Material Safety Data Sheet: Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solution

Identification

Product Name: Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solution
Common Synonyms: 1,1'-Hexamethylenebis[5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguanide] digluconate
Product Use: Antiseptic, disinfectant in healthcare settings, commonly used for skin disinfection and hand hygiene
Manufacturer: [Insert Manufacturer Name]
Emergency Contact Number: [Insert Emergency Number]
CAS Number: 18472-51-0
UN Number: 1903
Recommended Restrictions: Restricted to professional use; avoid use on large open wounds or in prolonged contact with mucous membranes

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2), Skin irritation (Category 2), Aquatic acute toxicity (Category 1), Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure (Category 3)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and serious eye irritation. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. May cause respiratory irritation.
Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation mark), GHS09 (Environment)
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing mist, avoid release to the environment, wear protective gloves and eye protection, wash hands thoroughly after handling.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chlorhexidine Gluconate: 2% w/v (typical concentration in clinical solutions; may vary)
Other Ingredients: Purified Water (q.s.), Surfactants, Acetate buffer or gluconate buffer, Fragrance (in some formulations), Coloring agents (optional)
Impurities: Not specifically identified in standard preparations; typically low if good manufacturing practice is followed
Hazardous Components: Chlorhexidine gluconate as the principal hazardous chemical
Stabilizers/Preservatives: Sometimes includes ethanol or isopropanol (in some formulations as an added antimicrobial agent)

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, seek immediate medical advice.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area with plenty of water, consult physician if irritation persists.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep warm and at rest, give oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek medical attention if symptoms continue.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth cautiously, seek immediate medical attention, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Eye and skin irritation, possible respiratory tract irritation, gastrointestinal discomfort if swallowed.
Medical Attention and Special Treatment: Symptomatic treatment, supportive care as required based on exposure route and clinical effects.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry powder, foam or carbon dioxide; avoid direct streams of water which may spread spilled material.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use high-pressure water jet on the chemical.
Special Hazards Arising from Chemical: Hazardous decomposition may release toxic fumes such as hydrogen chloride, carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides.
Firefighting Instructions: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Explosion Data: Non-flammable, but heat exposure may cause pressure increase in sealed containers.
Fire Residues: Collect firefighting water separately to avoid environmental contamination.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing, and respiratory protection for large spills.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, surface and ground water; toxic to aquatic organisms.
Spill Containment: Dike and contain spilled material with inert absorbent (sand, earth); use non-sparking tools.
Cleanup Procedures: Absorb with suitable material, place in chemical waste container, ventilate area, wash spill site after material pickup.
Disposal: Treat collected waste as hazardous; see disposal considerations section.

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Handle with care, avoid contact with skin and eyes, do not inhale vapors or mist, use in well-ventilated area, do not eat, drink or smoke during use.
Storage Conditions: Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and incompatible chemicals; keep containers tightly closed when not in use.
Storage Incompatibilities: Avoid storing with oxidizers, anionic detergents, strong acids, and strong bases.
Container Recommendations: Store in original, clearly labeled containers that are corrosion-resistant and secure.
Other Precautions: Ensure emergency eyewash stations and showers are accessible in storage and use areas.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: None established specifically for chlorhexidine gluconate; good industrial hygiene practice suggests minimizing exposure.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation recommended for routine handling, general dilution ventilation in storage areas.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles for eye protection, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or latex), lab coat or apron, suitable respiratory protection for mist or aerosol exposure.
Hygienic Practices: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Environmental Controls: Minimize release to the environment, use containment to prevent spills.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear or pale-straw liquid, may have faint medicinal odor
Odor Threshold: Mild, not strongly defined
pH: Typically between 5.0 and 7.0 (dependent on formulation)
Melting/Freezing Point: Not applicable (aqueous solution)
Boiling Point/Range: Approximately 100°C (water based)
Flash Point: Non-flammable aqueous solution
Evaporation Rate: Comparable to water
Flammability: Not classified as flammable
Vapor Pressure: Not significant at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not significant
Specific Gravity: Around 1.04 @ 20°C
Solubility in Water: Miscible
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Data not available
Viscosity: Depends on formulation; generally low viscosity
Other Properties: Stable color and odor under recommended storage.

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Not highly reactive under normal conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Can react with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and anionic compounds leading to loss of antimicrobial activity
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, direct sunlight, incompatible materials
Hazardous Decomposition Products: May produce toxic fumes like hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides upon heating
Incompatible Materials: Oxidizers, anionics, hypochlorites, soaps.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low oral and dermal toxicity at clinical concentrations; ingestion of large amounts may cause gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Irritant with repeated or prolonged exposure
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes significant irritation or possible injury
Respiratory Sensitization: Vapors and aerosols may cause irritation of the respiratory tract
Skin Sensitization: Occasional reports of allergic reactions or dermatitis on repeated exposure
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: Not expected under normal use
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA; no known cancer risk associated with normal use
Reproductive Toxicity: No reproductive risk established from clinical or occupational exposure
Repeated Dose Toxicity: No evidence of systemic toxicity at typical exposure levels
Target Organs: Skin, eye, possibly respiratory tract.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates and fish; even small spills threaten ecosystems
Persistence and Degradability: Degrades slowly in aquatic environment; can persist for weeks
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low bioaccumulation expected
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility; binds to soil particles and organic matter
Other Adverse Effects: Inhibits microbial activity in sewage treatment at high concentrations; disposal requires care to protect watercourses and aquatic environments.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Collect and dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; incineration in approved facility often preferred
Container Disposal: Triple rinse containers before recycling where permitted; puncture and dispose of in hazardous waste landfill
Avoid Discharge: Do not allow material to reach natural waters, sewage, or soil directly; minimize dilution and direct release
Special Precautions: Mentioned in local and national regulations due to aquatic toxicity; professional waste management required for large quantities.

Transport Information

UN Number: 1903 (Disinfectant, liquid, corrosive, n.o.s., contains chlorhexidine gluconate)
Proper Shipping Name: Disinfectant, liquid, corrosive, n.o.s.
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)
Packing Group: III
Label(s) Required: Corrosive (for transport, based on concentration and risk assessment)
Special Precautions During Transport: Secure containers to prevent tipping and leaks; keep away from food and feedstuffs
Environmental Hazards: Classified as hazardous to the aquatic environment; prevent leaks during transit

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not specifically regulated; subject to general workplace safety and hazard communication rules
TSCA: Listed on the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
REACH: Not specifically restricted; must comply with general biocidal product regulations (EU)
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as hazardous; subject to workplace labeling and MSDS regulations
Other Regulations: Use and disposal regulated under EPA/FDA/EFSA rules depending on jurisdiction; aquatic toxicity calls for strict waste management
Labeling: Must include hazard pictograms, signal word, hazard and precautionary statements as per GHS requirements
Restrictions: Professional users only in many regions; certain uses (oral products, surgical irrigation) have additional approvals and guidance