Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to page options Skip directly to site content
NIOSH

PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE

ICSC: 0005

Paraquat
1,1'-Dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride
Methyl viologen dichloride
CH3(C5H4N)2CH3Cl2
Molecular mass: 257.2
ICSC # 0005 		CAS # 1910-42-5
RTECS # DW2275000
UN # 2781
EC # 613-090-00-7
October 16, 2001 Validated

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

STORAGE

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.
Keep in a well-ventilated room. Well closed. Separated from food and feedstuffs . Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.
Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
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 Packing Group: II
ICSC: 0005 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE

ICSC: 0005

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

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

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating above 300°C, producing toxic fumes includingnitrogen 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).
OSHA PEL†: TWA 0.5 mg/m3 (resp) skin
NIOSH REL: TWA 0.1 mg/m3 (resp) skin
NIOSH IDLH: 1 mg/m3 See: 1910425


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.

N O T E S

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0005 PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
Top