Chlorhexidine Acetate Material Safety Data Sheet
Identification
Product Name: Chlorhexidine Acetate
Synonyms: 1,1'-Hexamethylenebis[5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguanide] diacetate
CAS Number: 56-95-1
Molecular Formula: C22H30Cl2N10·2C2H4O2
Manufacturer Information: Manufacturer name and address supplied with shipment
Recommended Uses: Antiseptic in medical, pharmaceutical, dental products
Contact Information: Emergency phone, technical support lines referenced on label
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (Oral, Category 4); Eye irritation (Category 2A); Skin irritation (Category 2); Aquatic toxicity (Category 1)
GHS Label Elements: Signal word: Warning, Hazard statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation, causes skin irritation, Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Environment
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin and eyes, wear protective gloves and eye protection, do not release into the environment, seek medical advice if exposed or concerned
Potential Health Effects: Eye, skin, respiratory tract irritation, potential allergic reactions from prolonged exposure, aspiration hazard possible if ingested
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Component: Chlorhexidine Acetate
Concentration or range: >98% (by weight)
Impurities and Stabilizing Additives: No stabilizers or hazardous impurities present above reportable limits
Other Ingredients: None significant for classification or required for disclosure under current regulations
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area with soap and water, seek medical care if irritation develops or persists
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, obtain medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, contact poison control or a medical professional promptly
Most Important Symptoms: Eye and skin irritation, allergic reactions, ingestion leads to gastrointestinal upset
Advice for Medical Personnel: Treat symptoms, monitor vital signs, symptomatic therapy as required
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitability of Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or water spray for large fires
Specific Hazards Arising: Thermal decomposition emits toxic fumes, including hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear to prevent exposure to smoke, fumes
Fire-Fighting Instructions: Remove containers from fire area if safe, use water spray to cool unopened containers, avoid runoff to water sources
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Isolate area, ventilate location, avoid dust generation, wear personal protection such as gloves and respirator
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering waterways, sewers, soil
Methods for Clean Up: Collect spillage using inert absorbent, sweep or scoop into containers for disposal, ventilate and clean area with detergent and water
Notification Procedures: Report large spills to local, state, and federal authorities based on statutory requirements
Handling and Storage
Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid generating dust, prevent contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, wash hands after handling
Storage: Store in tightly closed container, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated facility, away from incompatible materials including strong oxidizing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, sources of ignition, strong acids, bases and oxidizers
Other Precautions: Keep container labeled and out of reach of children, do not reuse containers
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Exposure Limits: No OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV, or other national exposure limit established for Chlorhexidine Acetate
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust where dust formation possible, provide safety showers and eye wash stations
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles or face shield, lab coat or apron, and a dust mask or respirator if dust is created
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing, launder before reuse
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Slight acetic acid odor
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: 5.5-7 (1% solution in water)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Decomposes above 250°C
Boiling Point and Range: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Product does not readily burn
Explosive Limits: Not established
Vapor Pressure: Practically negligible at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not determined
Relative Density: About 1.2 (water=1)
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water, poorly soluble in organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting under normal conditions
Decomposition Temperature: Above 250°C
Viscosity: Not applicable
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: No hazardous reactivity served under normal use
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, alkalis
Hazardous Decomposition Products: On burning or decomposition: releases hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, and possibly other toxic fumes
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur under normal conditions
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 1260 mg/kg; Inhalation toxicity data limited; Skin: Moderate irritant, Eye: Severe irritant
Potential Effects of Exposure: Direct exposure causes eye and skin irritation, respiratory discomfort from dust inhalation, possible allergic skin reactions
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated contact can produce dermatitis or hypersensitivity
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence of mutagenic or reproductive toxicity in current studies
Target Organs: Eyes, skin, mucous membranes
Ecological Information
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, LC50 (fish) <1 mg/L, may cause long term adverse effects in aquatic environments
Persistence and Degradability: Not rapidly biodegradable, tends to persist in soil and water
Bioaccumulative Potential: Potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic species, log Kow value not established
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, adsorbs to soil and sediment
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid direct release to environment, product residues may be harmful to aquatic and terrestrial organisms
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of contents or container in accordance with national, state, and local regulations; incineration or landfill as allowed
Contaminated Packaging: Containers must be thoroughly rinsed and recycled or disposed as hazardous waste
Disposal Precautions: Do not discharge to surface water or sewer system, consult environmental authorities for specific guidance
Transport Information
UN Number: 3077
Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (contains Chlorhexidine Acetate)
Transport Hazard Class: 9
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Transport Precautions: Avoid release during transport, use tightly sealed, properly labeled containers, observe international and local shipping guidelines
Regulatory Information
International Inventory Status: Listed or exempted from chemical inventories such as TSCA, EINECS, DSL
Regulations: Subject to environmental protection regulations regarding aquatic toxicity and waste disposal
Labeling Requirements: Complies with OSHA Hazard Communication, GHS, and CLP regulations
REACH Status: Registered or notification submitted as required
Other Regulatory Information: Consult country-specific regulations covering occupational safety, transport, and environmental release for Chlorhexidine Acetate