Hydroquinone

Synonyms & Trade Names

1,4-Benzenediol, p-Benzenediol, Dihydroxybenzene, 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene, Quinol

Physical Description

Light-tan, light-gray, or colorless crystals.

Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers, alkalis

Symptoms

irritation eyes: conjunctivitis; keratitis (inflammation of the cornea); central nervous system excitement; colored urine, nausea, dizziness, suffocation, rapid breath; muscle twitching, delirium; collapse; skin irritation, sensitization, dermatitis

Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 50 mg/m³:
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter.^£
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode^£
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection