Isopropanol Safety Data Sheet (SDS): A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Isopropanol, also known as isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol, is a colorless, flammable liquid with a strong odor. It is commonly used as a disinfectant, cleaning agent, and solvent. This Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides essential information about the safe handling, storage, and disposal of isopropanol.

Section 1: Identification

• Product Identifier: Isopropanol
• Chemical Name: 2-Propanol
• CAS Number: 67-63-0
• Formula: C3H8O
• Molecular Weight: 60.10 g/mol
• Synonyms: Isopropyl alcohol, 2-Propanol, IPA

Section 2: Hazard Identification

Classification

• Flammable Liquids, Category 2
• Eye Irritant, Category 2A
• Skin Irritant, Category 2

Hazard Statements

• H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
• H319: Causes serious eye irritation.
• H315: Causes skin irritation.

Precautionary Statements

Prevention:

• P210: Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames, and other ignition sources. No smoking.
• P233: Keep container tightly closed.
• P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.

Response:

• P303+P361+P353: IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
• P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
• P332+P313: If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
• P337+P313: If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention.

Section 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients

Section 4: First-Aid Measures

Inhalation

• If inhaled, move person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
• If not breathing, call emergency medical services and administer artificial respiration.

Skin Contact

• Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes.
• Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Eye Contact

• Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting the upper and lower eyelids occasionally.
• Remove contact lenses, if present, and continue rinsing.
• Seek medical attention immediately.

Ingestion

• Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water and seek medical attention immediately.

Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media

• Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray.

Specific Hazards

• Isopropanol is highly flammable.
• Vapors are heavier than air and can travel along the ground and ignite remote sources.

Special Protective Equipment and Precautions for Firefighters

• Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing.
• Cool exposed containers with water spray.

Section 6: Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions, Protective Equipment, and Emergency Procedures

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, protective clothing, eye protection).
• Evacuate unnecessary personnel from the area.
• Ventilate the area.

Environmental Precautions

• Prevent the spillage from entering drains, waterways, or soil.

Methods and Materials for Containment and Cleaning Up

• Contain the spill with absorbent material (e.g., sand, vermiculite).
• Collect the absorbent material and dispose of it in accordance with local regulations.

Section 7: Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling

• Handle and store in a well-ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources.
• Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
• Use personal protective equipment (gloves, protective clothing, eye protection).
• Do not breathe vapors or mist.

Conditions for Safe Storage, Including Any Incompatibilities

• Store in a cool, well-ventilated area.
• Keep container tightly closed.
• Store away from incompatible materials (e.g., strong oxidizing agents).

Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Exposure Limits

Engineering Controls

• Provide adequate ventilation in the workplace.
• Use local exhaust ventilation or process enclosures to minimize exposure.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Respiratory Protection: Use a NIOSH-certified respirator if ventilation is inadequate.
• Skin Protection: Wear chemically resistant gloves and protective clothing.
• Eye Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles.
• Face Protection: Use a face shield if there is a risk of splashing.

Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties

Section 10: Stability and Reactivity

Reactivity

• Isopropanol is stable under normal conditions.
• Reacts with strong oxidizing agents.

Chemical Stability

• Stable under recommended storage conditions.

Possibility of Hazardous Reactions

• No hazardous reactions are known under normal conditions.

Conditions to Avoid

• Heat, flames, and other ignition sources.
• Contact with strong oxidizing agents.

Incompatible Materials

• Strong oxidizing agents, such as nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and hydrogen peroxide.

Hazardous Decomposition Products

• Thermal decomposition may produce carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Section 11: Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure

• Inhalation
• Skin contact
• Eye contact
• Ingestion

Symptoms of Exposure

• Inhalation: Irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs. May cause dizziness, drowsiness, and unconsciousness.
• Skin Contact: Irritation, redness, and burns. May cause skin absorption.
• Eye Contact: Irritation, redness, and pain. May cause corneal damage.
• Ingestion: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. May cause central nervous system depression.

Acute Toxicity

Chronic Toxicity

• Prolonged or repeated exposure to isopropanol may cause skin irritation and dryness.
• May cause liver and kidney damage.

Carcinogenicity

• Isopropanol is not considered a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA.

Reproductive Toxicity

• Isopropanol is not known to cause reproductive toxicity.

STOT (Specific Target Organ Toxicity)

• Single Exposure: May cause irritation to the respiratory system and eyes.
• Repeated Exposure: May cause skin irritation and dryness.

Section 12: Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity

• Aquatic Toxicity:
  • LC50 (96 hours, Rainbow Trout): 1,400 mg/L
  • EC50 (48 hours, Daphnia magna): 1,329 mg/L
• Terrestrial Toxicity:
  • LD50 (24 hours, Earthworm): 2,400 mg/kg

Persistence and Degradability

• Isopropanol is readily biodegradable.

Bioaccumulative Potential

• Low bioaccumulative potential.

Mobility in Soil

• Isopropanol is highly mobile in soil.

Section 13: Disposal Considerations

• Dispose of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Incinerate, fuel blending, or recycle if possible.
• Do not dispose of isopropanol down the drain or into the environment.

Section 14: Transport Information

Land Transport (DOT)

• UN Number: UN1219
• UN Proper Shipping Name: Isopropanol
• Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquids)
• Packing Group: II

Sea Transport (