Section 1. Chemical Product and Company Identification  
 Benzalkonium chloride 
 Common Name/ 
 Trade Name 
 Benzalkonium chloride 
 CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. 
 Potential Chronic Health 
 MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. 
 Effects 
 TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. 
 DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not available. 
 The substance may be toxic to kidneys, liver, heart, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, central 
 nervous system (CNS). 
 Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage. Repeated exposure 
 of the eyes to a low level of dust can produce eye irritation. Repeated skin exposure can produce local skin 
 destruction, or dermatitis. Repeated inhalation of dust can produce varying degree of respiratory irritation or 
 lung damage. 
 
  Section 4. First Aid Measures  
 Eye Contact Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water 
 for at least 15 minutes. Cold water may be used. Get medical attention immediately. 
 Skin Contact In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing 
 contaminated clothing and shoes. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Cold water may be used.Wash 
 clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention immediately. 
 Serious Skin Contact Wash with a disinfectant soap and cover the contaminated skin with an anti-bacterial cream. Seek 
 immediate medical attention. 
 Inhalation If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. 
 Get medical attention immediately. 
 Evacuate the victim to a safe area as soon as possible. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or 
 Serious Inhalation 
 waistband. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If the victim is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth 
 resuscitation. WARNING: It may be hazardous to the person providing aid to give mouth-to-mouth 
 resuscitation when the inhaled material is toxic, infectious or corrosive. Seek immediate medical attention. 
 Ingestion Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to 
 an unconscious person. If large quantities of this material are swallowed, call a physician immediately. 
 Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. 
 Serious Ingestion Not available. 
 
  Section 5. Fire and Explosion Data  
 Flammability of the Product May be combustible at high temperature. 
 Auto-Ignition Temperature Not available. 
 Flash Points OPEN CUP: 250°C (482°F). 
 Flammable Limits Not available. 
 Products of Combustion Not available. 
 Fire Hazards in Presence of Slightly flammable to flammable in presence of heat. 
 Various Substances 
 Explosion Hazards in Risks of explosion of the product in presence of mechanical impact: Not available. 
 Presence of Various Risks of explosion of the product in presence of static discharge: Not available. 
 Substances 
 Fire Fighting Media SMALL FIRE: Use DRY chemical powder. 
 and Instructions LARGE FIRE: Use water spray, fog or foam. Do not use water jet. 
 As with most organic solids, fire is possible at elevated temperatures 
 Special Remarks on 
 Fire Hazards 
 Special Remarks on Explosion Fine dust dispersed in air in sufficient concentrations, and in the presences of an ignition source is a 
 Hazards potential dust explosion hazard. 
 Benzalkonium chloride 
 
  Section 6. Accidental Release Measures  
 Small Spill Use appropriate tools to put the spilled solid in a convenient waste disposal container. 
 Large Spill Corrosive solid. 
 Stop leak if without risk. Do not get water inside container. Do not touch spilled material. Use water spray 
 to reduce vapors. Prevent entry into sewers, basements or confined areas; dike if needed. Eliminate all 
 
  Section 7. Handling and Storage  
 Keep container dry. Keep away from heat. Keep away from sources of ignition. Do not ingest. Do not 
 Precautions 
 breathe dust. In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. If ingested, seek 
 medical advice immediately and show the container or the label. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep 
 away from incompatibles such as oxidizing agents, moisture. 
 Storage Keep container tightly closed. Keep container in a cool, well-ventilated area. 
 
  Section 8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection  
 Engineering Controls Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels 
 below recommended exposure limits. If user operations generate dust, fume or mist, use ventilation to keep 
 exposure to airborne contaminants below the exposure limit. 
 Personal Protection Splash goggles. Synthetic apron. Vapor and dust respirator. Be sure to use an approved/certified 
 respirator or equivalent. Gloves. 
 Personal Protection in Case of Splash goggles. Full suit. Vapor and dust respirator. Boots. Gloves. A self contained breathing apparatus 
 a Large Spill should be used to avoid inhalation of the product. Suggested protective clothing might not be sufficient; 
 consult a specialist BEFORE handling this product. 
 Exposure Limits Not available. 
 
  Section 9. Physical and Chemical Properties  
 Physical state and appearance Solid. (Amorphous solid powder or lumps. Odor Aromatic. 
 Gelatinous pieces or thick gel.) 
 Taste Bitter. (Strong.) 
 Molecular Weight Not available. 
 White to yellowish. 
 Color 
 pH (1% soln/water) Not available. 
 Boiling Point Not available. 
 Decomposition temperature: >140°C (284°F) 
 Melting Point 
 Critical Temperature Not available. 
 0.98 (Water = 1) 
 Specific Gravity 
 Vapor Pressure Not applicable. 
 Vapor Density Not available. 
 Volatility Not available. 
 Odor Threshold Not available. 
 Not available. 
 Water/Oil Dist. Coeff. 
 Ionicity (in Water) Not available. 
 See solubility in water, acetone. 
 Dispersion Properties 
 Solubility Easily soluble in cold water, hot water. 
 Soluble in acetone. 
 Very slightly soluble in diethyl ether. 
 Very soluble in alcohol. 
 Soluble in benzene. Solubility in Benzene: 1 g dissolves in 6 ml of benzene. 
 Solubility in Ether: 1 g dissolves in 100 ml of Ether 
 Benzalkonium chloride 
 
