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Chemical Name: Triclosan
Common Uses: Antibacterial agent in soaps, toothpaste, cosmetics, textiles
Chemical Formula: C12H7Cl3O2
CAS Number: 3380-34-5
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Slight aromatic
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, more in alcohol and organic solvents
Acute Health Hazards: Causes skin and eye irritation; inhalation of dust irritates respiratory tract
Chronic Health Hazards: Linked to potential hormonal effects; concerns over antimicrobial resistance
Risk Phrases: Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin; possible long-term environmental hazards
Signal Word: Warning
GHS Classification: Skin Irritant, Eye Irritant, Environmental Hazard
Active Ingredient: Triclosan (over 97%)
Additives and Impurities: May contain trace organic solvents or unreacted starting materials depending on source
Other Constituents: Unlikely to include hazardous inert carriers in pure chemical format used in manufacturing settings
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; seek medical help if irritation persists
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; consult a doctor if symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath continue
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; get medical advice if any adverse reaction occurs
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Combustion Products: Releases hydrogen chloride, chlorine, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide when heated to decomposition
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need to wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Hazards: Dust suspended in air can ignite; hazardous gases may form in fire
Personal Protection: Avoid contact with skin or eyes; use gloves and eye protection
Containment: Avoid creating airborne dust; contain spill with non-combustible absorbent
Cleanup: Collect spilled powder for disposal in a container; ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent run-off into water bodies; triclosan affects aquatic organisms significantly
Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhaling dust or getting chemical on skin
Storage: Keep container sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; store away from strong acids, bases, and oxidizers
Storage Materials: Use containers that prevent light and moisture from entering, as triclosan’s stability depends on protecting it from such exposure
Workplace Limits: No widely accepted occupational exposure limits; prudent avoidance necessary
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, enclosure of process if dust risk exists
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves, goggles, lab coats, and respiratory protection if ventilation proves inadequate
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands thoroughly after use; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in work area
Physical State: Crystalline solid
Melting Point: Around 56–60°C
Boiling Point: Above 280°C (decomposes)
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Specific Gravity: About 1.55
pH: Slightly acidic in aqueous solution
Solubility: Poor in water; better in ethanol, acetone, and other solvents
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Approximately 4.8, indicating significant lipophilicity and potential for bioaccumulation
Chemical Stability: Remains stable under recommended storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to light, strong acids, strong bases, and oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong reducing agents; reacts vigorously if heated with certain metals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Can release toxic gases, including chlorinated compounds, when heated to decomposition
Routes of Exposure: Through skin contact, inhalation of dust, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats estimated around 3,700 mg/kg; skin and eye irritant
Chronic Effects: Studies point to endocrine disruption in animals, bacterial resistance, and potential links to childhood allergies
Sensitization: Occasional cases of allergic contact dermatitis reported
Carcinogenicity: No classification as a human carcinogen by major regulatory agencies, but long-term effects remain a hot topic in scientific circles
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to fish, algae, and crustaceans; interferes with aquatic ecosystems
Persistence and Degradability: Degrades slowly; remains in sediment and water for a long time
Bioaccumulation: Builds up in aquatic organisms due to its fat solubility
Mobility in Soil: Tends to bind to sediments and organic matter; leaching into groundwater remains a possibility
Effect on Wildlife: Disrupts hormone systems in some aquatic species
Waste Treatment: Unused material should not enter regular waste streams; managed as hazardous waste
Disposal Methods: High-temperature incineration or disposal via a licensed chemical waste contractor
Environmental Risk: Washing triclosan down the drain loads municipal wastewater and potentially disrupts downstream microbial life
UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods for transport in most regions
Transport Hazards: Still handle carefully to prevent spills or leaks; packaging should prevent dust escape
Proper Shipping Name: Triclosan, or "chemical not otherwise specified" if regulations require
Global Bans and Restrictions: United States FDA banned its use in over-the-counter hand soaps and body washes; remains allowed in some other products
European Union: Banned in human hygiene biocidal products; allowed in small amounts in some cosmetics, closely monitored
Other Regulations: Voluntary phase-outs encouraged by industry groups; included in chemical inventories under environmental watch
Worker Protections: Employee right-to-know laws in many countries provide access to chemical safety information in workplaces
