© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Chemical Name: Poly(Ethylene Glycol)
Synonyms: PEG, Polyoxyethylene, Polyether Compound
Chemical Formula: H(OCH2CH2)nOH
Common Uses: Many industries rely on Poly(Ethylene Glycol) for its uses in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, lubricants, and food processing. Its wide utility stems from a low toxicity profile and water solubility, which draws a lot of attention across research and manufacturing sectors.
Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous under most global guidelines.
Physical Hazards: Poly(Ethylene Glycol) comes in solid and liquid forms, both slipping hazards if spilled on floors.
Health Hazards: Most people don’t experience irritation from contact with skin or eyes, though some high concentrations or prolonged exposures can cause mild irritation, coughing, or discomfort if inhaled in mist or dust forms.
Environmental Hazards: Spills have a negligible impact on the environment under normal handling, but large releases still benefit from proper containment.
Main Ingredient: Poly(Ethylene Glycol) (concentration can vary widely depending on intended use)
Chemical Structure: Linear or slightly branched polymer derived from ethylene oxide and water
Impurities: Trace amounts of ethylene oxide or related byproducts occasionally detected from industrial synthesis
Inhalation: Move affected individuals outside or to fresh air, provide good ventilation, and offer water if coughing occurs.
Skin Contact: Wash exposed area with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing; skin irritation rarely persists.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with clean running water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation doesn’t fade.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth and drink water; adverse effects are not common, though large amounts warrant observation or consultation with a medical professional.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide can be relied on to control fires involving PEG.
Unusual Hazards: Under intense heat, PEG decomposes and emits irritating fumes such as carbon oxides.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters benefit from full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus to avoid exposure to combustion products.
Personal Precautions: Use gloves and avoid slipping on spilled material. Work in well-ventilated spaces if dealing with dust or vapors, especially from large containers.
Cleanup Methods: Absorb liquid spills with sand, earth, or inert materials and sweep up solids for disposal. Prevent runoff into waterways during cleanup if possible.
Environmental Response: Normal spills rarely require extensive environmental controls, but larger releases should be isolated quickly.
Handling: Avoid generating dust. Wear gloves when handling large volumes to minimize skin exposure. Use containers that are tightly closed when not in use to prevent contamination and spillage.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from oxidizing agents or acidic conditions. Containers should be clearly labeled and made out of material compatible with PEG to avoid unnecessary reactions or leaching.
Engineering Controls: Working with Poly(Ethylene Glycol) sometimes creates vapors or dust, so local exhaust ventilation goes a long way in keeping air quality high.
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves, safety goggles, and long-sleeved shirts serve well for daily tasks. Respiratory protection becomes valuable only during excessive dust or vapor generation, which is a rare event in most applications.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits exist for PEG at the state, federal, or international levels, reflecting its relatively low risk.
Appearance: Ranges from clear, viscous liquids to white waxy solids, depending on polymer chain length.
Odor: Mild or odorless in most forms, which makes it pleasant to handle compared to some industrial chemicals.
Boiling Point: Varies with molecular weight but typically exceeds 200°C for common grades.
Melting Point: Ranges from below room temperature for low-molecular-weight PEGs up to around 60°C for higher-molecular-weight forms.
Solubility: Completely miscible with water and mixes well with many other solvents like ethanol and acetone.
pH (Aqueous Solution): Neutral.
Chemical Stability: PEG stands out as a stable compound under recommended conditions.
Reactivity: It reacts only with strong oxidizers, which can break down the polymer and release irritating chemicals. No risks arise from storage with metals or most building materials.
Decomposition Products: High heat or burning leads to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other irritant fumes, which is typical of organic polymers.
Acute Toxicity: PEG comes with a low risk of causing acute health effects in most users. Oral and dermal toxicity rates are low, with minimal reports of serious effects from normal handling.
Chronic Exposure: Studies haven’t shown bioaccumulation or organ-specific toxicity even after repeated exposures; most side effects relate to minor skin or gastrointestinal irritation.
Carcinogenicity: No evidence links PEG to cancer in humans or animals; respected health agencies have not listed it as a carcinogen.
Environmental Fate: Poly(Ethylene Glycol) breaks down naturally, especially in wastewater treatment. No major threat looms for aquatic or terrestrial life under typical use or accidental discharge.
Bioaccumulation: PEG doesn’t persist in the environment or accumulate in food chains.
Aquatic Toxicity: Fish and invertebrates show a high tolerance to Poly(Ethylene Glycol), indicating a low environmental concern unless extreme quantities enter rural waterways.
Waste Disposal: Dispose of Poly(Ethylene Glycol) through sanitary sewer or approved landfill, in compliance with local regulations. Most regions allow landfill disposal for residues, as long as improper dumping doesn’t affect waterways.
Container Disposal: Empty or used containers should be rinsed and recycled or disposed of in accordance with local guidelines.
UN Number: Not classified as a hazardous material for road, rail, or sea transport.
Packing Group: Not required for shipping due to lack of acute hazard.
Transport Hazards: No noted hazards for shipment, provided typical spill risks are managed during loading and unloading.
GHS Classification: Poly(Ethylene Glycol) avoids most hazard labels and does not show up on restricted chemical lists in Europe, North America, or Asia, due to low risk.
Inventory Listings: Included in major chemical inventories worldwide such as TSCA in the US and REACH in Europe, which gives assurance to manufacturers, researchers, and workers alike.
Worker Protection: No specific regulatory requirements for personal or environmental monitoring outside standard safety measures.
