Material Safety Data Sheet
Hydroquinone

ACC# 11230
Section 1 - Chemical Product and Company Identification

MSDS Name: Hydroquinone
Catalog Numbers: AC120910000, AC120910020, AC120910050, AC120915000, AC219930000, AC219930050, AC219930500, S75134, S80041, H329-500, NC9327155
Synonyms: 1,4-Benzenediol; p-Dihydroxybenzene; Hydroquinol; Quinol; 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene; p-Hydroxyphenol; HQ.
Company Identification:
              Fisher Scientific
              1 Reagent Lane
              Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
For information, call: 201-796-7100
Emergency Number: 201-796-7100
For CHEMTREC assistance, call: 800-424-9300
For International CHEMTREC assistance, call: 703-527-3887

Section 2 - Composition, Information on Ingredients

CAS# Chemical Name Percent EINECS/ELINCS
123-31-9 Hydroquinone 99 204-617-8

Section 3 - Hazards Identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

Appearance: colorless, light tan, or light gray crystals.
Warning! Harmful if swallowed. May cause allergic skin reaction. Causes eye and skin irritation. May cause respiratory tract irritation. Air sensitive. May cause methemoglobinemia. This substance has caused adverse reproductive and fetal effects in animals. Light sensitive. May cause dermatitis.
Target Organs: Central nervous system, eyes, skin.


Potential Health Effects
Eye: May cause eye irritation. Repeated exposure may cause corneal abnormalities including structural changes and brownish discoloration which can lead to decreased visual acuity and blindness.
Skin: Causes severe skin irritation. May cause skin sensitization, an allergic reaction, which becomes evident upon re-exposure to this material. May cause dermatitis. Repeated exposure may cause hyperpigmentation of fair skin and depigmentation of dark skin.
Ingestion: May cause severe irritation of the digestive tract. May be harmful if swallowed. May cause dizziness, nausea, sense of suffocation, increased respiratory rate, vomiting, pallor, muscle twitching, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin due to deficient oxygenation of the blood), delirium, collapse. May cause green or brownish green urine which continues to darken upon standing. May cause harmful nervous system effects, including tremors and convulsions.
Inhalation: Inhalation of dust may cause respiratory tract irritation. Pure hydroquinone does not readily form a vapor at room temperature. The dust my cause irritation of the nose, throat and upper respiratory tract. In the presence of air and moisture, hydroquinone dust may react to form irritating quinone which forms a vapor at room temperature. The rate of this reaction depends on the pH of the medium, with alkaline solutions reacting more readily. Therefore, exposures to hydroquinone dust may involve exposure to quinone vapor which is a respiratory irritant. The degree of irritation depends on how much quinone is formed.
Chronic: Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause sensitization dermatitis and possible destruction and/or ulceration.

Section 4 - First Aid Measures


Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid imme diately. Do NOT allow victim to rub eyes or keep eyes closed.
Skin: Get medical aid. Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes.
Ingestion: If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.
Inhalation: Remove from exposure and move to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid.
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically and supportively.

Section 5 - Fire Fighting Measures


General Information: As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Dusts at sufficient concentrations can form explosive mixtures with air. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion.
Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
Flash Point: 165 deg C ( 329.00 deg F)
Autoignition Temperature: 516 deg C ( 960.80 deg F)
Explosion Limits, Lower:Not available.
Upper: Not available.
NFPA Rating: (estimated) Health: 2; Flammability: 1; Instability: 0

Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures


General Information: Use proper personal protective equipment as indicated in Section 8.
Spills/Leaks: Clean up spills immediately, observing precautions in the Protective Equipment section. Sweep up or absorb material, then place into a suitable clean, dry, closed container for disposal. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Provide ventilation.

Section 7 - Handling and Storage


Handling: Wash thoroughly after handling. Use only in a well-ventilated area. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Avoid ingestion and inhalation.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Do not store in direct sunlight.

Section 8 - Exposure Controls, Personal Protection


Engineering Controls: Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower. Use adequate general or local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne concentrations below the permissible exposure limits.
Exposure Limits
Chemical Name ACGIH NIOSH OSHA - Final PELs
Hydroquinone 2 mg/m3 TWA 50 mg/m3 IDLH 2 mg/m3 TWA

OSHA Vacated PELs: Hydroquinone: 2 mg/m3 TWA
Personal Protective Equipment
Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166.
Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure.
Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators: Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29 CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Use a NIOSH/MSHA or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator if exposure limits are exceeded or if irritation or other symptoms are experienced.

Section 9 - Physical and Chemical Properties


Physical State: Crystals
Appearance: colorless, light tan, or light gray
Odor: odorless
pH: Not available.
Vapor Pressure: 0.00067 mm Hg @ 25 deg C
Vapor Density: 3.8 (air=1)
Evaporation Rate:Negligible.
Viscosity: Not available.
Boiling Point: 287 deg C @ 760 mm Hg
Freezing/Melting Point:172 deg C
Decomposition Temperature:Not available.
Solubility: 73 g/l @ 25°C
Specific Gravity/Density:1.33 g/cm3
Molecular Formula:C6H6O2
Molecular Weight:110.11

Section 10 - Stability and Reactivity


Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures. Substance undergoes color change upon exposure to light and air.
Conditions to Avoid: Light, dust generation, moisture.
Incompatibilities with Other Materials: Strong oxidizers, alkalies. Undergoes violent reaction with sodium hydroxide.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, quinone.
Hazardous Polymerization: Has not been reported.

