Section 1. Chemical Product and Company Identification
Benzalkonium chloride
Common Name/
Trade Name
Benzalkonium chloride
CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.
Potential Chronic Health
MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.
Effects
TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.
DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not available.
The substance may be toxic to kidneys, liver, heart, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, central
nervous system (CNS).
Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage. Repeated exposure
of the eyes to a low level of dust can produce eye irritation. Repeated skin exposure can produce local skin
destruction, or dermatitis. Repeated inhalation of dust can produce varying degree of respiratory irritation or
lung damage.
Section 4. First Aid Measures
Eye Contact Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water
for at least 15 minutes. Cold water may be used. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing
contaminated clothing and shoes. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Cold water may be used.Wash
clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention immediately.
Serious Skin Contact Wash with a disinfectant soap and cover the contaminated skin with an anti-bacterial cream. Seek
immediate medical attention.
Inhalation If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Get medical attention immediately.
Evacuate the victim to a safe area as soon as possible. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or
Serious Inhalation
waistband. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If the victim is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation. WARNING: It may be hazardous to the person providing aid to give mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation when the inhaled material is toxic, infectious or corrosive. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to
an unconscious person. If large quantities of this material are swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband.
Serious Ingestion Not available.
Section 5. Fire and Explosion Data
Flammability of the Product May be combustible at high temperature.
Auto-Ignition Temperature Not available.
Flash Points OPEN CUP: 250°C (482°F).
Flammable Limits Not available.
Products of Combustion Not available.
Fire Hazards in Presence of Slightly flammable to flammable in presence of heat.
Various Substances
Explosion Hazards in Risks of explosion of the product in presence of mechanical impact: Not available.
Presence of Various Risks of explosion of the product in presence of static discharge: Not available.
Substances
Fire Fighting Media SMALL FIRE: Use DRY chemical powder.
and Instructions LARGE FIRE: Use water spray, fog or foam. Do not use water jet.
As with most organic solids, fire is possible at elevated temperatures
Special Remarks on
Fire Hazards
Special Remarks on Explosion Fine dust dispersed in air in sufficient concentrations, and in the presences of an ignition source is a
Hazards potential dust explosion hazard.
Benzalkonium chloride
Section 6. Accidental Release Measures
Small Spill Use appropriate tools to put the spilled solid in a convenient waste disposal container.
Large Spill Corrosive solid.
Stop leak if without risk. Do not get water inside container. Do not touch spilled material. Use water spray
to reduce vapors. Prevent entry into sewers, basements or confined areas; dike if needed. Eliminate all
Section 7. Handling and Storage
Keep container dry. Keep away from heat. Keep away from sources of ignition. Do not ingest. Do not
Precautions
breathe dust. In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. If ingested, seek
medical advice immediately and show the container or the label. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep
away from incompatibles such as oxidizing agents, moisture.
Storage Keep container tightly closed. Keep container in a cool, well-ventilated area.
Section 8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Engineering Controls Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels
below recommended exposure limits. If user operations generate dust, fume or mist, use ventilation to keep
exposure to airborne contaminants below the exposure limit.
Personal Protection Splash goggles. Synthetic apron. Vapor and dust respirator. Be sure to use an approved/certified
respirator or equivalent. Gloves.
Personal Protection in Case of Splash goggles. Full suit. Vapor and dust respirator. Boots. Gloves. A self contained breathing apparatus
a Large Spill should be used to avoid inhalation of the product. Suggested protective clothing might not be sufficient;
consult a specialist BEFORE handling this product.
Exposure Limits Not available.
Section 9. Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical state and appearance Solid. (Amorphous solid powder or lumps. Odor Aromatic.
Gelatinous pieces or thick gel.)
Taste Bitter. (Strong.)
Molecular Weight Not available.
White to yellowish.
Color
pH (1% soln/water) Not available.
Boiling Point Not available.
Decomposition temperature: >140°C (284°F)
Melting Point
Critical Temperature Not available.
0.98 (Water = 1)
Specific Gravity
Vapor Pressure Not applicable.
Vapor Density Not available.
Volatility Not available.
Odor Threshold Not available.
Not available.
Water/Oil Dist. Coeff.
Ionicity (in Water) Not available.
See solubility in water, acetone.
Dispersion Properties
Solubility Easily soluble in cold water, hot water.
Soluble in acetone.
Very slightly soluble in diethyl ether.
Very soluble in alcohol.
Soluble in benzene. Solubility in Benzene: 1 g dissolves in 6 ml of benzene.
Solubility in Ether: 1 g dissolves in 100 ml of Ether
Benzalkonium chloride
Section 10. Stability and Reactivity Data
The product is stable.
Stability
Instability Temperature Not available.
Excess heat, dust generation, moisture, incompatible materials.
Conditions of Instability
Incompatibility with various Reactive with oxidizing agents.
substances
Non-corrosive in presence of glass.
