Product Name: Polyethylene Oxide
Synonyms: Polyoxyethylene, Polyethylene Glycol (high molecular weights)
Chemical Formula: (C2H4O)n
CAS Number: 25322-68-3
Recommended Use: Thickener, viscosity modifier, binder, lubricant, water retention agent
Supplier Information: Manufacturer address, phone number, emergency contact details provided on request
Relevant Identified Uses: Common uses in medical, pharmaceutical, personal care products, industrial applications like drilling fluids and paper manufacturing
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous by GHS criteria
Primary Hazards: Fine dust can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation; large amounts may generate potentially combustible dust clouds
Signal Word: Not required
Pictograms: None needed
Potential Acute Health Effects: Irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory tract from dust exposure
Potential Chronic Health Effects: No confirmed long-term effects; studies show low chronic toxicity
Hazard Statements: Inhalation of high levels of dust may irritate the nose and throat
Precautionary Statements: Prevent dust buildup; use proper ventilation; avoid breathing dust
Substance: Polyethylene oxide
Chemical Identity: Poly(ethylene oxide) homopolymer
CAS Number: 25322-68-3
Concentration: 100% (no known impurities contributing to the classification of this substance)
Additives / Stabilizers: None
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, monitor breathing, rinse mouth with water, seek medical attention if cough or discomfort persists
Skin Contact: Wash skin with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical advice if skin irritation continues
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes, keep eyelids open, remove contact lenses, continue rinsing and consult a physician if irritation develops
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, give water to drink, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention if large amounts swallowed or symptoms develop
Notes for Physician: Treat symptomatically, no specific antidote known
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Product can burn at high temperatures, releasing carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly other toxic fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Procedures: Move containers from fire area if safe, use water spray to cool surfaces exposed to fire
Explosion Hazard: Fine dust may form explosive mixtures with air, avoid sources of ignition
Personal Precautions: Avoid inhaling dust, wear appropriate personal protective equipment including goggles, gloves, and dust mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large quantities from entering drains or surface water as may cause localized pollution or nuisance
Spill Cleanup Methods: Avoid generating dust, sweep up spilled material, place in containers for disposal, ventilate area, wash spill location with water
Protection of Emergency Responders: Use personal protection as outlined in Section 8
Handling Precautions: Avoid dust formation, use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid contact with eyes and skin, wash thoroughly after handling, keep containers closed
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from strong oxidizers, protect from moisture and heat, keep containers tightly closed
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, sources of ignition
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking, do not ingest or inhale dust
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific exposure limits established for polyethylene oxide; nuisance dust limits apply (OSHA PEL: 15 mg/m3 total dust, 5 mg/m3 respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other controls to keep airborne dust below exposure limits
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Appearance: White to off-white granular powder, odorless
Molecular Weight: Ranges from 100,000 to 8,000,000 depending on grade
Melting Point: >65°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Solubility: Soluble in water, forms a gel at high concentrations
pH (1% solution): Neutral (6.5 – 8.0)
Odor Threshold: Not determined (odorless)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: About 1.2 g/cm3
Flash Point: Above 200°C (closed cup)
Particle Size: Varies by product, typically fine or granular
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Inert under normal conditions; contact with strong oxidizers may cause decomposition
Decomposition Products: Burning may release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and trace byproducts
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, sparks, strong oxidizers
Hazardous Reactions: Dust may form explosive mixtures with air
Acute Toxicity: Low acute toxicity via ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals
Eye Damage/Irritation: Dust may cause temporary irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Dust may irritate the respiratory system
Carcinogenicity: No components listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence of effects from exposure
Additional Information: No known significant effects or critical hazards; medical literature supports safety in prescribed uses
Ecotoxicity: Polyethylene oxide is not classified as environmentally hazardous; minimal toxicity to aquatic life at typical environmental concentrations
Mobility in Soil: High water solubility enables dispersion in water; does not bioaccumulate
Degradability: Biodegradable to a limited extent; persistence depends on environmental factors
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low potential for bioaccumulation in the food chain
Other Adverse Effects: Spillage in waterways may cause physical fouling, such as increased viscosity and clogging
Disposal Methods: Dispose of as non-hazardous solid waste in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations; incinerate or landfill as appropriate
Unused Products: Recycle if possible; for large quantities consult local waste disposal authority
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse containers, recycle or dispose of in accordance with governing regulations
Sewage Disposal: Avoid disposal to sewers or waterways; product can cause blockages
UN Number: Not regulated
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not classified
Transport Hazard Class(es): None
Packing Group: None
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant
Special Precautions for Transport: Avoid situations that create airborne dust; transport in dry, sealed containers
OSHA Status: Not regulated as hazardous chemical
TSCA Inventory: Listed
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
REACH Status: Registered substance
SARA Title III Sections 302, 304, 311/312, 313: Not listed as a hazardous substance
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other Regulatory Information: Meets requirements for use in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications under certain grades; compliance may vary based on country and application
