Product Name: Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate
Synonyms: SLES, Sodium Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Sulfate
Chemical Formula: C12H25O(CH2CH2O)nSO3Na
CAS Number: 9004-82-4
Recommended Use: Surfactant for detergents, shampoos, soaps, cleaning products
Producer Contact: Manufacturer or supplier details printed on package
Emergency Phone Number: Provided by supplier or local poison control
Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, causes skin irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation Mark
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, eye protection, avoid contact during handling, wash exposed skin after use, seek medical help if irritation persists
Unusual Hazards: Prolonged exposure can lead to dermatitis; high concentrations may cause respiratory discomfort if mist is inhaled
Other Risks: Not flammable but may irritate mucous membranes
Chemical: Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate
Concentration: Usually ranges from 28% to 70% active matter, balance water
Other Ingredients: Minor amounts of unreacted alcohols, sodium sulfate or ethoxylates
Impurities: Trace formaldehyde (from manufacturing), small percent of sodium chloride as by-product
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, continue irrigation, seek medical attention if discomfort persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with water and soap, seek help if irritation develops
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep comfortable for breathing, contact emergency services for persistent respiratory symptoms
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek medical advice if symptoms develop
Advice for Doctor: Treat symptomatically, monitor for allergic reactions
Important Symptoms: Redness, irritation, pain in eyes or on skin, sore throat or cough in some cases
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Product does not readily burn but thermal decomposition releases sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Standard protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Instructions: Prevent runoff from entering waterways, contain fire-fighting water
Explosion Data: Product not explosive, but containers heated by fire may burst
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, and suitable protective clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to sewers, waterways, soil
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spill with inert material (sand, diatomaceous earth), shovel into labeled containers for disposal
Decontamination: Wash spill area with water, ventilate area
Special Spill Instructions: Avoid generating mist, use non-sparking tools
Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation, avoid eye and skin contact, keep containers tightly closed, use appropriate personal protective equipment
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing
Storage Conditions: Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area, keep away from oxidizers, acids, and food items, store in chemically resistant containers
Storage Incompatibilities: Avoid storing with strong acids, strong oxidizing agents
Other Precautions: Prevent freezing for solutions, as phase separation may occur
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation to minimize mist formation
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, chemical resistant gloves, long-sleeve clothing, face shield for splash risk
Respiratory Protection: Use approved respirator if ventilation is inadequate or during cleaning up large spills
Hand Protection: Nitrile or PVC gloves recommended
Eye Protection: Safety eyewear with side shields
Other Protection: Eyewash stations and safety showers should be available in work area
Physical State: Clear or slightly hazy liquid
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Odor: Barely perceptible, mild
pH (1% solution): 6.5 to 9.5
Melting Point: Below 0°C (for solutions)
Boiling Point: Similar to water (solution), above 100°C
Flash Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Readily soluble in water
Density: Approximately 1.05 g/cm³ (for 30% solution)
Viscosity: Depends on concentration and temperature
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile
Flammability: Not considered flammable
Other Data: May form gels at high concentrations, surfactant properties apparent at low concentrations
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids
Hazardous Reactions: Product reacts with acids to liberate irritating fumes
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, freezing temperatures for liquid form
Decomposition Products: Releases sulfur oxides, carbon oxides, sodium oxides on combustion or breakdown
Polymerization: Hazardous polymerization does not occur
Route of Exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): estimated above 2000 mg/kg for active ingredient
Skin Effects: Irritates on prolonged or repeated contact
Eye Effects: Causes significant irritation, risk of damage on direct exposure
Inhalation: Mist may irritate respiratory tract
Ingestion: May cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Chronic Effects: Prolonged use linked with skin dryness, potential for allergic reaction in sensitive individuals
Carcinogenicity: No cancer risk evidence from studies
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: Not mutagenic or teratogenic based on available data
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms at high concentrations due to surfactant action
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low; the compound breaks down in biological wastewater treatment
Mobility in Soil: Moves rapidly in liquid phase, may contaminate water sources if large spills occur
Effect on Sewage Treatment: Moderate to high foaming, manageable by wastewater plants
Other Environmental Data: Chronic aquatic toxicity not considered significant at low concentrations
Disposal Methods: Dispose of product and contaminated packaging in agreement with local, regional, or national regulations. Incineration or landfill at approved sites.
Precautions: Avoid release to environment, dilute before disposal if allowed
Empty Container Handling: Remove all residues, avoid reuse of container for food/water
Special Instructions: Do not allow product to enter natural waterways
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous for road, rail, sea, or air
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Pack in tightly sealed, leak-proof containers
Proper Shipping Name: Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Solution
Other Info: Avoid extremes of temperature during transit, ensure containers upright
Label Requirements: Comply with OSHA, GHS, and other regional safety labeling rules
Inventory Listing: Listed on TSCA, EINECS/ELINCS, AICS, DSL, and many national chemical inventories
Workplace Classification: Classified for irritant risk in most worker safety jurisdictions
Right-to-Know: Ingredient disclosure may be required under local/national worker safety rules
Environmental Release Reporting: Not specifically regulated for accidental emissions, but reporting may be mandatory depending on quantity released
Restrictions: Use restrictions may apply in cosmetics or food processing, always check regional regulations
