Product Name: Chlorhexidine Gluconate 20%
CAS Number: 18472-51-0
Recommended Use: Antiseptic, disinfectant
Manufacturer Contact: Emergency phone number, address, website, and email for direct communication
Synonyms: 1,6-di(4-chlorophenylbiguanido)hexane di-D-gluconate
Product Description: Clear to yellowish liquid, faint characteristic odor
UN Number: Not regulated for transport in diluted form
Classification: Eye damage/irritation (Category 1), Skin irritation (Category 2), Acute aquatic toxicity (Category 1)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye damage, causes skin irritation, toxic to aquatic life
Pictograms: Corrosive, Exclamation mark, Environment
Precautionary Statements: Wear eye protection, protective gloves; avoid release to the environment; wash exposed skin thoroughly after handling
Routes of Entry: Skin, eyes, ingestion, inhalation
Chemical Name: Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Concentration: 20% w/v
Other Ingredients: Water, pH adjusters (if present), additives as notified by supplier
Impurities: Not intentionally added, trace levels of byproducts and stabilizers may occur depending on batch
EC Number: 242-354-0
Molecular Formula: C22H30Cl2N10•2C6H12O7
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, continue rinsing, seek medical attention promptly
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with plenty of soap and water, call a doctor if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep at rest in a comfortable position, consult a physician if symptoms develop
Most Important Symptoms: Severe eye damage, skin irritation, respiratory discomfort if inhaled, potential allergic reactions
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jets aimed at full strength concentrate
Specific Hazards: Product is not highly flammable, combustion may produce toxic fumes including hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, and carbon oxides
Protective Equipment: Wear full protective gear and positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus
Explosion Risk: Not classified as explosive, but containers may rupture in heat
Firefighting Instructions: Move containers from fire area if safe, cool containers with water spray to prevent pressure build-up
Personal Precautions: Ensure adequate ventilation, use personal protective equipment, avoid contact with skin and eyes
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways, soil, and drains due to aquatic toxicity
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spill with inert material like sand, collect in compatible container for disposal, wash contaminated area with copious water
Disposal Guidance: Dispose of absorbed materials in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Decontamination: Avoid generating aerosols, ventilate area after cleanup
Handling: Wear appropriate PPE, avoid splashing, do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling, ensure good ventilation
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed original containers, away from incompatible substances such as oxidizers, strong acids or alkalis
Storage Temperature: Recommended between 2°C and 25°C, protected from direct sunlight and heat sources
Separation: Store away from food, beverages, and animal feed to prevent contamination
Storage Materials: Use materials compatible with strong bases and dilute organic compounds
Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits set for chlorhexidine gluconate 20%, minimize airborne exposure regardless
Engineering Controls: Use in well-ventilated areas, apply local exhaust ventilation if splashing or aerosols may occur
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical safety goggles, face shield for bulk handling, nitrile or rubber gloves, lab coat or apron
Respiratory Protection: Required if aerosolized in high concentrations, use NIOSH-approved respirator
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not touch face during use, keep contaminated clothing separate until cleaned
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic
pH: 5.0–8.0 in solution
Boiling Point: Approximately 100°C (water component)
Melting Point: Not determined for solution
Solubility in Water: Fully soluble
Specific Gravity: 1.05–1.10 at 20°C
Vapor Pressure: Not significant at room temperature
Flash Point: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Comparable to water
Viscosity: Similar to water-based liquids
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Data not available for solution
Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions
Chemical Stability: Will not decompose below 50°C under recommended storage
Hazardous Reactions: Strong oxidizers, acids, or alkalis may produce hazardous decomposition
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides in fire
Polymerization: Will not occur under standard storage
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral/rat) ~1800 mg/kg for pure chlorhexidine gluconate
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes skin irritation with prolonged or repeated contact
Serious Eye Damage: Risk of severe, irreversible eye injury
Respiratory Sensitization: Not a known sensitizer by inhalation, harmful if large aerosols are inhaled
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No reliable data showing mutagenic impact in humans
Reproductive Toxicity: No adverse reproductive effects reported at typical exposure
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure may cause dermatitis, eye injury
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, low L(E)C50 values in both fish and invertebrates
Persistence and Degradability: Partially biodegradable, but persistent toxic risks for aquatic species
Bioaccumulative Potential: Moderate bioaccumulation reported in sediment-dwelling creatures
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility, risk of contaminating groundwater or surface water if released
Other Effects: Product can disrupt wastewater treatment if released in large quantities; avoid uncaptured discharge
Waste Disposal: Dispose of as hazardous chemical waste, comply with federal, state, and local regulations
Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly before recycling or incineration, avoid reuse for food or drink
Recommended Treatment: Incineration under controlled conditions, or chemical degradation in approved facilities
Do Not: Pour large quantities into drains or sewer systems; highly detrimental to aquatic life
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport at preparations below threshold concentrations; pure compound: consult regulatory tables
Proper Shipping Name: Disinfectant, liquid, corrosive, n.o.s. (if above threshold for corrosivity)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (corrosive substances, if classified at higher concentrations)
Packing Group: III for corrosive preparations
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant in bulk
Special Precautions: Secure containers to prevent leaks; keep separated from incompatible substances in transport
OSHA: Not specifically listed, but applicable general industry standards for hazardous chemicals apply
SARA Title III: Not on Extremely Hazardous Substance list, but local spill reporting may apply
TSCA Status: All components listed
REACH Status (EU): Substance registered
Labeling Requirements: Comply with local, state, and national labeling rules for corrosive and aquatic toxicants
Other Regulations: EPA hazardous waste designation may apply if large quantities discarded undiluted