International Chemical Safety Cards

PARAQUAT ICSC: 0005
PARAQUAT
1,1'-Dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride (paraquat dichloride)
Methyl viologen dichloride
CH3(C5H4N)2CH3Cl2
Molecular mass: 257.2
CAS # 1910-42-5
RTECS # DW2275000
ICSC # 0005
UN # 2781
EC # 613-006-00-9
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.
NO contact with oxidizing agents.
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. Laboured breathing. Sore throat.
    		Local exhaust or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Skin burns.
    		Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. 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
    		• Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Laboured breathing. Sore throat. Vomiting.
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
    		Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water 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 dry, sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place (extra personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles).
    		Keep locked up. Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, food and feedstuffs. Dry. Keep in the dark.
    		Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
    T symbol
    R: 26/27/28
    S: 1-13-45
    UN Hazard Class: 6.1
    UN Packing Group: II
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0005 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    PARAQUAT ICSC: 0005

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     COLOURLESS, HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALS. WATER SOLUTION OF PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE IS DARK RED.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance decomposes on heating above 300░C and under influence of UV light producing toxic and corrosive fumes including nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride. Reacts with strong oxidants. Reacts with bases (hydrolysis). Unformulated products are corrosive to common metals. Inactivated by inert clays and by anionic surfactants.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV: ppm; 0.1 (respirable fraction), 0.5 (total dust) mg/m3 (ACGIH 1991-1992).
    MAK: 0.1 ppm; mg/m3; (1992).


    		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 irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of this substance may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Ingestion can also cause lung hemorrhage and fibrosis. The substance may cause effects on the lungs, kidneys, liver, cardio vascular system and gastro intestinal tract , resulting in impaired functions, tissue lesions. Exposure to high concentrations may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
     Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis, abnormalities and loss of fingernails. Lungs may be affected by repeated or prolonged exposure to the aerosol.
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Melting point (decomposes): 300░C
    Relative density (water = 1): 1.25
    Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20░C: 70
    		 Vapour pressure, Pa at 20░C: <10
    Relative vapour density (air = 1): 6.4-8.9
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
    N O T E S
    Paraquat is an ion, (CH3(C5H4N)2CH3)++, CAS No. 4685-14-7. A dimethyl sulfate salt, a yellow solid, CAS No. 2074-51-2, has also been commercialized. Surfactants present in preparation may increase eye damage in humans. 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 do not become manifest until several days. Do NOT take working clothes home. Gramoxone, Dextrone X, Esgram; and for various mixtures: Cleansweep, Weedol, Dexuron, TotaCol, Gramuron, Para-Col, Pathclear, Gramonol are trade names.
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0005 PARAQUAT
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or 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. 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.