Product Name: Benzalkonium Bromide
Recommended Use: Disinfectant, antimicrobial agent in healthcare, household, and industrial settings
Chemical Formula: CnHnBrN, mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium bromide compounds
Synonyms: Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium bromide, BZB
CAS Number: 7281-04-1
Manufacturer: Refer to label or supplier documentation
Emergency Contact: Local poison control or emergency medical provider
Hazard Class: Acute Toxicity, Skin Corrosion, Eye Damage, Environmental Hazard
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, toxic if swallowed, very toxic to aquatic life, may cause allergic skin reaction
Pictograms: Corrosive, health hazard, environment
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or mist, wear gloves/protective clothing/eye protection, wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat or drink during use, keep off skin and clothing
Chemical Name: Benzalkonium Bromide
Concentration: 98-100% (industrial grade)
Impurities: Minor proportions of homologues or related quaternary compounds
Additives: None unless specified by the supplier for formulated mixtures
Other Identifiers: May be found blended with solvents in consumer products
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek medical attention quickly
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, contact physician for persistent irritation or burns
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open, do not rub, seek immediate ophthalmologic care
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, do not give anything by mouth to unconscious person, call toxicology specialist or emergency medical services
Note to Physician: Treat symptoms, provide supportive care in case of caustic ingestion or chemical burns
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Straight water streams can spread corrosive powders
Hazardous Combustion Products: Releases toxic fumes such as hydrogen bromide, benzene derivatives, and nitrogen oxides
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus, avoid inhaling combustion fumes
Fire-Fighting Instructions: Move containers from fire area, contain runoff from fire control water to prevent environmental contamination
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical splash goggles, gloves, impervious clothing, and respiratory protection if dust or aerosols are present
Environmental Precautions: Prevent released material from entering sewers, surface or groundwater
Spill Response: Sweep up powder carefully, avoid generating dust, collect in dry, suitable container for disposal according to regulations
Clean-Up Procedures: Wash contaminated area thoroughly with water and detergent after removal of main material
Reporting: Notify local environmental agency as required if large spills may affect the environment
Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, keep containers tightly closed, avoid generating aerosols
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from incompatible substances like strong oxidizers, acids, and reducing agents, label containers properly
Storage Conditions: Do not expose to direct sunlight or heat, segregate from foodstuffs
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face after handling, do not eat or drink in the work area
Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits established, minimize exposure to dusts/aerosols
Engineering Controls: Mechanical ventilation, local exhaust at point of use, eye wash stations, safety showers
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene recommended), safety goggles, impervious clothing, suitable respirators for bulk handling or poor ventilation
Environmental Controls: Avoid draining into water courses, use closed systems for mixing or transferring
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Mild aromatic or ammoniacal
pH (1% solution): Typically between 6 and 8
Solubility: Freely soluble in water and alcohol
Melting Point: Ranges from 148°C to 161°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Flash Point: Not readily flammable
Relative Density: Approximately 1.04-1.06 (water = 1.0)
Partition Coefficient: Not readily available, varies by homolog
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, excessive heat, direct sunlight, sources of ignition
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, anionic surfactants, reducing materials
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Bromine compounds, benzyl derivatives, nitrogen oxides on combustion or decomposition
Reactivity: Reacts with anionic compounds, unstable in strong acids
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats ranges from 300 to 1,200 mg/kg depending on the alkyl chain length
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes severe skin burns, may result in blisters or ulcers
Eye Damage/Irritation: Strong risk for irreversible damage and blindness
Respiratory Effects: Can cause coughing, shortness of breath, severe irritation of airways
Chronic Effects: Potential for allergic skin reactions, possible cumulative toxicity
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by regulatory authorities
Mutagenicity or Reproductive Effects: No clear evidence in available studies
Ecotoxicity: Very toxic to aquatic life, LC50 for fish and aquatic invertebrates below 1 mg/L in many cases
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under certain conditions, but breakdown may require specialized treatment; possible slow degradation in cold or anaerobic environments
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to bioaccumulate due to high water solubility, may adsorb to sediments
Mobility in Soil: Mobile in aquatic systems, but can bind to organic matter
Impact: Discharges to environment must be prevented to avoid harm to water life
Waste Treatment: Collect and contain material for proper hazardous waste disposal
Disposal Method: Submit to licensed chemical waste processor; do not release into drains, surface waters, or the environment
Packaging: Contaminated packaging should be disposed of following hazardous waste regulations, thoroughly clean containers before recycling, if allowed
Regulatory Disposal: All disposal practices should comply with local, regional, and national regulations for hazardous chemicals
UN Number: 2922
UN Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive liquid, toxic, n.o.s. (Benzalkonium Bromide)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive), 6.1 (Toxic)
Packing Group: II
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant, harmful to aquatic environments
Special Precautions: Avoid release during transit, ensure containers are sealed and secure, follow emergency response protocols in case of leaks or spills
Chemical Inventory: Listed on TSCA (United States), EINECS (Europe), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan)
Hazard Communication: Subject to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), European CLP 1272/2008
Labeling Requirements: GHS-compliant label required, including hazard pictograms and precautionary wording
Restrictions: Use restricted or regulated in some jurisdictions for direct food contact or consumer antiseptics
Other Regulations: Subject to REACH registration in the European Union, subject to pesticide regulations where used as biocide or antimicrobial
