Product Name: Benzalkonium Chloride, Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide, Dodecyltrimethylammonium Chloride, Stearalkonium Chloride, Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride, Tallowtrimethylammonium Chloride
CAS Numbers: 63449-41-2, 57-09-0, 112-00-5, 112-03-8, 7173-51-5, 112-18-5
Manufacturer Details: Multiple chemical suppliers globally, usually listed on packaging
Recommended Uses: Emulsifiers, disinfectants, anti-static agents, fabric softeners, hair conditioners
Emergency Phone Numbers: National Poison Control, local medical services, manufacturer’s emergency lines.
Physical Hazards: Corrosive liquid or powder, risk of severe skin burns and eye damage
Health Risks: Inhalation or skin contact causes irritation, burns, possible respiratory distress; risk increases in concentrated solutions
Environmental Hazards: Toxic to aquatic life, generates persistent residues in water systems
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; may cause respiratory irritation; harmful if swallowed
Pictograms: Corrosive, Environmental; check label for detailed icons.
Benzalkonium Chloride: 40-80%
Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide: 10-50%
Dodecyltrimethylammonium Chloride: 5-30%
Water and Inert Fillers: Balance to 100%
Impurities: Unreacted amines (<1%), trace solvents.
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air quickly, call emergency help; persistent cough or burning in throat needs medical attention
Eye Contact: Flush eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids open, seek medical care
Skin Contact: Rinse skin with copious water, take off contaminated clothing, continue rinsing until irritation subsides, get checked if burning persists
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, drink water if person is conscious, call poison control urgently.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam; water spray for cooling only
Special Hazards: Burning may produce toxic gases including hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, bromine vapors
Protective Actions: Wear full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus, avoid using direct water on burning pools
Advice for Firefighters: Move containers out of fire area if possible, prevent run-off from entering sewers or waterways.
Personal Protection: Gloves, goggles, chemical suit, respiratory protection in tight or confined areas
Spill Cleanup: Contain spill with absorbent (sand, vermiculite, earth), collect residue in labeled containers, avoid dry sweeping powders
Environmental Precautions: Block entry to waterways, drains, soils; notify authorities if large spill reaches natural waters
Decontamination: Wash area with plenty of water and detergent after bulk cleanup, ventilate workspace.
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid breathing vapors or dust, no eating or drinking at work site, wash hands after use
Storage: Store tightly sealed in corrosion-resistant containers, keep out of sunlight, away from acids, bases, oxidizers; temperature-sensitive - prefer cool, dry place
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids and alkalis, oxidizing or reducing agents, anionic surfactants
Special Considerations: Rotate stock regularly, label secondary containers, provide spill kits nearby.
Control Limits: No established occupational exposure limits, but recommended to keep airborne levels as low as possible
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust, keep operations closed or automated if available
Personal Protective Gear: Nitrile or butyl gloves, splash-proof goggles, lab coat or apron, face shield for splash risk
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-certified respirator for high concentrations, chemical cartridge type for dust/vapor
Hygiene Practices: Remove contaminated clothing, keep food and drink out of chemical handling zone.
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid, sometimes white crystalline or powder form
Odor: Mild fishy, ammoniacal smell
pH (1% Solution): Ranges from 5 to 8
Boiling Point: Varies; typically above 100°C
Melting Point: 45°C to 65°C for pure compounds
Solubility: Soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohols/oils
Flash Point: Above 90°C (some products non-flammable in solution)
Density: 0.98-1.1 g/cm³
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures, degrade under strong UV light or heat
Reactive Conditions: Heat, UV exposure, strong acids and oxidizers accelerate breakdown
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Ammonia, hydrogen chloride or bromide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons
Polymerization: No known risk under standard storage.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, accidental ingestion
Acute Effects: Severe irritation, burns, respiratory distress, nausea, vomiting
Chronic Effects: Long-term or repeated exposure can cause skin sensitization, possible liver/kidney stress
Toxicity References: LD50 (oral, rat): 240-500 mg/kg for benzalkonium chloride; corrosive at low concentrations
Delayed Effects: Persistent dermatitis, delayed airway symptoms after high exposure.
Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic species, causing fish kills at low concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Partial biodegradation after weeks in soil or water, not readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation: Possible, especially aquatic invertebrates
Water Hazard Class: Class 2 to 3 (significant hazard)
Mobility: Binds to soil particles, leaches under certain conditions.
Methods: Incineration under controlled conditions preferred; avoid direct sewer or landfill disposal unless authorized
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse before recycling or destruction; follow local hazardous waste rules
Do Not Mix: Keep separate from acids, oxidizers, incompatible chemicals
Disposal Regulatory Info: Classified as hazardous chemical waste; follow regional hazardous waste codes.
UN Numbers: UN 2922, UN 1760 for corrosive liquid, n.o.s.
Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive Liquid, N.O.S. (contains Quaternary Ammonium Compound)
Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
Packing Group: II or III, check shipping documentation
Special Precautions: Secure upright, label as corrosive, prevent leaks, notify carrier of hazard
Marine Pollutant: Yes; follow International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.
Safety Regulations: OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, WHMIS in Canada, EU REACH/CLP
Labeling: Corrosive, Environmental, risk and safety statements as per regional law
Permissible Levels: Local restrictions on industrial use, food processing, water purification
Reporting Requirements: Report accidental releases, follow EPA, Environment Canada, EU ECHA notifications
Restrictions: Limits on concentrations in consumer goods, due to skin/environmental hazards; regular reevaluations by chemical safety agencies.
