Product Name: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Synonyms: SLS, Lauryl Sodium Sulfate
Chemical Formula: C12H25SO4Na
CAS Number: 151-21-3
Recommended Use: Used in detergents, cleaners, shampoos, and other personal care products
Manufacturer: Noted chemical producers in multiple global regions
Emergency Contact: Refer to local poison control and emergency services
Classification: Irritant to skin, eyes, and respiratory system
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin and eye irritation, may cause respiratory discomfort, can aggravate pre-existing skin conditions
Pictograms: Exclamation mark (GHS07), Corrosive symbol
Precautionary Statements: Avoid direct contact, wear appropriate protection, prevent inhalation and ingestion, wash thoroughly after handling
Symptoms of Exposure: Redness, itching, burning sensation, coughing, shortness of breath on inhalation of dust or mist
Chemical: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Concentration: 90–99% by weight
Impurities: Trace amounts of sodium sulfate, ethanol, water
Other Ingredients: Small residues from manufacturing process (validated safe during quality checks)
OSHA Hazardous Components: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate as primary hazard
EC Number: 205-788-1
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse affected area thoroughly with water for at least 10 minutes, seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with running water for a minimum of 15 minutes, lift eyelids occasionally, contact ophthalmologist
Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air without delay, administer oxygen if breathing is difficult, contact physician if symptoms continue
Ingestion: Avoid inducing vomiting, rinse mouth with water, drink water if aware and responsive, seek prompt medical advice
Note to Physicians: Treat symptomatically, monitor for respiratory distress or severe irritation
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical powder, or foam extinguishers
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet may disperse chemical
Specific Hazards: May release toxic oxides of sulfur and sodium under intense heat
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes
Special Procedures: Remove containers from fire area if safe, cool exposed containers with water
Combustion Products: Sulfur oxides, sodium oxides, may cause hazardous fumes
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, face shields, and approved masks to avoid contact and inhalation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, and surface water to reduce harm to aquatic organisms
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up and place in labeled container for proper disposal, ventilate area, wash spill site after material pickup
Waste Disposal: Dispose according to local environmental regulations, avoid washing into waterways
Emergency Procedures: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, isolate hazard area
Safe Handling: Minimize dust generation, avoid contact with skin and eyes, keep containers tightly closed in use
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands, face, and exposed areas thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke while using
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers and acids
Container Requirements: Use corrosion-resistant, tightly sealed containers clearly labeled
Storage Temperature Range: Maintain at ambient temperatures for optimal stability
Occupational Exposure Limits: Not strictly established, minimize airborne concentrations
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure to contain dust, use dust collection equipment
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile or neoprene), protective clothing, NIOSH-approved respirators for dust/mist
Workplace Practices: Use eye wash stations and emergency showers, keep work area clean, dispose contaminated materials safely
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder or needles
Odor: Mild soapy scent
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: 7–9 (1% solution in water)
Melting Point: 204–207°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Readily soluble in warm water
Density: 0.21 g/cm³ (bulk)
Vapor Pressure: Essentially non-volatile
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 1.6
Decomposition Temperature: Above 210°C
Flash Point: Not applicable
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not determined
Explosive Properties: Not classified as explosive
Chemical Stability: Maintains integrity under normal ambient storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Non-reactive under recommended conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Reaction with acids generates toxic fumes (sulfur oxides), reaction with oxidizers may be vigorous
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to high temperatures, moisture, strong acids, and oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides, sodium oxides
Incompatibility: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): ~1,300 mg/kg
Skin Irritation: Causes moderate to severe irritation and dryness on prolonged or repeated contact
Eye Irritation: Causes severe irritation, risk of corneal injury
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation of dust/mist may trigger coughing, wheezing, throat irritation
Sensitization: Not classified as a skin sensitizer
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may worsen dermatitis or respiratory issues for sensitive individuals
Mutagenicity: Tests reveal no genetic effects at standard exposure
Reproductive Toxicity: Not identified as a reproductive hazard
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects, LC50 (fish, 96h): 10–100 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegrades in wastewater treatment but can persist if discharged in high concentrations
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low to moderate, not expected to accumulate significantly in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile, may leach to groundwater if not properly contained
Aquatic Effects: Causes foaming and disrupts oxygen transfer, risk of toxicity to fish and invertebrates
Other Hazards: Surface runoff may affect drinking water sources; importance of preventing entry into natural water systems
Waste Treatment Methods: Use chemical waste bins, label accordingly, handle as hazardous waste
Disposal Restrictions: Do not dispose of in municipal sewers or natural waterways, do not burn residue
Container Disposal: Triple-rinse containers, puncture and dispose of through licensed waste contractor
Environmental Impact: Seek to reduce chemical waste generation and release to limit impact on aquatic systems
Regulatory Requirements: Comply with federal, state, and local hazardous waste guidelines
UN Number: Not regulated under most international transport codes
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified under GHS transport classes
Packing Group: Not assigned
Transport Labels: Not required for land, air, or sea transport
Special Precautions: Prevent packaging from leakage, transport in sealed containers, avoid strong acids or oxidants in shared loads
Shipping Description: Anionic surfactant, SLS, not regarded as a transport hazard but can irritate if spilled; check destination-specific controls for high volumes
OSHA Status: Regulated as an irritant, ensure workplace hazard communication
TSCA Status: Listed on the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
REACH Status: Registered in accordance with European regulation
HazCom Classification: Hazardous, requires proper labeling and training
Other Regulatory Listings: Included in Australian AICS, Canadian DSL, Japanese ENCS
Labeling: Signal word “Warning”, hazard pictograms, precautionary phrases required for workplace handling
Right-To-Know Lists: Identified for reporting in several US states under community right-to-know laws
Other Guidelines: Subject to evaluation for concentration limits in rinse-off personal care and cleaning formulations
