Product Name: Polyquaternium-10
Chemical Family: Cellulose derivative, cationic polymer
Recommended Use: Conditioning agent in personal care products (shampoo, conditioners, skin cleansers)
Synonyms: PQ-10, Quaternized Hydroxyethylcellulose
CAS Number: 68610-92-4
Supplier: Major cosmetic ingredient distributors and chemical suppliers
Emergency Contact: Refer to supplier or local poison control center
Classification: Not hazardous under GHS classification; not classified as dangerous for supply/use.
Hazard Statements: Dust can cause mild respiratory irritation; direct contact may trigger mild eye irritation.
Signal Word: None
Pictogram: None
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; wash hands after handling; use protective gear during bulk handling.
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation may cause coughing or sneezing; skin contact can lead to dryness; no evidence of long-term toxicity.
Main Component: Polyquaternium-10
Chemical Formula: [(C6H10O5)x(C2H4ClN)y]
Content: Typically 95-100% active substance
Minor Impurities: Water, sodium chloride, unreacted cellulose, residual quaternizing agents (very low levels)
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, rinse mouth, seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area with soap and water, moisturize if irritation appears.
Eye Contact: Hold eyelids open, rinse with clean water for several minutes, seek medical attention if discomfort remains.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting, drink water, seek medical advice in case of large ingestion.
Main Symptoms: Mild eye or skin irritation, coughing, sneezing.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, CO2
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, potentially toxic fumes
Firefighter Protection: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Special Hazards: Dust can create explosive mixtures in air; avoid dispersion of airborne powder
Flammability: Not highly flammable, but fine dust poses some fire/explosion risk under certain conditions
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves and goggles, avoid breathing dust, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spill from entering drains or waterways; product is not classified as dangerous for the environment, but bulk releases can increase COD (chemical oxygen demand)
Spill Response: Sweep up product, avoid creating dust clouds; place in suitable containers for disposal; wash spill site with water if necessary
Safe Handling: Minimize handling to reduce dust; use local ventilation in high-volume settings; avoid eating or drinking near product
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers away from heat, direct sunlight, moisture
Temperature Sensitivity: Stable at room temperature, avoid freezing or extreme heat
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, cationic polymers can interact with anionic materials
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use, keep work area clean
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to keep dust levels below exposure limits
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses or goggles; gloves resistant to chemicals; wear a dust mask if airborne exposure is likely
Occupational Exposure Limits: None established for this substance; nuisance dust limit (10 mg/m³ total dust) should be observed
Environmental Controls: Prevent release of large quantities to drains or water courses
Appearance: White to off-white, free-flowing powder or granules
Odor: Slight, non-offensive
Solubility: Soluble in water, forms clear to slightly opalescent solutions
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Flash Point: Not applicable
pH (1% solution): 5–8
Bulk Density: 0.4 - 0.7 g/cm³
Viscosity (solution): Increased solution viscosity depending on grade
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Polymerization: Will not occur
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, excessive heat, ignition sources for dust
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, trace hazardous gases if burned
Acute Toxicity: Low; estimated oral LD50 (rat) > 2000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Non-irritating to slightly irritating on prolonged contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause mild, reversible irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Dust may trigger mild irritation in sensitive individuals
Chronic Effects: Not known to cause long-term toxicity; not listed as a carcinogen
Other Data: No significant bioaccumulation or systemic toxicity reported
Aquatic Toxicity: Not classified as dangerous for the aquatic environment; LC50 (fish, 96 h) > 100 mg/L
Biodegradability: Expected to be biodegradable, modified natural polymer
Bioaccumulation: Low potential
Other Environmental Information: High concentrations may affect oxygen balance in water due to organic load
Waste Handling: Collect and place in properly labeled containers for disposal
Disposal Methods: Small quantities: landfill or incinerate in accordance with local regulations; large spills: consult waste disposal contractor
Unused Product: May be handled as non-hazardous solid waste
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly, dispose as per product disposal method
UN Number: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous goods
Hazard Class: N/A
Packing Group: N/A
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions: Avoid generating dust during transport; keep container dry and tightly closed
Labeling: Not classified as hazardous under current GHS, OSHA, or EU regulations
TSCA Inventory: Listed
DSL (Canada): Listed
REACH Status (EU): Polymer exempt, not subject to registration
Other Regulation Notes: Not a controlled substance, not on major hazardous material lists, no specific workplace exposure limits
