Product Name: Chlorhexidine Gluconate Concentrate, USP grade
Chemical Formula: C22H30Cl2N10•2C6H12O7
Synonyms: Hibiclens, Peridex, CHG Solution
CAS Number: 18472-51-0
Intended Use: Antiseptic, pharmaceutical ingredient, disinfectant
Manufacturer Information: Provided by pharmaceutical suppliers; reference manufacturer’s address and emergency number listed on packaging
Relevant Identified Uses: Skin disinfection, surgical scrub, wound cleaning, dental rinse
GHS Classification: Skin corrosion (Category 1B), Serious eye damage (Category 1), Acute aquatic toxicity (Category 1)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; Very toxic to aquatic life
Pictograms: Corrosive, Aquatic toxicity
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, face protection; Wash thoroughly after handling; Avoid release into the environment
Symptoms of Exposure: Redness, blistering, irritation of skin and eyes, possible allergic reactions, respiratory discomfort on inhalation of mist
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Chemical Name: Chlorhexidine gluconate
Concentration: Typically supplied as a 20% solution; diluted forms common (4%, 2%)
Other Ingredients: Water, potential additives or solvents (polyethylene glycol, glycerin), may include ethanol in some formulations
Impurities/Additives: Not present above reporting limits in pharmaceutical grade material
CAS Number: 18472-51-0 for active component
General Advice: Remove contaminated clothing immediately; seek medical attention promptly
Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air; provide artificial respiration or oxygen if breathing is difficult; consult physician
Skin Contact: Rinse skin with large amount of water for at least 15 minutes; remove contaminated clothing and shoes; seek medical advice
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing; immediate medical attention required
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth with water; never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person; immediate medical advice necessary
Note to Medical Personnel: Treat as corrosive chemical exposure
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid using a direct water jet to prevent chemical spread
Specific Hazards: Intense heat may release toxic fumes including hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing
Special Firefighting Procedures: Approach from upwind, contain run-off with non-combustible barriers
Explosion Data: Not sensitive to mechanical impact or static discharge
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel; use PPE such as gloves, goggles, respirators
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering drains, watercourses, or soil; contain spillage with inert absorbent (sand, earth, vermiculite)
Clean-Up Procedures: Absorb with suitable material and place in containers for disposal; ventilate area; thoroughly decontaminate surfaces
Disposal: Dispose of in compliance with local and national regulations, refer to Section 13
Handling Recommendations: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; do not breathe vapors or spray; use in well-ventilated areas; wash hands after use
Storage Guidelines: Store in tightly closed original containers; keep in a cool, well-ventilated dry place away from incompatible substances, such as strong oxidizing agents; protect from direct sunlight and moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizers
Specific Design Considerations: Containers should be properly labeled and protected from physical damage
Control Parameters: No occupational exposure limits established by ACGIH or OSHA for this substance
Engineering Measures: Use mechanical exhaust or general ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment:
Appearance: Clear to slightly yellowish liquid solution
Odor: Mild, faintly medicinal
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: 5.0 - 7.0 at 20% solution
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Approximately 0°C (solution)
Initial Boiling Point and Boiling Range: Around 100°C (solution is water-based)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Similar to water
Flammability (solid, gas): Not applicable
Lower/Upper Flammability or Explosive Limits: Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not determined
Relative Density: 1.05 - 1.15 g/mL, depending on concentration
Solubility: Miscible with water
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not relevant for aqueous solution
Decomposition Temperature: Not determined
Viscosity: Comparable to water
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Reactivity: No dangerous reactivity under normal use
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and anionic compounds
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, direct sunlight, contact with incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Anionic surfactants, strong oxidizers, strong acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: May release hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides under combustion
Polymerization: Will not occur
Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 2000 mg/kg (approximate); LD50 (skin, rabbit): > 5000 mg/kg
Corrosivity/Irritant Effects: Severe burns to skin and eyes possible on contact
Respiratory Sensitization: Unlikely unless vapor or aerosol generated in poorly ventilated area
Skin Sensitization: Allergic contact dermatitis reported in some individuals
Chronic Toxicity: No established carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity in humans; prolonged or repeated exposure may promote skin or eye irritation
Symptoms: Burning, redness, possible ulceration, severe eye damage, gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Existing dermatological or respiratory disorders
Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms; LC50 (fish, 96h): 2.08 mg/L; EC50 (Daphnia, 48h): 0.087 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Not rapidly biodegradable; can persist in aquatic environments
Bioaccumulation: Low potential due to high water solubility
Mobility in Soil: Can leach through soil, influencing water sources
Other Adverse Effects: Chemical may disrupt aquatic microbial flora; avoid release into natural waters
Waste Treatment Methods: Chemical waste generators should consider all chemical as potentially hazardous; consult local, regional, and national regulations
Disposal of Product: Incinerate material in accordance with regulatory requirements; avoid discharge into sewage or the environment
Disposal of Contaminated Packaging: Contaminated containers are hazardous and should be disposed of as hazardous waste; rinse before recycling if permitted
Special Precautions: Do not reuse empty containers; label must indicate contents
UN Number: UN 1903
UN Proper Shipping Name: Disinfectant, liquid, corrosive, n.o.s. (contains Chlorhexidine Gluconate)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
Packing Group: II
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant where applicable
Special Transport Precautions: Avoid transport with food and animal feed; secure containers to prevent shifting or leaks
Regulatory Identification: Check local IMDG/IATA/ADR codes for region-specific requirements
EU Regulations: Classified under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) for corrosivity, aquatic toxicity;
US Federal Regulations: Not subject to SARA Title III reporting requirements; TSCA-listed; regulated under FDA for use in pharmaceutical manufacturing
Labeling Requirements: GHS compliant labeling for workplace; proper use instructions for consumer packaging
Occupational Safety: Employers must provide suitable training, PPE, and access to MSDS
Other Regulations: Adherence to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, Hazardous Substances Act, Biocidal Products Regulation where applicable