© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Chemical Name: Diethanolamine
Synonyms: DEA, 2,2'-Iminodiethanol
CAS Number: 111-42-2
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid, mild amine odor
Common Use: A surfactant, corrosion inhibitor, used in personal care products, detergents, and gas purification
Major Sources: Found in laboratories, chemical plants, manufacturing environments, and sometimes trace amounts in cosmetics or shampoos
Classification: Acute toxicity (oral & dermal), serious eye damage, skin irritation, possible carcinogen (IARC 2B)
Main Hazards: Skin irritation, eye damage, respiratory tract irritation, potential organ toxicity after repeated exposure
Symptoms: Redness, burning, dermatitis, eye inflammation, coughing, headache, nausea, in rare cases liver and kidney issues after long-term contact
Label Elements: Warning symbol for irritant and health hazard, hazard statements concerning possible cancer risk and organ damage
Component: Diethanolamine
Concentration: Typically greater than 98% in pure forms
Impurities: Small amounts of water, monoethanolamine, triethanolamine can be present, often less than 1%
Molecular Formula: C4H11NO2
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, support breathing, seek medical help for breathing trouble
Skin Contact: Wash off with soap and water for several minutes, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with water for fifteen minutes, avoid direct hand contact, get medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, never induce vomiting, seek immediate medical advice
Long-Term Note: Prolonged or repeated exposures increase risk of sensitization and organ damage, quicker intervention reduces risk of adverse effects
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: Toxic vapors like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, or ammonia can form during combustion
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Explosion Risk: Diethanolamine does not burn easily but can fuel a fire once heated, containers may rupture in intense heat
Personal Protection: Gloves, goggles, chemical-resistant footwear, suitable respirators for airborne vapor or mist
Spill Cleanup: Ventilate area, prevent entry into drains, soak up spills with inert absorbent material such as sand or vermiculite
Waste Handling: Collect contaminated material in closed containers for disposal
Precaution: Avoid breathing vapors, skin, or eye contact, wash exposed areas after cleanup
Safe Handling: Keep containers tightly closed, avoid splashes or spills, only use in well-ventilated spaces, avoid eating or smoking near use area
Storage Guidelines: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, protect from excessive heat and moisture, separate from incompatible materials such as acids, strong oxidizers, nitrites
Maintenance Notes: Regularly inspect for leaks or corrosion, label containers, install spill containment systems where volumes are large
Occupational Limits: OSHA and ACGIH recommend time-weighted average limits between 1 and 3 mg/m³
Exposure Engineering: Use local exhaust ventilation, enclosed processes for high-volume operations
Personal Protective Gear: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles, face shields, long-sleeved clothing, in some cases a chemical apron, workplace showers
Respiratory Protections: NIOSH-approved respirators for vapor or mist, especially during spill response or tank cleaning
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking, do not reuse gloves or work clothing without washing
Physical State: Liquid
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Odor: Mild ammonia or fishy smell
Boiling Point: About 268°C
Melting Point: Slightly below room temperature, starts to solidify under cold conditions
Flash Point: Around 168°C (closed cup)
Water Solubility: Fully miscible
Vapor Pressure: Low under ambient temperatures
Density: Roughly 1.09 g/cm³ at 20°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizing agents, nitrites, some metals (corrosive action increases at high temperature or humidity)
Hazardous Decomposition: Produces nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, ammonia during fire or high heat
Polymerization: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization under normal conditions
Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, inhalation, accidental ingestion
Short-Term Effects: Irritation of skin, eyes, respiratory tract, can provoke headaches, nausea if inhaled
Long-Term Risks: Repeated exposure linked with liver and kidney toxicity in animal studies; IARC has flagged diethanolamine as possibly carcinogenic to humans
Sensitization: Not a strong skin sensitizer for most, but can aggravate eczema or dermatitis
Other Risks: Chronic exposure increases absorption and heightens risk for organ damage, so monitoring workplace levels is essential
Mobility: Highly soluble in water, can move through soil or waterways if spilled
Degradability: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions but can persist in groundwater if released in large quantities
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to fish and aquatic organisms at moderate to high concentrations
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for significant buildup in animal tissues
Environmental Note: Proper containment and quick spill response keep contaminated runoff from reaching the water table or natural bodies of water
Waste Management: Treat waste as hazardous; incinerate in facilities with scrubbers or send to approved chemical waste processors
Container Cleaning: Decontaminate containers before disposal or recycling, prevent rinsate from entering water systems
Legal Compliance: Follow all local, state, and federal waste handling laws, document disposal practices
Best Practice: Reduce waste at the source—store only what’s needed, use up product before expiration, recycle whenever possible
Proper Shipping Name: Diethanolamine
Hazard Classification: Not classified as a hazardous material for most ground and sea transport, but shipping regulations can require labeling if shipped in large tanks
Packing Instruction: Use sealed, labeled drums or bulk tanks, avoid direct sun or freezing
Special Handling: Prevent leaks, keep incompatible chemicals separated, communicate hazard information on transport papers
Workplace Exposure Limitations: Many government agencies set recommended occupational exposure limits; employers must periodically monitor levels
Hazard Communication: Regulations such as OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard and Europe’s REACH require clear labeling and disclosure on safety data sheets
Chemical Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA, EINECS/ELINCS, and other global chemical inventories
Environmental Controls: Restrictions or guidelines exist for wastewater discharge and air emission, especially for large manufacturers
Additional Notes: IARC’s classification means companies using diethanolamine in products like cosmetics or soaps can face stricter regulatory review, making it vital to track ongoing scientific and legislative changes
