Product Name: Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Surfactant
Chemical Family: Non-ionic polyether compound
Chemical Formula: HO–(C2H4O)n–H
Trade Names: Varies by manufacturer, often includes trade marks such as Macrogol
Use: Emulsifier, dispersing agent, solubilizer in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, industrial cleaners
Manufacturer Identification: Name, address, and 24/7 emergency contact number provided by product supplier
Synonyms: Polyethylene oxide, Polyoxyethylene glycols, PEG-n
Recommended Restrictions: Professional and industrial use only
Status: Generally non-hazardous under expected conditions of use
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous
Signal Word: Not applicable
Potential Symptoms: May cause mild irritation to skin, eyes, or respiratory tract upon direct contact or prolonged exposure
Environmental Hazards: Low toxicity to aquatic life but large spills can cause foaming issues in water systems
Precautionary Statements: Avoid eye contact and inhalation of dust or mist, wear skin protection during handling, wash thoroughly after handling
Main Ingredient: Polyethylene Glycol (70%-99%)
CAS Number: Range from 25322-68-3 for general PEG to more specific designations by molecular weight
Impurities: Trace unreacted ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane possible at extremely low levels
Additives: Some formulations contain stabilizers, anti-oxidants or co-surfactants, exact details depend on manufacturer and grade
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical advice if respiratory irritation develops or persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with water, wash with soap as precaution
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, do not induce vomiting unless directed by a physician, consult healthcare provider if symptoms appear
Important Note: Symptomatic treatment only, no specific antidote required
Flammability: PEG surfactant is not classified as highly flammable, though decomposition can occur at elevated temperatures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide for larger fires
Unsuitable Media: Strong water jets might spread the liquid
Hazardous Combustion Products: Oxides of carbon, aldehydes, and other unidentified hydrocarbons
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Explosion Risk: Minor dust explosion risk if dry product forms suspended clouds in air, especially in poorly ventilated areas
Personal Precautions: Use gloves and safety goggles, avoid entering spill area unless properly protected
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers or waterways, contain spill for collection
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material like sand or vermiculite, collect in suitable closed containers, clean area with water to remove residues
Large Spills: Notify local authorities per regulatory requirements for chemical releases
Elimination of Secondary Hazards: Ensure adequate ventilation to avoid build-up of vapors or dust
Handling: Wear gloves and eye protection, avoid generating dust or mist, maintain good industrial hygiene throughout the work process, wash hands after contact
Storage Conditions: Store in sealed containers, keep in cool, ventilated area away from direct sunlight, separate from incompatible materials like strong oxidizers
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, peroxides
Empty Containers: Remain hazardous, residue may present risks, follow proper cleaning and disposal steps
Engineering Controls: Use with local exhaust ventilation where dust, aerosols, or vapors may be generated
Monitoring: No established workplace exposure limits for PEG, but good ventilation is a safe standard
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved mask for dust or aerosol-producing tasks, typically unnecessary for routine use
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, laboratory coat or apron
General Hygiene: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area, wash hands and face after handling materials
Environmental Exposure Controls: Prevent uncontrolled release to environment, implement spill response and disposal procedures promptly
Appearance: Colorless to slightly yellow, viscous liquid or waxy solid at room temperature
Odor: Mild, nearly odorless
pH: 5.0 to 7.5 (5% solution at 25°C)
Boiling Range: Varies by molecular weight, above 250°C for average types
Melting Point: 45-55°C for mid-weight forms, lower for liquid PEGs
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, miscible with many organic solvents
Flash Point: Typically above 220°C (closed cup method)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Viscosity: Increases with molecular weight, thickening behavior used in many applications
Partition Coefficient: Low log Kow value (less than 0), indicating low bioaccumulation tendency
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Decomposition: At elevated temperatures, breakdown may yield toxic gases including carbon monoxide and formaldehyde
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, some peroxides
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid excessive heat, direct sunlight, and contact with incompatible chemicals
Polymerization Risk: Not regarded as a polymerization risk under normal handling
Acute Toxicity: Low, oral LD50 in rats above 15,000 mg/kg for most grades
Inhalation: Unlikely to cause problems except mechanical irritation in dusty atmospheres
Eye/Skin Irritation: May cause slight, reversible irritation on contact, rarely sensitizing
Chronic Exposure: No carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive effects seen in long-term studies, not listed in IARC or other cancer risk lists
Sensitization: Rare, some individuals may develop dermatitis after repeated exposure
Target Organs: Not considered to accumulate or produce target organ toxicity
Acute Aquatic Toxicity: Low, not harmful to fish, Daphnia, or algae at concentrations associated with routine handling
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable, breaks down through natural microbial processes
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, does not persist in food chains
Mobility in Soil: High water solubility suggests potential to move through soils, but rapid degradation and adsorption onto particles limit risk
Additional Ecological Data: Excessive foaming possible in aquatic systems if discharged in large amounts, observe regulations on large-volume releases
Waste Management: Dispose according to local, state, and federal regulations, do not pour large amounts into drains
Residue Handling: Completely empty container and wash well before recycling or disposal, avoid disposal by incineration unless permitted at facility
Recycling and Recovery: Some surplus PEG surfactants may be recoverable for use in lower-grade applications
Landfill Suitability: Typically acceptable for community landfill, but check local restrictions
Container Disposal: Take care with containers as residues may cause slipping or aquatic foaming
UN Number: Not regulated by international transportation authorities
Proper Shipping Name: Polyethylene Glycol Surfactant
Hazard Class: Non-hazardous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Labeling Requirements: No hazardous pictograms required
Special Precautions: Protect from large temperature fluctuations and rough handling during transport
Marine Transport: Not considered a marine pollutant by IMDG code
Inventory Listings: Registered under major chemical inventories such as TSCA (USA), REACH (EU), DSL (Canada), ENCS (Japan)
SARA Title III: Not listed
California Proposition 65: Not listed as containing chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity
OSHA Status: Not regulated as a hazardous substance
REACH CLP Status: Not classified as hazardous
Other Regulatory Notes: Trace impurities like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, routinely monitored and controlled to very low levels by reputable manufacturers, subject to periodic updates as per food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical safety laws
