ICSC 0005 - PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE

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PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE

ICSC: 0005
_{October 2001}

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

CAS No: 1910-42-5
RTECS No: DW2275000
UN No: 2781
EC No: 613-090-00-7

CH₃(C₅H₄N)₂CH₃Cl₂
Molecular mass: 257.2

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

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.

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/m³; (ACGIH 2004).
TLV: (as paraquat) 0.5 mg/m³; (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	ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
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	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.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004

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