Melting point: 169-170°C
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 1.4
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.49
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms.
NOTES
Temperature of decomposition unknown in literature. Health effects of exposure by inhalation to the substance have not been investigated. Use of alcoholic beverages enhances the harmful effect. The symptoms of acute intoxications do not become manifest until some 24-48 h to 3-4 days after ingestion of toxic doses. APAP, Panadol, Tempra, Tylenol are trade names.
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 2001


    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Paracetamol (PIM 396)
       Paracetamol  (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 73, 1999)