International Chemical Safety Cards
I
M
P
O
R
T
A
N
T
D
A
T
A
|
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS, HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALS.
WATER SOLUTION OF PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE IS DARK RED.
PHYSICAL DANGERS:
CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes
on heating above 300°C and
under influence of UV light
producing toxic and corrosive fumes including nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride.
Reacts with strong oxidants.
Reacts with bases (hydrolysis).
Unformulated products are corrosive to common metals.
Inactivated by inert clays and by anionic surfactants.
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: ppm; 0.1 (respirable fraction), 0.5 (total dust) mg/m3 (ACGIH 1991-1992).
MAK: 0.1 ppm; mg/m3; (1992).
OSHA PEL: TWA 0.5 mg/m3 (resp) skin
NIOSH REL: TWA 0.1 mg/m3 (resp) skin
NIOSH IDLH: 1 mg/m3
|
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body
by inhalation of its aerosol,
through the skin and
by ingestion.
INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly on spraying and when dispersed.
EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance
irritates
the eyes,
the skin and
the respiratory tract.
Inhalation of this substance may cause lung oedema (see Notes).
Ingestion can also cause lung hemorrhage and fibrosis.
The substance may cause effects on the lungs, kidneys, liver, cardio vascular system and gastro intestinal tract
, resulting in impaired functions, tissue lesions.
Exposure to high concentrations may result in death.
The effects may be delayed.
Medical observation is indicated.
EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis, abnormalities and loss of fingernails.
Lungs may be affected by repeated or prolonged exposure to the aerosol.
|
|
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
|
Melting point (decomposes): 300°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.25
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 70
|
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: <10
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 6.4-8.9
|
|
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
|
|
|
N O T E S
|
|
Paraquat is an ion, (CH3(C5H4N)2CH3)++, CAS No. 4685-14-7. A dimethyl sulfate salt, a yellow solid, CAS No. 2074-51-2, has also been commercialized.
Surfactants present in preparation may increase eye damage in humans.
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated.
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.
The symptoms of lung fibrosis do not become manifest until several days.
Do NOT take working clothes home.
Gramoxone, Dextrone X, Esgram; and for various mixtures: Cleansweep, Weedol, Dexuron, TotaCol, Gramuron, Para-Col, Pathclear, Gramonol are trade names.
|
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
ICSC: 0005
|
PARAQUAT
|
|
© IPCS, CEC, 1993
|
|
|