  Section 10. Stability and Reactivity Data  
 The product is stable. 
 Stability 
 Instability Temperature Not available. 
 Excess heat, dust generation, moisture, incompatible materials. 
 Conditions of Instability 
 Incompatibility with various Reactive with oxidizing agents. 
 substances 
 Non-corrosive in presence of glass. 
 Corrosivity 
 Special Remarks on Hygroscopic. Also incompatible with nitrates, anion detergents 
 Reactivity 
 Special Remarks on Not available. 
 Corrosivity 
 Will not occur. 
 Polymerization 
 
  Section 11. Toxicological Information  
 Routes of Entry Inhalation. Ingestion. 
 Toxicity to Animals Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 240 mg/kg [Rat]. 
 Chronic Effects on Humans May cause damage to the following organs: kidneys, liver, heart, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular 
 system, central nervous system (CNS). 
 Other Toxic Effects on Very hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, . 
 Humans Hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive), of eye contact (corrosive), of inhalation (lung corrosive). 
 Special Remarks on Not available. 
 Toxicity to Animals 
 Special Remarks on May affect genetic material (mutagenic). 
 Chronic Effects on Humans May cause adverse reproductive effects based on animal test data. Benzalkonium Chloride is an active 
 ingredient in vaginal spermacides. When applied in the vagina of pregnant rats at much higher doses than 
 those used in spermacides, it caused increased resorptions leading to fetal death, and reduced litter size 
 and weight. No adverse reproductive effects have been reported after oral treatment of rats and guinea pigs 
 and dermal administration to rats. 
 Special Remarks on other Acute Potential Health Effects: 
 Toxic Effects on Humans Skin: Causes severe skin irritation and burns. 
 Eyes: Causes sever eye irritation and burns. 
 Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. May cause severe and permanent damage to the digestive tract. Causes 
 gastrointestinal (digestive) tract burns. May affect behavior (central nervous system depression, 
 depression) and metabolism. May produce burning pains in the mouth, throat, and abdomen, profuse 
 salivation, muscle weakness. May also affect the respiratory system and cardiovascular system, liver and 
 kidneys. 
 Inhalation: May cause severe irritation of the respiratory tract with sore throat, coughing, shortness of 
 breath, and delayed lung edema. Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract. Causes irritation of the 
 mucous membranes. 
 Chronic Potential Health Effects: May affect material (mutagenic) and may cause adverse reproductive 
 effects. 
 Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. 
 Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. May cause cyanosis 
 of the skin and lips caused by lack of oxygen. 
 
  Section 12. Ecological Information  
 Not available. 
 Ecotoxicity 
 Not available. 
 BOD5 and COD 
 Products of Biodegradation Possibly hazardous short term degradation products are not likely. However, long term degradation 
 products may arise. 
 Toxicity of the Products Not available. 
 of Biodegradation 
 Benzalkonium chloride 
 Special Remarks on the Not available. 
 Products of Biodegradation 
 
  Section 13. Disposal Considerations  
 Waste Disposal Waste must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local environmental 
 control regulations. 
 
  Section 14. Transport Information  
 DOT Classification Class 8: Corrosive material 
 CLASS 6.1: Poisonous material. 
 UNNA: 2923 : Corrosive solid, toxic, n.o.s. (Benzalkonium Chloride) PG: II 
 Identification 
 Special Provisions for Not available. 
 Transport 
 DOT (Pictograms) 
 
  Section 15. Other Regulatory Information and Pictograms  
 Federal and State No products were found. 
 Regulations 
 California prop. 65: This product contains the following ingredients for which the State of California has 
 California 
 Proposition 65 found to cause cancer which would require a warning under the statute: No products were found. 
 Warnings 
 California prop. 65: This product contains the following ingredients for which the State of California has 
 found to cause birth defects which would require a warning under the statute: No products were found. 
 Other Regulations OSHA: Hazardous by definition of Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). 
 Canada: Listed on Canadian Domestic Substance List (DSL). 
 China: Listed on National Inventory. 
 Japan: Listed on National Inventory (ENCS). 
 Korea: Listed on Natioinal Inventory (KECI). 
 Philippines: Listed on National Inventory (PICCS). 
 Australia: Listed on AICS. 
 WHMIS (Canada) CLASS D-1B: Material causing immediate and serious toxic effects (TOXIC). 
 Other Classifications 
 CLASS E: Corrosive solid. 
 DSCL (EEC) R21/22- Harmful in contact with skin S26- In case of contact with eyes, rinse 
 and if swallowed. immediately with plenty of water and seek 
 R34- Causes burns. medical advice. 
 R50- Very toxic to aquatic S28- After contact with skin, wash 
 organisms. immediately with plenty of water. 
 S36/37/39- Wear suitable protective clothing, 
 gloves and eye/face protection. 
 S45- In case of accident or if you feel unwell, 
 seek medical advice immediately (show the 
 label where possible). 
 S61- Avoid release to the environment. 
 Refer to special instructions/Safety data 
 sheets. 
 Health Hazard 
 HMIS (U.S.A.) 3 National Fire Protection 
 1 Flammability 
 1 Association (U.S.A.) 
 Fire Hazard 
 3 0 Reactivity 
 Health 
 Reactivity 
 0 
 Specific hazard 
 Personal Protection 
 j 
 Benzalkonium chloride 
 WHMIS (Canada) 
 (Pictograms) 
 DSCL (Europe) 
 (Pictograms) 
 TDG (Canada) 
 (Pictograms) 
 ADR (Europe) 
 (Pictograms) 
 Protective Equipment 
 Gloves. 
 Synthetic apron. 
 Vapor and dust respirator. Be sure to 
 use an approved/certified respirator or 
 equivalent. Wear appropriate respirator 
 when ventilation is inadequate. 
 
 
  SECTION 16 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  
 N/A