Product Name: Polyquaternium (varies by specific type, such as Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-10, etc.)
Chemical Family: Cationic polymers
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
CAS Number: Varies (e.g., Polyquaternium-7: 26590-05-6)
Supplier: Manufacturer or distributor details provided as per country regulations
Uses: Conditioning agent in cosmetics and personal care, flocculant in water treatment, antistatic agent in textiles
Emergency Contact: Local poison control or manufacturer’s emergency hotline
Product Codes: Assigned by supplier or manufacturer
Physical Hazards: No significant reactivity or flammability under normal storage
Health Hazards: May cause eye and skin irritation after prolonged or repeated exposure; inhalation of dust or mist can lead to mild respiratory discomfort; ingestion generally not expected under anticipated uses
Environmental Hazards: Possible aquatic toxicity with large discharges; product can increase turbidity and reduce oxygen in water if released in bulk
GHS Classification: Irritant (category varies), not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
Label Elements: Warning symbol for irritation, precautionary statements for handling and contact prevention
Polyquaternium Polymer: 10–100% depending on formulation and type
Residual Monomers: Trace amounts (acrylamide or other, typically below regulatory thresholds)
Preservatives: May include methylisothiazolinone, sodium benzoate, or similar at low concentrations
Impurities: Less than 1% by weight; specific identity depends on batch and supplier
Water or Solvent: Up to 90% in aqueous grades
Other Additives: Stabilizers or viscosity modifiers, names and proportions available in technical datasheets upon request
Eye Contact: Rinse with running water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy, seek medical help for persistent irritation
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse; get medical attention if redness or irritation persists
Inhalation: Move to fresh air and seek medical attention if discomfort continues; no delayed symptoms generally expected unless large quantities inhaled
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water provided the person is conscious; do not induce vomiting; consult a healthcare professional if feeling unwell
Note for Physicians: Symptoms are generally minor but monitor for allergic response in sensitized individuals
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: No restrictions noted in normal quantities
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Decomposition may produce nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, hydrogen chloride (type-dependent); risk of slippage due to spilled material
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus for large fires
Special Procedures: Cool containers exposed to fire with water, avoid runoff into drains; mop up residues as water can increase slipperiness
Personal Precautions: Avoid direct skin and eye contact; wear appropriate personal protective gear such as gloves and goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering sewers or waterways; contain spill with sand or inert material to reduce slipping hazards
Clean-Up Methods: Absorb with earth, sand, or other non-combustible material; scoop material into containers for disposal; wash spill site with ample water
Notification: Alert local authorities if uncontrolled environmental release occurs; follow local emergency protocol for hazardous spills
Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation; avoid generating dust or aerosol; do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling; wash hands after use
Storage Conditions: Store in original, tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; prevent freezing and exposure to direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, reducing agents, acids or bases (depending on grade), do not store with foodstuffs
Packaging Materials: High-density polyethylene or polypropylene recommended to prevent leaks or interaction
Transfer Precautions: Use non-sparking tools and explosive-proof equipment if dust present
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established TLV or PEL for bulk polyquaternium; for any trace monomers comply with local standards (e.g. ACGIH TLV for acrylamide)
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust ventilation in dusty operations; use closed dispensing if available
Respiratory Protection: Not normally required; dust mask or respirator if airborne particles generated
Eye Protection: Safety goggles with side shields
Skin Protection: Chemical resistant gloves and lab coats or coveralls during large-scale or prolonged handling
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, do not reuse contaminated PPE without cleaning, keep workplace tidy to avoid accidental slip or contamination
Appearance: Clear to opaque liquid, gel, or white/off-white powder depending on grade
Odor: Faint, characteristic; may have ammoniacal or polymeric scent
pH: Typically 5.0 to 8.0 in aqueous solution (1%)
Boiling Point: Above 100°C for solutions
Melting Point: Not applicable for solutions; powders soften above 160°C
Flash Point: Not flammable under standard conditions
Solubility: Soluble in water; insoluble in oils or organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: 1.0–1.2 g/cm³ for liquids, 0.2–0.8 g/cm³ for powders
Viscosity: Varies greatly, can be low to very high depending on polymer concentration
Partition Coefficient: Not determined for polymers
Stability: Stable for at least two years in unopened containers under recommended storage
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid extremes of heat, freezing temperatures, and direct sunlight; do not mix with incompatible chemicals
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizing agents, alkalis or acids, organic solvents
Hazardous Reactions: None expected under normal use; decomposition at high temperatures releases toxic gases
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, hydrogen chloride (depending on quaternary group)
Polymerization: Product will not undergo hazardous polymerization under recommended conditions
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) estimated above 2000 mg/kg for most grades; not considered acutely toxic
Skin Irritation: Low to moderate irritation possible after repeated or extended exposure
Eye Irritation: Transient redness and discomfort likely with direct splashes
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation may irritate nose and throat, especially with powders
Sensitization: Not classified as sensitizer, though individuals with polymer allergies should avoid exposure
Chronic Toxicity: No known long-term systemic toxicity or carcinogenic effects for finished product; trace monomer concerns addressed by regulations and stringent production controls
Other Effects: Not mutagenic or reprotoxic under current data
Ecotoxicity: Moderate to high toxicity to certain aquatic organisms in concentrated form; low persistence when diluted or after wastewater treatment
Persistence/Degradability: Partial biodegradation expected; polymers slowly broken down by sunlight and microorganisms
Bioaccumulation: Not expected due to high molecular weight and water solubility
Mobility: Rapidly disperses in water; potential to travel long distances in river systems if not treated
Aquatic Risk: Avoid discharge of concentrated solutions; always follow local guidelines for wastewater disposal
Soil Impact: Minimal under recommended usage; excessive release may alter soil permeability and water movement
Waste Treatment Methods: Treat as non-hazardous waste if uncontaminated; dilute and send to industrial wastewater treatment if allowed
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse containers and dispose in accordance with local regulations or recycle if possible
Landfill: Permitted for polymeric material in most jurisdictions after volume reduction
Incineration: Incinerate at authorized facility; avoid open burning as fumes may contain toxic substances
Regulatory Disposal Codes: Refer to national and local waste catalog entries for polymeric chemicals and preparations
UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for land, sea, or air transport
ADR/RID/IMDG/ICAO: No classification for routine transport
Transport Restrictions: Use spill-proof, clearly labeled packaging; prevent movement or stacking that could cause leaks
Hazard Label: Not required for most grades
Specific Transport Measures: Protect from freezing in winter; avoid prolonged heat exposure during transit
Labelling Requirements: GHS-compliant hazard and precautionary statements, manufacturer and product identification
Chemical Inventories: Included in TSCA (US), REACH (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan)
Restrictions: Some countries set maximum limits for trace acrylamide or similar monomers in finished products
Worker Protection: Covered by OSHA, REACH, local labor codes regarding chemical exposure and workplace controls
Consumer Protection: Cosmetics and finished goods regulated by FDA (US), EU Cosmetics Regulation, or similar national bodies to ensure safety in end uses
