Chemical Properties
Dichlorobenzalkonium chloride is a colorless,
crystalline solid. Specific gravity (H2O:1) 5 0.89; freezing/
melting point 5 33C34C. Hazard identification (based on
NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 0, Flammability 1,
Reactivity 0. Soluble in water
Potential Exposure
This material is used as an antiseptic,
germicide, algicide, sterilizer, and deodoran
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. If concentrated (10% or greater) solution is
ingested, patient should swallow a large quantity of milk,
egg whites or gelatin solution. If breathing is difficult, give
oxygen
Incompatibilities
Chlorides may be incompatible with
acids, acid fumes. Esters may be incompatible with moisture and nitrates. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates,
nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine,
bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or
explosions.
Description
Dichlorobenzalkonium chloride is a colorless,crystalline solid. Specific gravity (H2O:1) = 0.89; Meltingpoint =33—34℃. Hazard Identification (based on NFPA704 M Rating System): Health 0, Flammability 1,Reactivity 0. Soluble in water.
Waste Disposal
Use a licensed professional
waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve
or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn
in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner
and scrubber. All federal, state, and local environmental
regulations must be observed.
storage
Color Code—Green: General storage may be used.Prior to working with this chemical you should be trainedon its proper handling and storage. Store in tightly closedcontainers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from acids,acid fumes, moisture, and nitrates.
Short Term Exposure
Eye contact can cause vomiting,diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Ingestion causes burning painin the mouth, throat, and abdomen with spitting of blood;drooling, vomiting; burns and ulcers in the mouth, throat,pharynx, and esophagus; shock, restlessness, confusion,weakness, apprehension; muscle weakness; difficulty inbreathing; depression; bluing of the skin; and death fromshock or asphyxiation. Ten percent (10%) concentratedaqueous solutions are irritating to the skin and concentrations as low as 0.10.5% are irritating to the eyes andmucous membranes. Concentrations ranging from 2% to17.5% have caused dermal necrosis. Ingestion can causecorrosion of upper intestinal tract. Swelling of throat andlungs with fluid (edema) also can occur. Death can occurdue to paralysis of respiratory muscles or circulatory collapse. The oral LD50 (oral-rat) 5 730 mg/kg (slightly toxic).
Long Term Exposure
May cause liver and kidney damage.Repeated contact may cause allergic contact dermatitis toskin and allergic reaction in the lungs.
Personal Protective Methods
Wear protective gloves andclothing to prevent any reasonable probability of skin contact. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can providerecommendations on the most protective glove/clothingmaterial for your operation. All protective clothing (suits,gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available eachday, and put on before work. Contact lenses should not beworn when working with this chemical. Wear dust-proofchemical goggles and face shield unless full face-piecerespiratory protection is worn. Employees should washimmediately with soap when skin is wet or contaminated.Provide emergency showers and eyewash.
Fire Extinguishing
Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, orfoam extinguishers. Poisonous gases are produced in fire,including nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and hydrogen chloride.If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notifydownstream users of potentially contaminated waters.Notify local health and fire officials and pollution controlagencies. From a secure, explosion-proof location, usewater spray to cool exposed containers. If cooling streamsare ineffective (venting sound increases in volume andpitch, tank discolors, or shows any signs of deforming),withdraw immediately to a secure position. If employeesare expected to fight fires, they must be trained andequipped in OSHA 1910.156. The only respirators recommended for firefighting are self-contained breathing apparatuses that have full face-pieces and are operated in apressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode