Material Safety Data Sheet: Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Identification

Product Name: Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solution
Chemical Name: 1,1'-Hexamethylene bis [5-(p-chlorophenyl) biguanide] digluconate
CAS Number: 18472-51-0
Synonyms: Hibiclens, CHG, Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Recommended Use: Antiseptic agent for skin, wound, surgical scrub, and oral rinse
Manufacturer: Refer to container labeling
Emergency Contact: Local poison control center or emergency medical services

Hazard Identification

Classification: Eye and skin irritant, hazardous to aquatic life
GHS Label Elements: Corrosive, exclamation mark for irritation, environmental hazard symbol
Potential Health Effects: Irritates eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; ingestion causes nausea and gastrointestinal upset; inhalation causes cough and sore throat; accidental exposure causes chemical burns
Target Organs: Skin, eyes, respiratory system
Environmental hazards: Toxic to aquatic organisms, causes long-term effects in aquatic environments
Signal Word: Warning

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Active Ingredient: Chlorhexidine Gluconate, content varies from 0.12% to 4% w/v by application
Chemical Formula: C22H30Cl2N10·2C6H12O7
Impurities: Water, small amounts of acetic acid or alcohol as stabilizer depending on formulation
Other Ingredients: Inert solutions containing buffers and solvents for stability and shelf-life

First Aid Measures

Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with copious water for several minutes, seek medical attention if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently but thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids open, consult ophthalmologist
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, assist breathing if required, seek medical advice in case of breathing difficulty
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek prompt medical attention, provide information on amount ingested and product concentration
Other Notes: Always show MSDS or product labeling to medical personnel

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide (CO2)
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid high-pressure water jets
Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-resistant gloves
Fire/explosion Hazards: Containers exposed to fire cool with water; sealed containers might rupture from heat build-up

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use eye protection, gloves, avoid direct contact, ventilate the area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers or waterways, alert authorities if significant release threatens water courses
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material (sand, vermiculite), collect for proper disposal, clean contaminated surfaces with water and detergent, avoid splashing
Decontamination: Wash area with copious water after material removal

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only with proper ventilation, avoid direct contact with skin and eyes, ensure containers are properly labeled and closed
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, avoid exposure to direct sunlight and elevated temperatures, keep away from acids and incompatible chemicals
Incompatibilities: Do not mix with soaps, anionic detergents, or oxidizing agents
Special Precautions: Ensure containers are tightly sealed after use, keep out of reach of children, only trained personnel should handle bulk quantities

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Not established for Chlorhexidine Gluconate by OSHA or ACGIH, monitor workplace for general vapor or mist levels
Engineering Controls: Provide local venting or general ventilation in areas where product is handled in bulk
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles or full-face shield, protective lab coat or apron
Respiratory Protection: Use certified respirator if ventilation is inadequate
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using, wash hands thoroughly after handling, discard contaminated clothing appropriately

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear or slightly yellowish liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic
pH: Between 5.0 and 7.0 depending on concentration
Melting Point/Freezing Point: N/A for aqueous solutions
Boiling Point: 100°C (water-based solutions)
Solubility: Fully miscible with water
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Specific Gravity: 1.06–1.14 for concentrated solutions
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined for mixture
Flashpoint: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Similar to water

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, sensitive to strong acids and oxidizers
Reactivity: Reacts with soaps, anionic surfactants, hypochlorite-based products, strong oxidizers
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, direct sunlight, freezing
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, anionic detergents, oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride gas, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide at high temperatures

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 (Oral, rat): Approx. 1800 mg/kg for Chlorhexidine digluconate
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated skin contact can cause dermatitis; inhalation of mists causes respiratory irritation
Routes of Exposure: Skin, eye, ingestion, inhalation
Symptoms: Stinging, burning, itching, redness with contact; nausea, vomiting if swallowed
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Other Data: Sensitivity reactions, rare reports of anaphylaxis from medical exposure

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Very toxic to aquatic invertebrates and algae, may have long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments
Persistence and Degradability: Low biodegradability, persists in watercourses and soil
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low tendency to bioaccumulate, main risk from continuous release to external waters
Mobility in Soil: High mobility, can leach into water tables if spilled in large quantity
Other Harmful Effects: Releases into drainage systems or surface water can threaten fish and aquatic plants

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, national, or international regulations, never pour into drains, watercourses, or natural environment
Contaminated Packaging Disposal: Triple rinse, then dispose as hazardous waste, in compliance with jurisdictional requirements
Methods of Disposal: Incineration preferred method for concentrated bulk; small volumes dilute with water followed by chemical treatment as per waste guidelines
Precautions: Consult waste authority before dumping; avoid direct handling of concentrated solutions by untrained staff

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for most standard formulations, check local regulations for higher concentrations
Proper Shipping Name: Chlorhexidine solution
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous under ADR, IMDG, or IATA for consumer-strength products
Packing Group: None for diluted strengths
Special Precautions: Avoid transport with incompatible chemicals, always secure containers to prevent leaks or spills in transit

Regulatory Information

US EPA: Listed; must comply with FIFRA labeling for antimicrobial products
OSHA: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard for medical use; may require specific training in workplace settings
EU Regulations: Classified for environmental and health hazards under CLP Regulation
Other Standards: Meets FDA and EMA guidelines for topical antiseptics when used as directed; check local legislation for workplace safety requirements, environmental limitations, and product registration