Product Name: Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Hydrochloride
Chemical Formula: (C8H17N5)n·xHCl
CAS Number: 32289-58-0
Recommended Use: Disinfectant, biocide, sanitizer, preservative for personal care and industrial applications
Manufacturer/Supplier: Contact supplier for updated details
Emergency Phone: Refer to emergency contact printed on packaging
GHS Classification: Acute Oral Toxicity Category 4, Skin Irritation Category 2, Eye Irritation Category 1, Aquatic Chronic Category 1
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye damage, very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, corrosive, environment
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin and eyes, wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink or smoke while using, avoid release to the environment
Chemical Identity: Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Hydrochloride
Synonyms: PHMB, Poly (hexamethylenebiguanide) hydrochloride
Purity: 20% aqueous solution (varies by formulation)
Hazardous Components: Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (active ingredient), Water (diluent)
Impurities: Trace amounts of residual monomers, hydrochloric acid (in some solutions)
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, support breathing as needed, seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with plenty of water for several minutes, seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for 15-20 minutes, remove contact lenses if easy, keep eyelids open, obtain medical attention immediately
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Direct jet of water if risk of spreading
Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides
Specific Hazards: Packing or containers may deform or rupture under fire
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, protective clothing
Personal Precautions: Use protective gloves, goggles, clothing, avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains, watercourses, soil
Methods for Containment: Contain spillage using inert absorbent material (sand, earth), place in disposal containers
Cleaning Procedures: Wash cleaned area with water, ventilate area
Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid direct contact, wear appropriate protection, wash thoroughly after handling, avoid splashing
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, avoid exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, keep away from incompatible materials (strong oxidizing agents, acids)
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits for PHMB
Respiratory Protection: Use suitable respiratory protection in the absence of adequate ventilation
Hand Protection: Chemical-resistant protective gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Eye Protection: Safety goggles, face shield
Skin Protection: Protective clothing, aprons
Hygiene Measures: No food, drink, or smoking during use, wash hands before breaks or after use
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid (aqueous solution)
Odor: Mild, characteristic
pH: 3.0 – 7.0 (varies by concentration)
Melting Point / Freezing Point: Not available (decomposition before melting)
Boiling Point: >100°C (aqueous solution)
Solubility: Completely soluble in water
Density: Approximately 1.05–1.10 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not determined for active compound
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable (polymeric compound)
Viscosity: Low (solution)
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, strong sunlight, freezing, high humidity
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases
Hazardous Reactions: No dangerous reaction under normal conditions
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides under extreme conditions (fire)
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 500–2000 mg/kg (harmful if swallowed), inhalation and dermal toxicity data limited
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes irritation
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes serious eye damage
Respiratory Sensitization: No conclusive data
Skin Sensitization: Possible skin sensitizer in some individuals
Chronic Effects: No known mutagenic, carcinogenic, or reproductive toxicity at normal levels commonly encountered in use
Other Effects: Prolonged exposure may increase risk of skin or eye irritation
Hazard to Aquatic Environment: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, persists in water
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate significantly due to polymeric nature
Mobility: Mobile in water
Other Adverse Effects: High concentrations disrupt aquatic life, caution required for large-scale or careless disposal
Waste Treatment Methods: Send for disposal at licensed waste facility, do not discharge to drains or environment
Neutralization: Dilution and chemical deactivation possible, under expert supervision
Empty Containers: Rinse with water before disposal, dispose of in accordance with local regulations
Precautions: Consult regulatory agencies for proper disposal methods
UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport internationally
Proper Shipping Name: Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride solution
Hazard Class: Not regulated (check local regulations, some concentrations may require hazardous goods labeling)
Packing Group: Not applicable under most regulatory frameworks
Marine Pollutant: Yes, in concentrated forms
Transport Precautions: Avoid inadvertent spillage and leaks, use robust, labeled containers
Labelling: Complies with GHS, OSHA, EU CLP requirements for hazardous substances
REGULATION (EC) No 1272/2008: Classified as hazardous under aquatic environment guidelines
US EPA: Registered as antimicrobial pesticide ingredient
REACH Registration: May be preregistered or registered in EU (varies by manufacturer)
Other Legislative Requirements: Subject to local/regional chemical inventory, workplace health and safety, and environmental regulations
Workplace Labelling: Eye/skin hazard warnings on containers, safety training recommended for handlers