Product Name: Methylparaben
Chemical Name: Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
Synonyms: 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester
CAS Number: 99-76-3
Recommended Use: Preservative in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products
Supplier: Contact local distributor or manufacturer
Emergency Phone: Refer to local regulations and supplier details
Classification: Eye irritation, Skin irritation (mild)
Label Elements: Signal word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes mild skin and eye irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid eye and skin contact; do not inhale dust
GHS Pictogram: Exclamation mark
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Effects: Irritation to eyes and skin, respiratory tract irritation
Chronic Effects: No long-term exposure hazards documented for trace-preservative use, further data on repeated industrial exposure limited
Chemical Name: Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
Concentration: 99-100%
CAS Number: 99-76-3
Impurities: Typically less than 1% other parabens or esters
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, monitor breathing, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash area with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical advice for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, obtain medical help if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, contact poison control or seek medical care if a large amount is ingested or if symptoms develop
Most Important Symptoms: Redness, irritation, cough, sore throat, stomach upset
Special Instructions: Provide symptomatic treatment, no antidote available
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Hazards from Combustion: Emits carbon oxides (CO, CO2) and potentially irritating fumes when burned
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Precautions: Move containers from area if it can be done safely, cool exposed containers with water spray
Fire Hazard: Powder may cause dust explosion if mixed with air in high concentrations; avoid ignition sources
Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with skin and eyes, avoid inhaling dust, wear appropriate PPE
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage if safe, avoid release to waterways, notify authorities if contamination occurs
Cleaning Methods: Gently sweep product into sealed containers for disposal, avoid raising dust, ventilate area
PPE Required: Gloves, goggles, dust mask or respirator
Large Spill Containment: Dike area, prevent runoff, use inert absorbent material
Safe Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, prevent dust generation, avoid direct contact with eyes, skin, and clothing
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry place; keep container tightly closed; keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames
Storage Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents
Recommended Packaging: Original containers, properly labeled and sealed
Exposure Limits: Not established for methylparaben as typically used in small concentrations; limit airborne dust
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, fume hood for bulk handling
PPE – Eyes: Chemical safety goggles
PPE – Skin: Protective gloves, lab coat or protective clothing
PPE – Respiratory: Dust mask or respirator if dust is generated, particularly in industrial settings
Personal Hygiene: Avoid touching face, wash thoroughly after handling
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not detected at standard concentrations
pH: 6.5–7.5 (in water, at 10 g/L)
Melting Point: 125-128°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Over 200°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: May be combustible as a dust
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not available
Relative Density: 1.36 g/cm3
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol and ether
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): log Kow ≈ 1.7
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not determined
Decomposition Temperature: Over 200°C
Viscosity: Not applicable (solid form)
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions and recommended storage
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Will not polymerize; incompatible with strong oxidizers
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, sources of ignition, generating dust clouds
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizing agents, reducing agents
Decomposition Products: Releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possible irritating vapors during decomposition
Likely Exposure Routes: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion
Acute Effects: Skin and eye irritation, may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if swallowed
Chronic Exposure: Long-term, low-level exposure in cosmetics and food has low risk; high exposure data limited
LD50 Oral (rat): About 2100 mg/kg
LD50 Dermal (rabbit): No significant irritation at typical concentrations
Sensitization: Rare cases of contact allergy, mostly with repeated/prolonged use
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Mutagenicity: No evidence
Reproductive Toxicity: Data do not indicate risk at expected exposure levels
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms at high concentrations, not expected to cause persistent effects at consumer exposure levels
Persistence & Degradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment; breakdown in soil and water occurs over weeks
Bioaccumulation: Low potential, log Kow indicates moderate mobility
Soil Mobility: Some movement expected in soil, but does not volatilize
Other Adverse Effects: No significant ozone depletion, photochemical smog, or greenhouse gas effects
Waste Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, and federal regulations
Unused Product: Preferably incinerate in a chemical waste facility approved for this type of product
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers should be triple rinsed, offered for recycling or disposed as regulated
Precautions: Do not release into sewers, waterways, or soil
UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as marine pollutant
Special Transport Measures: Avoid spillage, secure packaging to prevent dust release
Transport Labels: None required for limited volumes and hazard class
OSHA Status: Not listed as hazardous
TSCA Inventory: Listed
EU Regulation: Listed in Annex V of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (Cosmetics Regulation)
Canada DSL/NDSL: Listed
WHMIS Classification: Not controlled
California Prop 65: Not listed
Other: Permitted in cosmetics and foods within regulatory concentration limits