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Paraquat (Paraquat dichloride)																				Related Pages
Synonyms & Trade Names
			1,1'-Dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride, N,N'-Dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride, Paraquat chloride, Paraquat dichloride
					[Note: Paraquat is a cation (C12H14N2++; 1,1-Dimethyl-4,4-bipyridinium ion); the commercial product is the dichloride salt of paraquat.]
CAS No.
			1910-42-5
	RTECS No.
			DW2275000
	DOT ID & Guide

FormulaCH3(C5H4N)2CH3 • 2Cl
	Conversion
	IDLH
			1 mg/m3See: 1910425

Exposure Limits
			NIOSH RELTWA 0.1 mg/m3 (resp) [skin]
					OSHA PEL TWA 0.5 mg/m3 (resp) [skin] See Appendix G
	Measurement Methods
			**NIOSH** 5003
					
					See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
										
Physical Description
			Yellow solid with a faint, ammonia-like odor. [herbicide]
					[Note: Paraquat may also be found commercially as a methyl sulfate salt C12H14N2  2CH3SO4.]													
										
Molecular Weight257.2	
	Boiling PointDecomposes
	Melting Point572°F (Decomposes)
	SolubilityMiscible
	Vapor Pressure<0.0000001 mmHg
	Ionization Potential?											
Specific Gravity1.24	
	Flash PointNA
	Upper Explosive LimitNA
	Lower Explosive LimitNA
Noncombustible Solid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
			Strong oxidizers, alkylaryl-sulfonate wetting agents
					[Note: Corrosive to metals. Decomposes in presence of ultraviolet light.]
Exposure Routes
			inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
			irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat, respiratory system; epistaxis (nosebleed); dermatitis; fingernail damage; irritation gastrointestinal tract; heart, liver, kidney damage
Target Organs
			Eyes, skin, respiratory system, heart, liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract
										
Personal Protection/Sanitation
			(See protection codes) **Skin:**Prevent skin contact
							**Eyes:**Prevent eye contact
							**Wash skin:**When contaminated
							**Remove:**When wet or contaminated
							**Change:**No recommendation
							**Provide:**Quick drench
	First Aid
			(See procedures)**Eye:**Irrigate immediately
							**Skin:**Water flush immediately
							**Breathing:**Respiratory support
							**Swallow:**Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
			**NIOSH****Up to 1 mg/m3**: (APF = 10) Any air-purifying half-mask respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an N95, R95, or P95 filter. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.*(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with an organic vapor cartridge in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter.*(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece**Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:** (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus**Escape:** (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
				Important additional information about respirator selection
See also
			INTRODUCTION
					  ICSC CARD: 0005

			
							

			Page last reviewed:  October 30, 2019						Content
							source: 	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Introduction
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Appendices
A – NIOSH Potential Occupational Carcinogens
B – Thirteen OSHA-Regulated Carcinogens
C – Supplementary Exposure Limits
D – Substances with No Established RELs
E – OSHA Respirator Requirements for Selected Chemicals
F – Miscellaneous Notes
G – 1989 Air Contaminants Update Project: Exposure Limits NOT in Effect
Type C & CE – Definitions for Type C and Type CE Respirators
Personal Protection and Sanitation Codes
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