Hydroquinone - Wall

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What It is and
Where it's found

Hydroquinone(C6H6O2) is a chemical used by the industry to manufacture certain products. It has six atoms of Carbon, six atoms of Hydrogen and two atoms of oxygen. It is used in the production of other chemicals. It is used as an additive to heat-shrink tubing, restorative paste and bonding tape; also, it helps develop black and white pictures. It is used in nail-polish, hair-dye and skin- lightening preparations(skin bleaching)Hydroquinone occurs naturally in some foods. It does not, however,
pose any risks to Canadians ("Hydroquinone," 2010).


How It Works

Hydroquinone works by increasing the breakdown of melanosomes. However, Hydroquinone also decreases the production of melanosomes(Ngan, 2010).

Side Effects

Hydroquinone has the potential to be a very harmful chemical. First of all, it can cause a corneal ulceration if it gets into someone's eyes. If enough -300-500mL- Hydroquinone touches someone's skin, it may cause dermatitis.

If hydroquinone is ingested or inhaled, it may cause respiratory and gastrointestinal irritation, cyanosis, dyspania, haemolytic anemia, convulsions or unconsciousness. Inhaling two-hundred milligrams or more is life threatening.

First Aid Treatments and Safety Precautions

If someone gets hydroquinone in their eyes, they should: rinse/wash their eyes for at least fifteen minutes and consult a physician.
If hydroquinone comes into contact with some one's skin, they should wash their hands immediately with non-abrasive soap. If irritation occurs, consult a physician.
If someone ingests it, they should not induce vomiting. Another person should check their lips and mouth area to make sure that no tissues are damaged. They should loosen tight clothing. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation may be performed if he/she is not breathing. Seek the advice of a physician immediately.
If someone inhales hydroquinone, they should be brought into a well-ventilated area immediately, tight clothing should be loosened and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation may be performed. Seek medical attention immediately("Hydroquinone msds," 2011).

Do not breathe in hydroquinone. Store in a cool area.


Physical Properties

State- Solid crystals
Colour- White
Odour- Odourless
Boiling Point- 286 degrees Celsius
Melting Point- 170-174 degrees Celsius("Hydroquinone msds," 2011)

Chemical Properties

Slightly combustible when preheated
Slightly explosive when exposed to heat.
Reactive at high temperatures("Hydroquinone msds," 2011)

Videos

"Dermatology and Skin Diseases: What is Hydroquinone?"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv4ZjmC7Cr0

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Hydroquinone is a very dangerous chemical and should not be put into any substances. First of all, hydroquinone may cause cyanosis. Cyanosis is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. It turns the skin and mucous membranes blue. It may lead to death. Furthermore, Hydroquinone may also cause Hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia is an ailment in which the red blood cells are being extirpated faster than the bone marrow can produce them. Finally, if someone accidentally inhales two-hundred milligrams or more, they may die. Therefore, Hydroquinone is a very dangerous chemical and putting it in substances should be illegal because of the diseases that it is liable to cause.

Works Cited

Hydroquinone. (2010, February 22). Retrieved from http://www.chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca/challenge-defi/summary-sommaire/batch-lot-1/123-31-9-eng.php

Hydroquinone msds. (2010, November 10). Retrieved from http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927544

Ngan, V. (2010, August 28). Hydroquinone(bleaching cream). Retrieved from http://www.dermnet.org.nz/treatments/hydroquinone.html