Chemical Name: Menthol
Common Names: L-Menthol, Peppermint Camphor
CAS Number: 89-78-1
EC Number: 201-939-0
Uses: Flavoring agent in confections, pharmaceuticals, oral hygiene products, cosmetic formulations, topical preparations for soothing effects
Supplier Information: Contact information of manufacturer or distributor typically printed on packaging label
Emergency Telephone: 24-hour emergency contact number found on official paperwork
Classification: Irritant (skin and eyes), potentially harmful if ingested in large amounts
Label Elements: Signal word: Warning; hazard statements: causes serious eye irritation, may cause skin irritation, harmful if swallowed
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin and eyes, wash hands thoroughly after handling, use only in well-ventilated spaces
Symptoms of Exposure: Skin redness, burning sensation in eyes, abdominal discomfort if consumed, respiratory irritation from dust
Substance: Pure menthol crystalline
Concentration: Greater than 99% menthol for pharmaceutical and food grade product
Impurities: Trace amounts of isomenthol, neomenthol, and other menthol isomers found in natural sources
Other Additives: None typically present in pure, refined product
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, clear airway, monitor for persistent irritation or difficulty breathing
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical advice if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses, consult healthcare professional if symptoms persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water if conscious, seek medical help for significant exposure, monitor for nausea or dizziness
Flammability: Menthol is combustible in solid form
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, CO₂, water spray used for small fires
Unsuitable Media: Avoid direct use of water jets which may spread burning material
Hazards During Fire: Fumes may release toxic vapors including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters need full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus
Personal Precautions: Use gloves, eye protection, and dust mask if significant powders or dust generated
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, or surface water bodies
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up crystal or powder gently to prevent dust, use non-sparking tools, ventilate area well, collect in sealed containers for proper disposal
Emergency Procedures: Evacuate personnel from contaminated area, avoid inhalation of dust or fumes
Handling: Avoid inhaling dust or vapors, do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling, wash hands after exposure, use in areas with good air circulation
Storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, avoid exposure to high heat or open flames, segregate from oxidizing agents and acids, keep away from food and potable water
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general room ventilation to control airborne concentrations
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, dust mask or respirator (if aerosolized), protective clothing as needed for high quantities
Hygiene Measures: Change contaminated clothing, maintain good workplace hygiene, use eye wash stations and safety showers if available
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific exposure limits, but lower exposure advised for sensitive individuals
Appearance: White or colorless crystalline solid
Odor: Strong, minty, characteristic aroma
Melting Point: 41–44°C (106–111°F)
Boiling Point: 212°C (414°F)
Density: 0.89 g/cm³ at 20°C
Vapor Pressure: 0.03 mmHg at 25°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, highly soluble in alcohol and ether
pH: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Log P = 3.4–3.7
Other Properties: Non-corrosive, stable under storage conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable in sealed containers under normal conditions
Reactivity: No hazardous reactions reported under normal use
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, strong oxidizers, acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides may form at high temperatures
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats: 3300 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild to moderate irritation on contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Significant irritation possible with direct exposure
Respiratory Sensitization: Dust or vapor may cause coughing or shortness of breath
Chronic Effects: No known carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive risks in humans from typical use
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, dermal absorption
Target Organs: Gastrointestinal tract, skin, respiratory system in susceptible individuals
Toxicity: Moderately toxic to aquatic organisms in high concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable by microorganisms, not considered persistent in the environment
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic species; not expected to concentrate
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, binds to organic matter
Other Adverse Effects: May produce odor or flavor taint in water at low levels
Waste Treatment Methods: Collect and seal in properly labeled containers, send to facility approved for disposal of chemical waste
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly, follow community regulations for container recycling or disposal
Additional Notes: Avoid uncontrolled discharge into environment, local regulations take precedence over general recommendations
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transportation
Proper Shipping Name: Menthol
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated for road, rail, air, or sea
Packing Group: None
Special Precautions: Protect from physical damage and exposure to moisture during shipment
Environmental Hazards: Keep sealed to prevent spillage or contamination
OSHA Status: Not listed as hazardous by US OSHA
TSCA Inventory: Listed
DSL (Canada): Listed
WHMIS Classification: D2B (toxic material causing other toxic effects)
Other International Regulations: Complies with EU and Japanese standards for use in food and cosmetic products
Label Requirements: Hazard and precautionary statements must appear on commercial containers as per local and international regulation
Restrictions: No significant restrictions when used as directed, consult country-specific regulations for workplace or consumer exposure