Product Name: Polyethylene Glycol
Synonyms: PEG, Macrogol
Chemical Formula: H(OCH2CH2)nOH
Molecular Weight: Typically ranges from 200 to 20,000 for commercial grades
CAS Number: 25322-68-3
Recommended Uses: Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food additives, industrial lubricants
Supplier Details: Name, address, emergency contact number provided on packaging or invoice
Emergency Phone: Located on product label
GHS Classification: Product falls under non-hazardous chemicals for most common grades, but certain low molecular weights present irritant potential
Risk Phrases: May cause mild skin and eye irritation, inhalation of dust or vapors can irritate respiratory tract
Hazard Symbols: Not classified as hazardous under most regulatory systems
Physical Hazards: Spilled pellets or liquid renders surfaces slippery, increasing the chance of falls
Health Hazards: Prolonged exposure may dry the skin out or cause mild irritation; ingestion of large quantities could upset digestive system
Environmental Hazards: Non-volatile, not expected to present major environmental risk but bulk product in water or soil may alter local conditions
Chemical Identity: Polyethylene Glycol
Percentage: 100% pure or blended with minor impurities depending on grade
Common Impurities: Trace mono- or diethylene glycol, possible residual catalysts from polymerization
Additives: Food and pharmaceutical grades usually certified free of harmful additives
Ingredient List: Varies only by molecular weight selection (e.g. PEG-400, PEG-6000)
Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air area, provide water if cough or discomfort develops; medical attention rarely needed
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; moisturize if dryness develops; remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water for at least fifteen minutes, seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, seek medical attention in case of large ingestion or unusual symptoms
Advice for Handlers: Individuals with sensitive skin may want to wear gloves or barrier cream during extended contact
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide recommended
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High pressure water jets might spread molten product
Special Hazards: Thermal decomposition releases irritating and potentially hazardous fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, small quantities of aldehydes
Protective Gear: Firefighters require self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing
Additional Guidance: Keep containers cool with water spray to prevent rupture from heat build-up; avoid breathing fumes
Personal Precautions: Avoid creating slippery surfaces, use barriers or non-slip mats
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product entry into drains, watercourses, or soil in bulk quantities
Spill Clean-up Methods: Collect spilled pellets or liquid by sweeping or suction, then wash affected area with water; use absorbent materials for large volumes
Disposal: Place recovered material in clean, labeled container for recycling or disposal
Other Notes: Incident review after significant spill helps prevent recurrence
Handling: Use practical care to avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, especially with low molecular weight grades
Storage: Keep in tightly closed containers, store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place
Incompatibilities: Avoid exposure to strong oxidizers, acids, or reactive chemicals
Special Precautions: Label storage containers clearly, minimize dust formation, maintain order in storage area to reduce slip risk
Bulk Storage: Use appropriate containment to prevent spills, especially for liquid or molten grades
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific government-mandated limits for PEG, minimize airborne dust exposure
Engineering Controls: Adequate ventilation required at points of dust or fume generation
Personal Protection: Safety goggles for bulk handling, gloves to avoid skin dryness, apron for prolonged exposure
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or respirator advised in poorly ventilated areas or for massive spills
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat or drink while working with product
Exposure Monitoring: Regular review of workplace practices and employee health for high-use environments
Physical State: Viscous liquid or solid (waxy, flake, or pellet) depending on molecular weight
Color: Colorless or white
Odor: Odorless or faint sweet scent
Boiling Point: Typically above 200°C depending on grade
Melting Point: Ranges from below room temperature to over 60°C for high molecular weights
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, many polar organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
pH: 5 to 8 (for a 5% aqueous solution)
Viscosity: Increases with molecular weight
Density: Approximately 1.1–1.2 g/cm³
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Decomposition Products: Elevated temperatures can yield carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, trace aldehydes
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged overheating, direct sunlight, open flames
Polymerization: Not known to occur with proper handling
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity by oral, dermal, and inhalation routes
Skin Irritation: Mild, with possible dryness after prolonged or repeated exposure
Eye Irritation: May cause temporary discomfort but not expected to cause lasting harm
Long-term Health Effects: Studies show no evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity for common grades
Ingestion: Large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset
Inhalation: Dust or vapor might irritate airways, especially in sensitive individuals
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable in soil and water
Aquatic Toxicity: Generally considered low risk, but large spills may disturb aquatic organisms by affecting oxygen solubility or pH balance
Persistence: Not persistent, breaks down naturally thanks to microbial activity
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely due to high water solubility and lack of lipid affinity
Other Environmental Effects: Bulk spills can increase chemical oxygen demand in waterways
Waste Treatment Methods: Small quantities can be flushed to sewer with large volumes of water (consult local authority for limits); large volumes or contaminated product should go to authorized waste facility
Container Disposal: Rinse empty containers clean before recycling or disposal; avoid uncontrolled dumping
Environmental Cautions: Avoid bulk entry into waterways or soil; industrial users should follow established spill control protocols
UN Number: Not regulated under international guidelines
Proper Shipping Name: Polyethylene Glycol; not hazardous for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned
Packing Group: Not required
Special Precautions: Protect containers from physical damage, secure loads against movement in transit
Additional Transport Notes: Ship in compliance with all national and local regulations; ensure accurate labeling for bulk shipments
OSHA: Not classified as hazardous chemical in the workplace
TSCA: Listed as an approved substance
REACH: Registered in EU with basic product information; not considered a substance of very high concern
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Present
WHMIS: Not subject to Canadian WHMIS classification
Other Country Listings: Product appears on most global inventories
Labeling Requirements: No hazard pictograms or signal words usually required on packaging in most regions
