Product Name: Chlorhexidine Gluconate BP
Chemical Name: 1,1'-Hexamethylenebis[5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguanide] digluconate
Synonyms: Hibitane Gluconate, Nolvasan
CAS Number: 18472-51-0
Recommended Use: Antiseptic, disinfectant in medical, dental, and personal care applications
Supplier Details: Manufacturer and supplier information relevant to the workplace, including address and emergency contact number
Classification: Eye irritant, skin sensitizer, aquatic acute toxicity
Eye Contact: Severe irritation, possible damage
Skin Contact: May cause irritation and allergic reactions with prolonged exposure
Inhalation: Possible respiratory tract irritation
Ingestion: Harmful; may cause systemic toxicity
GHS Label Elements: Exclamation mark, environment hazard pictogram
Hazard Statements: H315 - Causes skin irritation; H319 - Causes serious eye irritation; H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection, avoid release to the environment, wash thoroughly after handling
Chlorhexidine Gluconate: Concentration 19–21% in aqueous solution
Water: Typically the solvent making up the balance
Impurities: Less than 0.1% each, trace levels
Other Ingredients: No other key hazardous components present above threshold limits
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, keep comfortable for breathing, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, get medical advice/attention
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, take off contaminated clothing, seek medical help if irritation occurs
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention if unwell
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water stream may spread fire
Hazards from Combustion: Toxic gases such as hydrochloric acid, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides can form
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Firefighting Instructions: Move containers from fire area if safe to do so, keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources
Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves, eye/face protection, avoid breathing vapors/mist, ensure proper ventilation
Spill Cleanup: Absorb spill with inert material (sand, earth), collect in containers for disposal, clean area with water
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains, watercourses, or soil
Methods for Containment: Stop leak if safe, use absorbent to contain, dispose of contaminated material as hazardous waste
Safe Handling: Handle in well-ventilated areas, avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing, use proper protective equipment, do not mix with other chemicals
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed original containers, keep in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from heat and incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers
Special Storage Considerations: Avoid freezing or excessive heat, label containers clearly, restrict access to authorized personnel
Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits established for chlorhexidine gluconate
Engineering Controls: Work in ventilated areas, use fume hoods or extraction systems
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, lab coat or apron, use respiratory protection if potential for inhalation exists
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic
pH: 5.0–7.0 (20% solution)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Not applicable to solution; base compound melts at 132–136°C
Boiling Point: About 100°C
Solubility: Miscible in water
Vapor Pressure: Not significant at room temperature
Flash Point: Not flammable in aqueous solution
Density: 1.1–1.2 g/cm³
Viscosity: Slightly viscous
Partition Coefficient: log Pow = –2.1 (low potential for bioaccumulation)
Chemical Stability: Stable in normal conditions and recommended storage
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, direct sunlight, freezing, pH extremes
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, anionic surfactants, soaps, hypochlorites
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides
Polymerization: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 2000 mg/kg
Skin Contact: Repeated exposure may cause dermatitis and sensitization
Eye Contact: Risk of severe irritation, damage possible
Inhalation: May irritate mucosa, respiratory system
Ingestion: Nausea, vomiting, risk of systemic effects at high doses
Chronic Effects: Sensitization, allergic contact dermatitis
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, OSHA, NTP; no strong evidence of mutagenicity or teratogenicity
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms – LC50 (Fish, 96h): 0.19 mg/L (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Persistence: Not readily biodegradable, persists in surface and wastewater
Bioaccumulation: Low potential due to low log Pow
Soil Mobility: Moderately mobile, can leach to groundwater under certain conditions
Other Effects: Harmful impact on bacteria and invertebrates in sewage treatment
Avoid Release: Strong advice against discharge to the environment, reach waste water treatment before disposal
Disposal Methods: Dispose as hazardous waste according to local, regional, national regulations
Container Disposal: Rinse empty containers with water before disposal, do not reuse
Environmental Precautions: Prevent uncontrolled release to soils, surface waters, or drains; consult with licensed chemical waste contractor
Special Guidelines: Incineration in approved facility or landfilling as hazardous waste according to environmental guidelines
UN Number: 1903 (Disinfectant, liquid, corrosive, n.o.s.)
Class: 8, Corrosive substances
Packing Group: III
Label: Corrosive
Shipping Name: Disinfectant, liquid, corrosive, n.o.s. (contains Chlorhexidine Gluconate)
Special Transport Precautions: Package securely, do not transport with food or animal feed, keep upright during transit
Environmental Risks: Marine pollutant, avoid spillage
Workplace Safety: Subject to Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) in the UK and OSHA standards in the US
Chemical Inventories: Listed on EINECS, TSCA, AICS, DSL
Restrictions: Use according to national regulations for medical and biocidal applications
Labelling: GHS-compliant hazard and safety labelling required
Other Regulations: Covered by environmental protection guidance concerning discharge and waste management
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