Material Safety Data Sheet for Diethyltoluamide (DEET)

1. Identification

Product Name: Diethyltoluamide, commonly known as DEET
Synonyms: N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide
CAS Number: 134-62-3
Recommended Uses: Primary ingredient in insect repellents, personal protection against mosquito and tick bites
Manufacturer: Information typically listed on product label, varies by brand
Emergency Contact Number: National Poisons Information Service or local emergency medical support
Product Use Restrictions: For external use only and only as directed, not for use on infants under two months
Physical Form: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Contact Information: Refer to packaging or supplier documentation for up-to-date details

2. Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Eye irritant (Category 2), mildly irritating to skin
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes eye irritation, may cause mild skin irritation, inhalation may produce respiratory discomfort
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure, wash hands thoroughly after handling, keep away from food and drink, use adequate ventilation
GHS Label Elements: Exclamation mark symbol, warning required on label
Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, incidental inhalation, accidental ingestion
Acute Health Effects: Redness or stinging in eyes, mild skin rash, headache or nausea from high vapor exposure
Chronic Health Effects: Overuse can cause nervous system effects, especially in children, including headaches or muscle twitching

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide
CAS Number: 134-62-3
Chemical Formula: C₁₂H₁₇NO
Concentration: Usually ranges 10%–100% depending on product
Impurities: Typically includes minor contaminants below reporting thresholds, traces from solvent or manufacturing process
Additives: Many insect repellent formulations include solvents (like alcohol or isopropanol), stabilizers or fragrances, composition details available from individual product labels

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air if symptoms such as dizziness or headache develop; seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area with soap and water for several minutes, discontinue use if rash or irritation develops
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with cool, clean water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids apart; if irritation continues, seek medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, seek prompt medical care or poison control guidance
General Notes: Always seek medical attention for persistent irritation or if large quantities are involved; keep product label on hand for medical responders

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide or water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet may spread burning material
Special Hazards: Product vapors may form explosive mixtures with air at high temperatures, combustion produces toxic gases including nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Firefighting Procedures: Cool fire-exposed containers with water spray, prevent runoff from entering drains or natural water sources

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area if vapor is heavy, avoid breathing mist or vapor, use protective gloves and eyewear
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering waterways, drains or soil
Methods of Cleanup: Absorb small spills with inert material (sand, earth), scoop up and dispose in chemical waste container; for large spills, dike and collect liquid for proper disposal
Decontamination: Wash area thoroughly with water and mild detergent, ventilate affected area
Reporting: Notify relevant environmental authorities for significant spillages, especially if it enters water systems

7. Handling and Storage

Handling Guidelines: Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact, handle in well-ventilated areas, do not eat, drink or smoke during use, keep away from heat and open flames
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed original container, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place out of reach of children
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, alkalis
Safe Storage Temperatures: Ideally between 10–30°C (50–86°F), do not freeze or expose to high heat
Container Hazards: Do not reuse empty containers, always keep tightly sealed when not in use

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use outdoors or in well-ventilated areas; if using indoors, mechanical exhaust is recommended
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves if handling bulk or concentrated product, use splash goggles when splashing risk exists, always wash hands after use
Industrial Exposure Limits: No established OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV for DEET, but minimize inhalation using local exhaust
Respiratory Protection: Not generally required under normal use; for significant airborne concentrations, use NIOSH-approved respirator
Hygiene Practices: Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse, avoid transferring product to food or beverage containers

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, oily liquid, sometimes pale yellow
Odor: Slightly aromatic, characteristic odor
Molecular Weight: 191.27 g/mol
Melting Point: -45°C (-49°F)
Boiling Point: 288°C (550°F)
Flash Point: 93°C (199°F) (closed cup method)
Solubility: Slight solubility in water; readily soluble in ethanol, acetone, and other organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Around 0.001 mmHg at 25°C
Density: 0.997 g/cm³ at 25°C
pH: Neutral (in aqueous solution)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Approximately 2.2
Viscosity: Slightly viscous at room temperature
Evaporation Rate: Slow under ambient conditions

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Not highly reactive, but reacts with strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: May release toxic fumes including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide when heated or burned
Polymerization: Not known to occur under typical conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, incompatible chemicals
Incompatibility: Contact with strong acids, bases or oxidizers can result in hazardous reactions

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ in rats about 1,800 mg/kg; dermal LD₅₀ in rabbits about 5,000 mg/kg
Routes of Exposure: Skin absorption, ingestion, accidental eye or mucous membrane contact
Potential Health Effects: Frequent exposure can cause rashes, swelling, stinging of eyes, mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested
Chronic Exposure: Misuse has led to neurological symptoms, especially in young children, including disorientation and muscle weakness; safe use on intact skin minimizes risks
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP or OSHA
Sensitization: Rare cases of skin sensitization with repeated use over time

12. Ecological Information

Environmental Impact: Biodegradation occurs slowly, moderate risk to aquatic life from concentrated releases
Aquatic Toxicity: Fish LC₅₀ (96 h): 75 mg/L (rainbow trout); Daphnia EC₅₀: 56 mg/L; may be toxic to aquatic invertebrates
Soil Mobility: DEET can move through soil, but most soil bacteria help break it down over a period of weeks to months
Persistence: Not persistent in the environment under normal use, partial breakdown by microbes and sunlight
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low to moderate, log Kow suggests some tendency to accumulate in aquatic organisms

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of contents/containers through a licensed hazardous waste disposal contractor
Product Disposal: Unused product should never be poured down drains, toilets or natural waterways; treat as hazardous waste
Container Disposal: Triple-rinse (or equivalent), puncture and send to sanitary landfill or hazardous recycling center
Local Regulations: Follow all regional guidelines for chemical and household hazardous waste
Avoidance: Prevent bulk quantities from entering soil or groundwater

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport under the most current DOT, ADR, IATA, or IMDG codes
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Hazard Class: Not hazardous as per shipping regulations
Packing Group: No packing group assigned
Special Precautions: Keep containers tightly closed, prevent leaks or spillages during transit
Labeling Requirements: Follow ordinary product labeling, no special transport hazard label required

15. Regulatory Information

US EPA: Registered pesticide active ingredient, subject to FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) regulations
OSHA: Not regulated as a hazardous chemical under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200
TSCA Status: Listed in the US Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
EU Regulations: Compliant with REACH, classified as a biocide
WHMIS (Canada): Not controlled under the Canadian WHMIS system
SARA Title III: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance
California Proposition 65: Not listed as causing cancer or reproductive toxicity
Other Regulatory Details: Check local, state and national requirements for storage, use, disposal and transport permissions; varying restrictions may apply in some countries