« back to the search result list  
BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEICSC: 1584 (July 2006)
Quaternary ammonium compounds, benzyl-C8-18-alkyldimethyl chlorides
Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride
Alkyldimethyl(phenylmethyl) quaternary ammonium chloride
Ammonium alkyldimethyl(phenylmethyl) chloride
Ammonium alkyldimethylbenzyl chloride
CAS #: 63449-41-2
UN #: 2928
EC Number: 264-151-6

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.    NO open flames.    Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide.   

   
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Sore throat. Sore throat. Cough. Laboured breathing.  Use local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Skin burns. Pain.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.  Wear face shield.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting. Burning sensation. Diarrhoea. Shock or collapse.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into containers or absorb liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

correxcl mark;warnenviro;aqua
Harmful if swallowed
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Very toxic to aquatic life 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Subsidiary Risks: 8; UN Pack Group: II 

STORAGE
Separated from food and feedstuffs. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. 
PACKAGING
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE ICSC: 1584
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
HYGROSCOPIC WHITE-TO-YELLOW POWDER WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on heating. This produces toxic and corrosive fumes including ammonia, chlorine and nitrogen oxides. 

Formula: C6H5CH2N(CH3)2RCl, R=C8H17 - C18H37

Melting point: 29-34°C
Solubility in water at 20°C: good 


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body through the skin and by ingestion. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. If a solution is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. 

Inhalation risk
 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
 

ENVIRONMENT
The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment. 

NOTES
The EU classification refers to a group of substances known as quaternary ammonium compounds, benzyl C8-18-alkyldimethyl chlorides.
Benzalkonium chloride itself is a mixture of very similar substances with different chain length and molecular mass.
Other CAS RN: 8001-54-5; Other UN numbers are possible, depending on manufacturers´classifications.
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.
This substance is usually commercially available as a solution.
Strong solutions (>10%) are corrosive. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: C, N; R: 21/22-34-50; S: (2)-36/37/39-45-61 

All rights reserved. The published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Neither ILO nor WHO nor the European Commission shall be responsible for the interpretation and use of the information contained in this material.