Paraquat (Paraquat dichloride)

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.]

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.]

Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers, alkylaryl-sulfonate wetting agents [Note: Corrosive to metals. Decomposes in presence of ultraviolet light.]

Symptoms

irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat, respiratory system; epistaxis (nosebleed); dermatitis; fingernail damage; irritation gastrointestinal tract; heart, liver, kidney damage

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