Product Name: Polyethylene Glycol
Chemical Formula: H(OCH2CH2)nOH
CAS Number: 25322-68-3
Synonyms: PEG, Polyoxyethylene glycol, Carbowax
Manufacturer Contact: Check SDS from supplier; common commercial suppliers include Sigma-Aldrich and BASF
Recommended Uses: Used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial lubricants, drug delivery
Emergency Phone: Refer to specific product packaging for up-to-date contact information
GHS Classification: PEG ranks as a non-hazardous substance for typical use, but potential irritation happens with prolonged inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact
Hazard Statements: Skin contact: mild redness or dryness. Inhalation: dust can be mildly irritating to upper respiratory tract. Eye contact: risk of temporary discomfort or watering
Pictograms: No symbol needed for most PEGs
Signal Word: Not required on most commercial packaging
Precautionary Statements: Prevent dust buildup; keep away from open wounds; avoid eye contact; use adequate ventilation for powders
Other Health Effects: Chronic overexposure could produce skin dryness, itching or slight dermatitis
Component: Polyethylene Glycol
Purity: Commonly >99%, verify by supplier datasheet
CAS Number: 25322-68-3
Other Components: None in pure grades; technical grades may contain trace stabilizers or impurities from manufacturing
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for 10–15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove clothing if contaminated
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention for persistent respiratory irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; drink water to dilute; medical assistance recommended only with large quantities, as most PEG grades have low acute toxicity
Symptoms: Dryness, itching, minor redness, upper respiratory tract irritation or temporary GI discomfort
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water fog, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam, or dry chemical powder
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, various low molecular weight organic compounds
Protective Equipment: Wear full firefighting gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Move containers from fire area if safe; use water spray to cool untouched containers exposed to flames
Fire/Explosion Risk: PEG does not ignite easily, but dust clouds may present risk of combustion under rare circumstances
Personal Protection: Use gloves; wear goggles; avoid breathing dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large volumes from entering surface water or sewer systems
Containment: Stop leak if possible without personal risk; use absorbent materials like vermiculite or sand for liquid spills
Cleanup Method: Sweep up solid product for re-use or disposal; place in closed containers; flush area with water after removing product
Safe Handling: Prevent dust generation with solid forms; wash hands after handling; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking nearby
Storage Conditions: Store in sealed containers; maintain room temperature in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers including peroxides, nitric acid
Other Precautions: Label all containers; keep away from food and beverages; ensure containers are secure against accidental knocking
Occupational Exposure Limits: No official OSHA/ACGIH limits for PEG; follow general nuisance dust guidelines: 15 mg/m3 (total), 5 mg/m3 (respirable)
Personal Protective Equipment: Use eye protection (goggles or face shield), chemical-resistant gloves, dust mask if needed for powdery forms
Ventilation: Provide good general ventilation or local exhaust in confined areas
Hygiene Measures: Wash after handling; avoid touching face or eating without cleaning hands
Environmental Controls: Keep workplace tidy; avoid unnecessary accumulation of spilled material
Appearance: PEG ranges from clear, viscous liquid (low MW) to waxy white solid (high MW)
Odor: Nearly odorless
pH: Approx. 5–8 in solution
Boiling Point: Varies with molecular weight; PEG 400 boils around 250°C
Melting Point: With MW: PEG 400 remains liquid; PEG 3350 melts near 53–58°C
Solubility: Soluble in water and many organic solvents
Density: Approximately 1.1–1.2 g/cm3 (depends on MW)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Viscosity: Increases as molecular weight increases
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Reactivity: Not especially reactive if kept away from strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition: Breaks down to CO2, CO, and irritant organic vapors when burned or overheated
Contact Conditions to Avoid: Do not expose to flame, strong oxidizers, or temperatures above 150°C for sustained periods
Polymerization: Not known to self-polymerize; stable as sold
Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity; estimated oral LD50 in rats is over 20 g/kg
Irritation: Minor irritation possible from dust or bulk handling; more significant effects only reported in sensitive individuals
Chronic Effects: No strong evidence of chronic harm in humans at workplace levels; repeated exposure could lead to mild dermatitis in some
Sensitization: Rare; some individuals may develop skin sensitivity after repeated exposures
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Aquatic Toxicity: PEG rates as low toxicity to aquatic organisms; median lethal concentration (LC50) to fish is typically above 10,000 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegrades naturally in the environment
Bioaccumulation: Not expected, due to high solubility and rapid breakdown
Other Environmental Effects: Large spills create localized oxygen demand if diluted in waterways, which might reduce fish survival temporarily
Waste Disposal Methods: Collect for recycling or disposal by licensed chemical waste facility; small quantities can rinse to drain with copious water if allowed by local regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse out container and recycle or dispose as chemical waste
Precautions: Avoid large quantity release to municipal sewers or open water systems; follow all local, state, or national guidelines
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Shipping Name: Polyethylene Glycol, not classified as dangerous goods
Transport Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: Not required
Special Precautions: Secure all containers to avoid breakage; label correctly; carry documentation as needed for commercial shipments
OSHA: PEG is not considered hazardous under standard OSHA rules
TSCA: Listed
REACH (Europe): Registered for multiple uses
SARA Title III: Not listed under Sections 302, 304, 311/312, or 313
Other Regulations: Some countries request workplace documentation even though PEG carries low hazard; always check jurisdiction-specific lists for the latest details
