Product Name: Propyl Paraben
Chemical Name: Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
Synonyms: Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, E216, Propylparaben
CAS Number: 94-13-3
Molecular Formula: C10H12O3
Molecular Weight: 180.21 g/mol
Recommended Uses: Preservative for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, foods
Contact Information for Manufacturer or Supplier: Refer to specific supplier contact page or regulatory division for immediate questions on handling, emergency, or health concerns
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria
Hazard Symbol: None under normal conditions
Signal Word: None
Potential Health Effects: May cause mild irritation to skin, eyes, or respiratory tract after exposure to high concentrations. In rare cases, some people show mild allergic reactions. No known carcinogenic properties documented.
Environmental Hazards: Product in large quantities can potentially cause aquatic toxicity; it is biodegradable under typical environmental conditions.
Precautionary Statements: Use personal protection if heavy exposure expected. Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged contact with skin. Keep away from strong oxidizing agents to prevent any reaction.
Component: Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
Concentration: 98% or higher (depending on supplier’s batch purity)
CAS Number: 94-13-3
Impurities: Trace amount of related paraben compounds, negligible amounts of residual solvents
Additives: None for pure grade; certain commercial preparations might contain fillers or anti-caking agents detailed on their own specifications
General Advice: Remove contaminated clothing. Move affected person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
Inhalation: Take person to well ventilated area. Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation or symptoms persist.
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. Get medical help if irritation continues.
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and launder before re-use.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not try to induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional. Contact poison control or physician if feeling unwell.
Special Note for Healthcare Providers: Symptomatic treatment. No known antidote or specific agent required.
Flammability: Propyl paraben may burn under high heat; not classified as highly flammable
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide to put out fire
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use high-pressure water jet, as it can spread the product
Special Hazards: Combustion produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possible other toxic gases
Advice for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing. Prevent runoff from entering drains or water sources.
Additional Notes: Store away from heat or open flame to minimize fire hazards.
Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with eyes and skin, provide ventilation in working area, keep unnecessary personnel away.
Protective Equipment: Use chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing, and a dust mask when cleaning spills.
Environmental Precautions: Do not let product enter storm drains or waterways in significant quantity.
Methods for Containment and Cleanup: Collect spilled material using dry, inert absorbent (sand or earth). Shovel into appropriate waste container, label, and follow local disposal regulations. During clean-up, minimize dust; ventilate the area as much as possible.
Safe Handling: Do not breathe dust. Avoid ingestion, direct contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Handle with gloves and in well-ventilated areas.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers. Place in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sunlight, heat sources, and oxidizing agents. Maintain original packaging until ready for use.
Incompatible Substances: Keep propyl paraben away from strong oxidizers and acids to reduce risk of unwanted chemical reactions.
Storage Duration: Product remains stable for multiple years if stored under recommended conditions.
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits set for propyl paraben; follow industry hygiene guidelines.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation if handling large quantities or powder.
Personal Protection: Wear chemical protective gloves, safety glasses or goggles, lab coats or aprons, and dust masks where necessary.
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after handling, change contaminated clothing immediately, do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas.
Environmental Controls: Prevent material from entering water systems or soil in large amounts.
Appearance: White to whitish crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless or faint characteristic odor
Melting Point: 96-99°C
Boiling Point: 297°C (estimated)
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6-7, 0.5% solution)
Solubility: Sparingly soluble in water (less than 1 g/L); easily soluble in alcohol, ether, and acetone
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
Density: About 1.06 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (octanol/water): log Kow 3.04
Flash Point: >150°C (closed cup)
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and normal conditions
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions known under normal use
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Thermal decomposition may release carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Hazardous Polymerization: Does not occur under standard conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, direct sunlight, excessive moisture, sources of ignition
Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity; LD50 (oral, rat) ~5000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Not irritating to skin at practical concentrations
Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause mild temporary irritation
Respiratory/Skin Sensitization: Sensitization possible in individuals with known paraben allergies
Chronic Effects: No conclusive evidence of carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic effects at normal exposure levels
Other Information: No evidence of cumulative toxicity or bioaccumulation in humans or wildlife after normal low-level exposures
Ecotoxicity: Moderately toxic to aquatic organisms in concentrated forms; acute LC50 (Fish) ~5-10 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under typical environmental conditions; does not persist in aquatic systems
Bioaccumulation: Not likely to bioaccumulate at low concentrations; octanol-water coefficient indicates low risk of buildup in living tissue
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility; strongly adsorbed to soil particulates
Other Adverse Effects: No significant ozone depletion, endocrine, or persistent organic pollutant risks established at typical usage concentrations
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose in accordance with local, state, and national environmental regulations; incineration or landfill suitable for solid waste
Product Disposal: Small amounts may be diluted with water and flushed to drain if permitted; for larger quantities, seek advice from licensed waste disposal contractors
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly and manage as normal industrial plastic or paper waste; do not reuse containers for food or drink storage
Other Notes: Avoid dumping in open environment or water bodies to minimize ecological risk
UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: N/A
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not classified
Marine Pollutant: No
Transport Precautions: Secure package tightly. Prevent leakage during transit. Protect from high temperatures and moisture to maintain product integrity
TSCA Status (USA): Listed
EINECS/ELINCS (EU): 202-307-7
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
Japan ENCS: Listed
REACH Status: Registered for use as cosmetic and pharmaceutical preservative
Other Regulatory Listings: Approved for use in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications within most major regulatory frameworks including FDA, EFSA, Health Canada
Workplace Labelling and Documentation: Employers must ensure label, storage, and workplace safety information is accessible; workers should receive relevant chemical safety training if handling bulk propyl paraben
Safety Assessments: International panels including the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety have reviewed available data, finding no major health risks at recommended use concentrations