Corrosivity
Special Remarks on Hygroscopic. Also incompatible with nitrates, anion detergents
Reactivity
Special Remarks on Not available.
Corrosivity
Will not occur.
Polymerization
Section 11. Toxicological Information
Routes of Entry Inhalation. Ingestion.
Toxicity to Animals Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 240 mg/kg [Rat].
Chronic Effects on Humans May cause damage to the following organs: kidneys, liver, heart, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular
system, central nervous system (CNS).
Other Toxic Effects on Very hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, .
Humans Hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive), of eye contact (corrosive), of inhalation (lung corrosive).
Special Remarks on Not available.
Toxicity to Animals
Special Remarks on May affect genetic material (mutagenic).
Chronic Effects on Humans May cause adverse reproductive effects based on animal test data. Benzalkonium Chloride is an active
ingredient in vaginal spermacides. When applied in the vagina of pregnant rats at much higher doses than
those used in spermacides, it caused increased resorptions leading to fetal death, and reduced litter size
and weight. No adverse reproductive effects have been reported after oral treatment of rats and guinea pigs
and dermal administration to rats.
Special Remarks on other Acute Potential Health Effects:
Toxic Effects on Humans Skin: Causes severe skin irritation and burns.
Eyes: Causes sever eye irritation and burns.
Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. May cause severe and permanent damage to the digestive tract. Causes
gastrointestinal (digestive) tract burns. May affect behavior (central nervous system depression,
depression) and metabolism. May produce burning pains in the mouth, throat, and abdomen, profuse
salivation, muscle weakness. May also affect the respiratory system and cardiovascular system, liver and
kidneys.
Inhalation: May cause severe irritation of the respiratory tract with sore throat, coughing, shortness of
breath, and delayed lung edema. Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract. Causes irritation of the
mucous membranes.
Chronic Potential Health Effects: May affect material (mutagenic) and may cause adverse reproductive
effects.
Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis.
Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. May cause cyanosis
of the skin and lips caused by lack of oxygen.
Section 12. Ecological Information
Not available.
Ecotoxicity
Not available.
BOD5 and COD
Products of Biodegradation Possibly hazardous short term degradation products are not likely. However, long term degradation
products may arise.
Toxicity of the Products Not available.
of Biodegradation
Benzalkonium chloride
Special Remarks on the Not available.
Products of Biodegradation
Section 13. Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Waste must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local environmental
control regulations.
Section 14. Transport Information
DOT Classification Class 8: Corrosive material
CLASS 6.1: Poisonous material.
UNNA: 2923 : Corrosive solid, toxic, n.o.s. (Benzalkonium Chloride) PG: II
Identification
Special Provisions for Not available.
Transport
DOT (Pictograms)
Section 15. Other Regulatory Information and Pictograms
Federal and State No products were found.
Regulations
California prop. 65: This product contains the following ingredients for which the State of California has
California
Proposition 65 found to cause cancer which would require a warning under the statute: No products were found.
Warnings
California prop. 65: This product contains the following ingredients for which the State of California has
found to cause birth defects which would require a warning under the statute: No products were found.
Other Regulations OSHA: Hazardous by definition of Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
Canada: Listed on Canadian Domestic Substance List (DSL).
China: Listed on National Inventory.
Japan: Listed on National Inventory (ENCS).
Korea: Listed on Natioinal Inventory (KECI).
Philippines: Listed on National Inventory (PICCS).
Australia: Listed on AICS.
WHMIS (Canada) CLASS D-1B: Material causing immediate and serious toxic effects (TOXIC).
Other Classifications
CLASS E: Corrosive solid.
DSCL (EEC) R21/22- Harmful in contact with skin S26- In case of contact with eyes, rinse
and if swallowed. immediately with plenty of water and seek
R34- Causes burns. medical advice.
R50- Very toxic to aquatic S28- After contact with skin, wash
organisms. immediately with plenty of water.
S36/37/39- Wear suitable protective clothing,
gloves and eye/face protection.
S45- In case of accident or if you feel unwell,
seek medical advice immediately (show the
label where possible).
S61- Avoid release to the environment.
Refer to special instructions/Safety data
sheets.
Health Hazard
HMIS (U.S.A.) 3 National Fire Protection
1 Flammability
1 Association (U.S.A.)
Fire Hazard
3 0 Reactivity
Health
Reactivity
0
Specific hazard
Personal Protection
j
Benzalkonium chloride
WHMIS (Canada)
(Pictograms)
DSCL (Europe)
(Pictograms)
TDG (Canada)
(Pictograms)
ADR (Europe)
(Pictograms)
Protective Equipment
Gloves.
Synthetic apron.
Vapor and dust respirator. Be sure to
use an approved/certified respirator or
equivalent. Wear appropriate respirator
when ventilation is inadequate.
SECTION 16 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
N/A
