MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Povidone-Iodine (PVPI)
Antiseptic / disinfectant complex — According to GHS and international chemical safety standards for topical iodine-based solutions.
⚠️ Hazard Identification
Povidone-Iodine is classified as an irritant. Prolonged or excessive exposure may cause skin/eye irritation.
- H315: Causes skin irritation.
- H319: Causes serious eye irritation.
- H335: May cause respiratory irritation (dust/mist).
- H402: Harmful to aquatic life.
- Inhalation: May cause coughing, throat irritation; sensitive individuals might experience bronchospasm.
- Skin Contact: Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause dryness, irritation, contact dermatitis (especially in iodine-sensitive persons).
- Eye Contact: Direct contact causes burning, redness, tearing, and possible corneal injury.
- Ingestion: Low acute toxicity in small amounts, but larger doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, metallic taste, nausea, and risk of systemic iodine effects.
🧪 Composition & Incompatibilities
Povidone-Iodine is a complex of iodine with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Available as 10% solution (1% available iodine). Avoid contact with:
- Reducing Agents (sodium thiosulfate, metabisulfite) - chemical decomposition / inactivation
- Alkaline substances (strong bases, ammonia, lime water) - reduces activity
- Hydrogen Peroxide & Silver salts - incompatibility
- Mercury compounds (risk of explosive mercury iodide)
- Tannic acid, starch, certain metals (aluminum, iron) - may stain or degrade
🚑 First Aid Measures
| Inhalation | Remove to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist. If person shows signs of respiratory distress, call a physician. | Remove contact lenses if present. Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids. If irritation persists, get medical attention. | Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Rinse mouth. Give water (if conscious). Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek medical help if large amount swallowed. Note: Small accidental ingestion (mouthful) is not expected to cause systemic toxicity. |
|---|
🔥 Fire Fighting & Accidental Release
Product is not flammable. On decomposition by heat, may release toxic iodine vapors, hydrogen iodide, and carbon oxides. Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, CO₂, or dry chemical. Firefighters should wear NIOSH-approved SCBA and full protective gear.
Accidental Release Measures (spills):- Wear PPE: nitrile gloves, chemical goggles, and protective clothing.
- Contain spill with absorbent (sand, vermiculite, or universal binder).
- Avoid creating aerosols; ventilate area.
- Collect in proper labeled waste container. Do not flush into drains or surface water.
- Clean residue with water and detergent; dispose according to local regulations.
🛡️ Handling, Storage & Personal Protection (PPE)
Store in original tightly closed container at room temperature (15–30°C). Protect from light, heat and moisture. Shelf-life: typically 2–3 years. Avoid contact with reducing agents and metals. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Keep away from food and drink.
Exposure Guidelines (Occupational):| Iodine (component) – OSHA PEL | Ceiling: 0.1 ppm (1 mg/m³) (as iodine) |
|---|---|
| ACGIH TLV (for iodine) | Ceiling 0.1 ppm (1 mg/m³) |
| PVPI-specific OEL | Not established; use iodine limits as guidance. |
- 🫁 RespiratoryIf mist/vapor: particulate respirator (N95) or acid-gas cartridge (iodine) in industrial settings.
- 🧤 GlovesNitrile or neoprene gloves (minimum thickness 0.11 mm); replace if contaminated.
- 👁️ Eyes/FaceChemical splash goggles. Face shield recommended for bulk handling.
- 👕 BodyLab coat, apron; PVC or rubber protective clothing if risk of large spill.
🔬 Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance (commercial solution) | Dark brown viscous liquid (typical 10% PVPI) / solid as yellowish-brown amorphous powder |
|---|---|
| Odor | Characteristic iodine-like, sharp scent |
| Molecular Weight (complex) | Variable; PVP portion ~ 40,000 g/mol, iodine complexed |
| pH (10% solution) | :Usually 3.0 – 5.0 (acidic) |
| Density (10% solution) | Approx 1.02 – 1.05 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling; solvent water boils at 100°C |
| Solubility | :Freely soluble in water, ethanol, and propylene glycol. |
| Available Iodine | Typically 0.9% – 1.2% (w/v) in 10% solution |
📦 Stability, Toxicology & Transport
Stable under normal storage conditions. Decomposes upon heating (>40°C) or exposure to light, resulting in loss of iodine content. Avoid incompatible materials (reducing agents, alkalis).
Toxicological Data (PVPI):| Acute oral LD50 (rat) | :> 5,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
|---|---|
| Skin irritation (rabbit) | :Moderate irritant |
| Eye irritation | :Moderate to severe (depends on concentration) |
| Sensitization | :May cause allergic contact dermatitis in iodine-sensitive individuals |
| UN Number | :UN 3265 (Corrosive liquid, acidic, organic, n.o.s.) for concentrated solutions |
|---|---|
| Hazard Class | :Class 8 (Corrosive) |
| Packing Group | :III (Low risk for dilute solutions) or II depending on concentration |
| Marine pollutant | :No (but avoid release into environment) |
♻️ Disposal & Ecotoxicity
Povidone-Iodine waste must be disposed as hazardous pharmaceutical waste or chemical waste according to local, state, and federal regulations. Do not discharge into municipal sewers, surface water, or groundwater. Inactivation with sodium thiosulfate (reducing agent) before disposal may be considered to neutralize iodine activity.
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms (H402). Iodine released from product is toxic to algae and fish. Prevent environmental contamination.
⚕️ Medical & Special Notes
- Iodine sensitivity: Persons with known hypersensitivity to iodine or PVP should avoid direct exposure.
- Pregnancy / Lactation: Topical use under medical supervision is generally considered safe, but prolonged application on large areas should be avoided.
- Thyroid effects: Excessive systemic absorption may affect thyroid function tests or cause transient hypothyroidism in neonates or susceptible individuals.
- Staining: PVPI stains skin, fabrics, and plastics brown. Stain can be removed with sodium thiosulfate solution or diluted ammonia.
DISCLAIMER: This Safety Data Sheet (SDS) summarizes typical properties and hazards of Povidone-Iodine based on public sources and GHS classification. Always consult the original manufacturer’s SDS and perform risk assessment for specific applications.