NIOSH logo and tagline

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
Formula
CH₃(C₅H₄N)₂CH₃ • 2Cl
Conversion
IDLH
1 mg/m3
See: 1910425
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 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 Weight
257.2
Boiling Point
Decomposes
Melting Point
572°F (Decomposes)
Solubility
Miscible
Vapor Pressure
<0.0000001 mmHg
Ionization Potential
?
Specific Gravity
1.24
Flash Point
NA
Upper Explosive Limit
NA
Lower Explosive Limit
NA
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