MSDS Insights on Bronopol: Straight from a Chemical Manufacturer

Identification

Chemical Name: Bronopol
Common Synonyms: 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
Chemical Formula: C3H6BrNO4
Physical Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid
Typical Use: Industrial biocide, preservative in water systems, cooling towers, and some cosmetics
Chemical Family: Nitromethane derivatives
Odor: Mild, not distinctive at low concentrations

Hazard Identification

Hazard Class: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation)
Main Risks: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation
Special Sensitivities: Respiratory irritation possible, can aggravate existing skin conditions on contact
Chronic Exposures: Repeated occupational contact known to result in sensitization, especially in poorly ventilated areas
Labeling Information: Requires irritant and health hazard pictograms under GHS regulations

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Component: Bronopol (over 99% pure in technical grade material)
Minor Impurities: Water, trace organic by-products from synthesis
Additives: None in specification-grade product
CAS Number: 52-51-7

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Flush eyes immediately with copious water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing promptly, wash affected skin with plenty of soap and running water
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, give water if the person is conscious, seek medical advice without delay
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, support breathing as needed
Medical Attention: Seek professional attention if signs of allergic reaction or persistent irritation occur

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry powder, foam, carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Decomposition can release toxic fumes including oxides of nitrogen, hydrogen bromide – rapid evacuation advised even for small fires
Firefighter Protection: Use self-contained breathing apparatus, wear chemical-resistant protective clothing
Thermal Stability: Melts and decomposes on strong heating, containment measures needed to limit runoff into drains

Accidental Release Measures

Small Spills: Gather and collect spilled material using non-sparking tools, place in appropriate waste containers
Large Spills: Ventilate area, isolate from drains and surface water, use absorbent to bind bulk material
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release into soil, drainage systems, or surface water due to aquatic toxicity
Cleanup Personnel Protection: Use gloves, chemical splash goggles, protective apron
Waste Disposal: Dispose of under local and national hazardous waste regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Only handle with appropriate PPE; dust generation particularly in dry production areas can cause irritation
Good Practice: Do not eat, drink or smoke in processing areas; frequent hand washing recommended
Storage: Keep containers tightly sealed in cool, dry, well-ventilated facilities
Segregate From: Strong reducing agents, amines, and combustibles
Storage Stability: Degrades if exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures for extended periods

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Fast, effective local exhaust at points of dust or vapor generation essential in production environments
Personal Protection: Safety goggles, impervious gloves, long-sleeved protective clothing required for all handlers
Respiratory Protection: Approved particulate or combination organic vapor respirators when handling large quantities or cleaning spills
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits widely legislated; some internal company guidelines recommend below 0.1 mg/m³ airborne
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly with soap after handling; remove protective equipment prior to eating or breaks

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Crystalline powder
Color: White or slightly off-white
Odor: Slight
Melting Point: 123-130°C
Solubility: Freely soluble in water at room temperature
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): -0.64 (reflects low potential for bioaccumulation)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable in original sealed packaging under recommended storage; hydrolyzes slowly in aqueous solution
Hazardous Reactions: Violent reaction possible with strong reducing agents
Thermal Decomposition: Decomposes to produce nitrous gases and hydrogen bromide at sustained high temperatures
Material Incompatibility: Reducing agents, ultraviolet exposure, excessive heat

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): between 305 and 342 mg/kg (varies by test method)
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, skin, eyes, inhalation by dust
Skin Sensitization: Documented in occupational handling, especially after repeated exposure
Eye Irritation: Marked redness and pain reported on direct contact
Chronic Effects: No evidence of carcinogenicity in long-term studies based on current data

Ecological Information

Acute Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to both aquatic invertebrates and fish (EC50 typically below 1 mg/L for Daphnia)
Persistence: Slowly degraded in the environment; half-life depends on pH, sunlight, and temperature
Bioaccumulation: Low bioaccumulation potential documented, log Kow below zero
Mobility: Readily soluble, can move with water in soil and aquatic systems
Precautionary Actions: Prevent uncontrolled discharge into waterways and municipal systems

Disposal Considerations

Waste Handling: Treat as hazardous waste by incineration or specialized chemical treatment
Container Disposal: Triple rinse and puncture to prevent reuse; follow local environmental protocols
Regulatory Guidance: Collection, transportation, and treatment must align with chemical waste directives to prevent aquatic hazard

Transport Information

UN Number: 3241
Proper Shipping Name: Biocides, solid, toxic, n.o.s. (Bronopol)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Transportation Condition: Protect from physical damage, water ingress, and incompatible goods
Special Provisions: Secure packaging to prevent dust emission

Regulatory Information

Chemical Inventory Status: Registered under chemical inventories globally, subject to restrictions in some countries for use in cosmetics
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity category 4, Skin and eye irritant
Regulatory Thresholds: Listed under REACH with specific use restrictions
Worker Protection: Mandatory training for employees, labeling requirements under workplace safety laws
Environmental Release Reporting: Some regions require immediate notification in case of accidental release above reportable quantities