Material Safety Data Sheet: Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether

Identification

Product Name: Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether
Synonyms: Laureth, Laureth-4, Polyethylene glycol lauryl ether
CAS Number: 9002-92-0
Recommended Use: Surfactant in detergents, cleaners, cosmetics
Supplier: Refer to supplier address on packaging
Contact Phone: Manufacturer’s emergency line
Email: Emergency contact from vendor documentation

Hazard Identification

Physical State: Liquid or paste
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Odor: Mild, characteristic
GHS Classification: Eye irritation, Skin irritation
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes eye irritation, skin irritation if prolonged contact occurs
Precautionary Statements: Wear eye/face protection, wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid prolonged exposure
Emergency Overview: Spilled product can increase slip risk; improper use can result in eye and skin discomfort

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: C12H25(OCH2CH2)nOH (where n varies)
Main Component: Polyoxyethylene(4) lauryl ether (average EO group: 4)
Purity: Typically 95% or greater
Other Components: Trace impurities, unreacted lauryl alcohol, polyethylene glycol fractions

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with water and mild soap; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water, lifting eyelids; seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, give water to drink, do not induce vomiting; contact poison control or a doctor
Most Important Symptoms: Redness, discomfort, watering of eyes, skin dryness or slight rash possible
Note to Doctors: Treat symptomatically; monitor respiratory and cardiovascular function if large exposures occur

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray
Unsuitable Media: High-pressure water jets
Specific Hazards: In case of fire, product can emit toxic fumes including oxides of carbon
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear
Special Precautions: Cool exposed containers; prevent runoff from entering drains or watercourses

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with skin, eyes; ventilate area; keep unprotected persons away
Containment Methods: Dike spill with sand or inert absorbent material to prevent spread
Clean-up Methods: Absorb with suitable material, shovel into containers; wash area with plenty of water
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains, surface or groundwater
Disposal: Place in suitable chemical waste container for proper disposal

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use in well-ventilated area; avoid direct contact; follow workplace chemical hygiene rules
Storage Conditions: Store in closed, labeled containers in cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and sources of ignition
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids
Handling Precautions: Avoid splashing; wash hands after use
Specific Requirements: Containers tightly sealed; keep away from food, drink, and animal feed

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Not specifically established
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation if vapor or mist forms
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves (nitrile or neoprene recommended), safety glasses or goggles, protective clothing where large splashes possible
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin before breaks and after work
Respiratory Protection: Not needed under normal conditions; use approved mask if mist or vapor forms significantly

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow, clear to slightly hazy liquid
Odor: Faint, characteristic
pH: 5-7 (1% solution in water)
Boiling Point: > 100°C
Melting Point: Typically < 0°C
Flash Point: > 150°C (CC)
Solubility: Easily soluble in water
Density: Around 1.02-1.06 g/cm³
Viscosity: Moderate to high, depending on the EO group content
Vapor Pressure: Very low at ambient temperature

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Hazardous Reactions: None under normal use
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizing agents, acids
Decomposition Products: Oxides of carbon on burning, possible generation of ethylene oxide at high temperature
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization expected

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Low by oral, dermal, or inhalation routes (oral LD50: around 2000-5000 mg/kg in rats)
Irritation: Causes temporary irritation to eyes and skin on prolonged contact
Sensitization: Not a known sensitizer
Chronic Effects: No evidence of chronic toxicity at normal workplace exposure levels
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: No known mutagenic or teratogenic hazard

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Slightly toxic to aquatic organisms (LC50 for fish ~ 1-10 mg/L)
Degradability: Product breaks down slowly in the environment; not readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation: Low potential; product does not tend to accumulate in organisms
Mobility in Soil: High mobility due to water solubility
Results of PBT and vPvB Assessment: Not identified as PBT or vPvB
Other Adverse Effects: High concentration spills may reduce oxygen exchange at water surfaces

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Incinerate or landfill at approved facility; do not release undiluted product to waterways
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers before disposal; follow local regulations
Disposal Prohibitions: Do not mix with household garbage or pour into drains
Special Handling: Follow all federal, state, and local regulations regarding disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as hazardous during transport
Transport Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollutant: Not classified
Special Transport Notes: Secure containers to prevent leaks or spills; avoid loading near foodstuffs

Regulatory Information

Label Requirements: Eye irritant, precautionary phrases required
TSCA Status: Listed
REACH Status: Registered in Europe where applicable
RCRA Status: Not a listed hazardous waste
Other Regulatory Information: Not subject to major international restrictions
Workplace Labelling: Follow local/national occupational health and safety systems
DSL/NDSL: Listed in Canada