Section 11 - Toxicological Information


RTECS#:      
CAS# 123-31-9: MX3500000
LD50/LC50:
CAS# 123-31-9:
     Oral, mouse: LD50 = 245 mg/kg;
     Oral, mouse: LD50 = 350 mg/kg;
     Oral, rabbit: LD50 = 200 mg/kg;
     Oral, rat: LD50 = 302 mg/kg;
     Oral, rat: LD50 = 320 mg/kg;
.

Carcinogenicity:
CAS# 123-31-9:


Epidemiology: Substance may be involved in cancer-forming processes.
Teratogenicity: No information available.
Reproductive Effects: Fertility: Male index, subcutaneous(sct)-rat TDLo=5100 mg/kg; Post-implantation mortality, oral-rat TDLo=2500 mg/kg. Maternal Effects: Menstrual cycle abnormalities, sct-rat TDLo=550mg/kg; Ovaries/fallopian tubes, sct-rat TDLo=5mg/kg. Paternal Effects: Prostate/seminal vesicle/Cowpers gland/urethra and Testes/sperm duct/epididymis, sct-rat TDLo=5100mg/kg.
Mutagenicity: DNA Inhibition: human Hela cell 100umol/L mouse lymphocyte 10umol/L Unscheduled DNA Synthesis: rat oral 8g/kg. Sister Chromatid Exchange: human lymphocyte 5umol/L.
Neurotoxicity: No information available.
Other Studies:

Section 12 - Ecological Information


Ecotoxicity: Fish: Rainbow trout: LC50 = 0.097 mg/L; 96 Hr.; UnspecifiedFish: Fathead Minnow: LC50 = 0.1-0.18 mg/L; 96 Hr.; UnspecifiedBacteria: Phytobacterium phosphoreum: EC50 =0.77-3.97 mg/L; 5,15,30 minutes; Microtox test No data available.
Environmental: Substance has a high biological oxygen demand, and a high potential to affect aquatic organisms. Substance readily biodegrades, and is not likely to bioconcentrate.
Physical: No information available.
Other: None.

Section 13 - Disposal Considerations

Chemical waste generators must determine whether a discarded chemical is classified as a hazardous waste. US EPA guidelines for the classification determination are listed in 40 CFR Parts 261.3. Additionally, waste generators must consult state and local hazardous waste regulations to ensure complete and accurate classification.
RCRA P-Series: None listed.
RCRA U-Series: None listed.

Section 14 - Transport Information

US DOT Canada TDG
Shipping Name: HYDROQUINONE HYDROQUINONE
Hazard Class: 6.1 6.1
UN Number: UN2662 UN2662
Packing Group: III III

Section 15 - Regulatory Information

US FEDERAL
TSCA
     CAS# 123-31-9 is listed on the TSCA inventory.
Health & Safety Reporting List
     CAS# 123-31-9: Effective 10/4/84, Sunset 10/4/94
Chemical Test Rules
     None of the chemicals in this product are under a Chemical Test Rule.
Section 12b
     None of the chemicals are listed under TSCA Section 12b.
TSCA Significant New Use Rule
     None of the chemicals in this material have a SNUR under TSCA.
CERCLA Hazardous Substances and corresponding RQs
     CAS# 123-31-9: 100 lb final RQ; 45.4 kg final RQ
SARA Section 302 Extremely Hazardous Substances
     CAS# 123-31-9: 500 lb TPQ (lower threshold); 10000 lb TPQ (upper thres      hold)
SARA Codes
     CAS # 123-31-9: immediate, delayed.
Section 313
     This material contains Hydroquinone (CAS# 123-31-9, 99%),which is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 313 of SARA Title III and 40 CFR Part 373.
Clean Air Act:
     CAS# 123-31-9 is listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP).
     This material does not contain any Class 1 Ozone depletors.
     This material does not contain any Class 2 Ozone depletors.
Clean Water Act:
     None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Hazardous Substances under the CWA.
     None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Priority Pollutants under the CWA.
     None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Toxic Pollutants under the CWA.
OSHA:
     None of the chemicals in this product are considered highly hazardous by OSHA.
STATE
     CAS# 123-31-9 can be found on the following state right to know lists: California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Massachusetts.

California Prop 65

California No Significant Risk Level: None of the chemicals in this product are listed.

European/International Regulations
European Labeling in Accordance with EC Directives
Hazard Symbols:
     XN N
Risk Phrases:
     R 22 Harmful if swallowed.
     R 40 Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.
     R 41 Risk of serious damage to eyes.
     R 43 May cause sensitization by skin contact.
     R 50 Very toxic to aquatic organisms.
     R 68 Possible risk of irreversible effects.

Safety Phrases:
     S 26 In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of
     water and seek medical advice.
     S 36/37/39 Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face pr
     otection.
     S 61 Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions
     /safety data sheets.

WGK (Water Danger/Protection)
     CAS# 123-31-9: 2
Canada - DSL/NDSL
     CAS# 123-31-9 is listed on Canada's DSL List.
Canada - WHMIS
     not available.
This product has been classified in accordance with the hazard criteria of the Controlled Products Regulations and the MSDS contains all of the information required by those regulations.
Canadian Ingredient Disclosure List
     CAS# 123-31-9 is listed on the Canadian Ingredient Disclosure List.

Section 16 - Additional Information

MSDS Creation Date: 6/16/1999
Revision #5 Date: 10/28/2004

The information above is believed to be accurate and represents the best information currently available to us. However, we make no warranty of merchantability or any other warranty, express or implied, with respect to such information, and we assume no liability resulting from its use. Users should make their own investigations to determine the suitability of the information for their particular purposes. In no event shall Fisher be liable for any claims, losses, or damages of any third party or for lost profits or any special, indirect, incidental, consequential or exemplary damages, howsoever arising, even if Fisher has been advised of the possibility of such damages.