Product Name: Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether
Synonyms: Alcohol ethoxylates, Nonionic surfactant
Chemical Formula: R-(OCH₂CH₂)n-OH, where R is a fatty alkyl group
CAS Number: Mixture; typical CAS number: 68439-46-3
Product Uses: Detergent formulation, emulsification, textile processing, wetting agent
Manufacturer Information: Supplied upon request for each lot, contact hazardous material team for sourcing and technical topics
Emergency Contact Number: Emergency responder information—label this clearly near storage locations
Recommended Use Restriction: Industrial and commercial applications only, avoid consumer use unless trained in chemical handling
GHS Classification: Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Aquatic chronic toxicity (Category 3)
Pictograms: Exclamation mark symbol for health hazards
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and serious eye irritation; harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Precautionary Statements: Wear gloves/protective goggles; avoid release to environment; wash hands thoroughly after handling; in case of contact with eyes, rinse cautiously
Most Important Hazards: Eye contact produces redness, watering, stinging; skin exposure may cause dryness; prolonged or repeated contact increases dermatitis risk
Chemical Name: Alcohols, C12-14, ethoxylated
Concentration Range: 85–100% active ingredient; range varies by product grade
CAS Number: 68439-50-9 for typical blend
Impurities: Trace sodium sulfate, unreacted fatty alcohol, low levels of ethylene oxide residues
Other Components: Water (<1%) as stabilizer, minor fatty acid impurities resulting from manufacturing
Note: No additives added after primary synthesis; batch variance monitored by quality assurance laboratory
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, restore breathing with standard support if difficulties arise, call medical help if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash area thoroughly with soap and water for several minutes, remove contaminated clothing, consult doctor if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids to ensure thorough flushing, remove contact lenses, seek medical attention if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, never induce vomiting without medical advice, drink water in small sips, call poison control center or doctor right away
Medical Attention and Special Treatment: No specific antidote, treat symptomatically; for repeated exposure or unconscious patients, transport to medical facility
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide: select method appropriate for surrounding materials
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water jets can spread spilled product
Specific Hazards: Combustion releases toxic fumes including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and small amounts of acrid smoke
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Additional Advice: Cool fire-exposed tanks from a safe distance, contain run-off to prevent product entry into drains or natural waterways; avoid inhaling vapors
Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with skin and eyes, wear adequate PPE (gloves, goggles, boots), ensure good ventilation in enclosed areas
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage; do not flush into sewers; contain with dikes or absorbent material
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spilled material with inert absorbent (sand, earth, vermiculite), collect and place in labeled containers for disposal; wash affected area with water using minimal detergent
Reporting: Notify local environmental authorities if large spill threatens surface water or drains, document spill for workplace safety records
Safe Handling Practices: Avoid inhalation of vapor, aerosol, or mist; do not eat, drink, or smoke while working; use personal protective equipment
Technical Measures: Use only in well-ventilated places; minimize dust and mist formation; use grounded and explosion-proof equipment if flammable materials are nearby
Storage Conditions: Keep containers tightly closed, store in original packaging, avoid strong oxidizing agents and acids; shield from extreme heat, moisture, or direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers, nitrating agents
Specific End Uses: Standard industrial manufacturing and cleaning processes
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established exposure limits for this mixture; ensure airborne concentrations remain below irritation threshold
Engineering Controls: Mechanical ventilation, safety eye-wash stations, local exhaust where mist or aerosols may be generated
Personal Protection Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or PVC), safety goggles, lightweight protective clothing as splash barrier
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator if vapor or mist exceeds comfort levels
Hygiene Measures: Change contaminated clothing, wash hands before food preparation or breaks, do not reuse PPE without washing
Appearance: Clear to slightly cloudy viscous liquid; may form waxy solid at low temperature
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Odor: Mild, fatty-alcohol-like smell
pH (10% solution): 5.0–7.5, varies with ethoxylation degree and batch
Melting Point/Freezing Point: 2°C – 10°C
Boiling Point: Above 200°C (decomposes, does not boil cleanly)
Flash Point: Above 150°C (open cup)
Evaporation Rate: Negligible
Flammability: Non-flammable, but combustible at high heat
Vapor Pressure: Less than 0.01 mmHg at 20°C
Solubility: Soluble in water, forms dispersions with oils
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): Expected range: 1–3 for most commercial grades
Viscosity: 100–500 mPa.s (varies by EO content and temperature)
Autoignition Temperature: Above 300°C
Decomposition Temperature: Starts to decompose above 200°C
Chemical Stability: Maintains integrity under normal operating conditions; stable at ambient temperature when sealed
Reactivity: No hazardous reactions occur with water, air, or most construction materials
Conditions to Avoid: Overheating, strong oxidizers, direct sunlight, strong acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acrolein, aldehydes at elevated temperatures
Polymerization: Does not undergo dangerous polymerization during storage or use
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ (rat): 1400–2100 mg/kg, indicating low to moderate risk; dermal exposure has higher tolerance threshold
Skin Irritation: Causes mild to moderate irritation depending on concentration; repeated contact leads to dryness, in some cases dermatitis
Eye Irritation: Causes redness, discomfort, and watering; concentrated solutions result in more persistent symptoms
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation of mist may cause coughing or short-term throat irritation; significant impacts not likely under normal handling
Sensitization: No known severe allergic reactions documented, but large scale or frequent exposure should be monitored
Chronic Effects: Prolonged contact or inadequate protection can worsen skin irritation; no strong evidence for carcinogenicity or chronic systemic toxicity
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life (LC₅₀/EC₅₀ for fish and daphnia between 1–10 mg/L); avoid large scale environmental exposure
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable, over 60% mineralization in 28 days in standard OECD test
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low to moderate, adsorption to sediment possible; breakdown products are less hazardous
Mobility in Soil: High water solubility increases movement through soil, but screening indicates low risk of groundwater contamination
Other Adverse Effects: At high local concentrations, depletes oxygen in water bodies
Product Disposal: Recycle or reuse if possible, dispose of in accordance with local environmental legislation; do not pour into drains, surface water, or soil
Container Disposal: Triple-rinse containers, utilize appropriate industrial landfill or incineration with pollution control
Disposal must comply with: Local, regional, and national regulations for hazardous chemical wastes
Uncleaned Packaging: Residue may present environmental risks, treat as hazardous waste
UN Number: Not regulated under UN, IMDG, IATA rules when shipped in non-bulk quantity
Proper Shipping Name: Non-dangerous goods, fatty alcohol ethoxylate
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous for road, rail, sea, or air transport in typical packaging
Packing Group: None applicable for standard grades
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant label not mandatory, but best practice is to prevent accidental release
Special Transport Precautions: Secure tightly, avoid transport with strong oxidizers, check compatibility with other bulk chemicals
Inventory Status: Included in TSCA (US), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada), IECSC (China)
Label Elements: GHS-compliant labels, precautionary advice as per hazard identification section
Workplace Classification: Category 2 skin/eye irritant under OSHA and EU CLP
Restrictions: Use limited to trained operators in settings with appropriate engineering controls
Chemical Safety Assessment: Manufacturer provides assessment for safe handling, exposure controls, and environmental protection; always review local compliance requirements with safety office
