Product Name: Polyethylene Glycol, Molecular Weight 20,000
Chemical Formula: H(OCH2CH2)nOH
Synonyms: PEG 20,000, PEG-20K
Recommended Use: Applications in laboratories, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial manufacturing
Supplier: Contact manufacturer or distributor for precise address and emergency phone
CAS Number: 25322-68-3
Physical State: Solid, granular or powder
Classification: Presents low risk; not classified as hazardous by current regulations
Main Hazards: Dust may irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
GHS Label Elements: No pictogram or signal word established
Potential Health Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may dry skin; inhaling dust can bother airways
Chemical Identity: Polyethylene glycol
Concentration: 100% (single ingredient product)
Impurities: Not expected in significant amounts; trace levels may vary batch to batch
Additives: None reported for standard laboratory-grade PEG 20,000
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with mild soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; consult a doctor if symptoms develop
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; monitor for any respiratory discomfort, seek medical help if symptoms do not resolve
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; drink water for minor exposures; do not induce vomiting; seek advice if symptoms occur or large amounts swallowed
Flammability: PEG 20,000 may burn if heated above melting point and exposed to ignition source
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid high-pressure water directly on product
Special Hazards: Decomposition at high temperatures releases carbon oxides and irritating fumes
Advice for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus, protective clothing; contain run-off to prevent environmental contamination
Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask, gloves, safety goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering drains, surface water, or soil
Cleanup Methods: Gather spilled material with shovel or vacuum; avoid generating dust; put in suitable containers for disposal
Additional Guidance: Ventilate spill area; wash residue away with water after cleanup to keep area safe for foot traffic
Handling Practices: Handle in well-ventilated areas; avoid creating dust clouds; wash hands after use
Safe Storage Conditions: Store tightly sealed in original containers away from heat, moisture, direct sunlight
Incompatibilities: Separate from strong oxidizers; no need to refrigerate unless formulated for sensitive processes
Storage Life: Stable under recommended storage conditions; extended shelf life with sealed packaging
Engineering Controls: Work in well-ventilated space; use dust extraction if available
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves for handling bulk; safety glasses or face shield; dust respirator in uncontrolled environments
Occupational Exposure Limits: No workplace exposure limits set for PEG 20,000
Hygiene Practices: Always wash hands after working; do not eat, drink, or smoke where material handled
Appearance: White to off-white powder or flakes
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: Around 20,000 g/mol
Melting Point: 58–63°C (136–145°F)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Readily soluble in water
pH (1% solution): 5–7
Density: Around 1.2 g/cm³
Viscosity: High due to polymer size
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Partition Coefficient: Not relevant for polymers
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions; resists decomposition at room temperature
Reactivity: Low; will not react vigorously with most materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers (e.g., perchlorates, nitrates); extreme heat
Hazardous Decomposition: Burns to form carbon oxides, may form aldehydes in trace amounts
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal conditions
Likely Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Not considered acutely toxic; large quantities may upset gut if swallowed
Skin Contact: May cause dryness after repeated use
Eye Contact: Temporary irritation or redness possible
Chronic Effects: No evidence of long-term health risks from regular use
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by major health agencies
Sensitization: Rare reports of mild allergic response in sensitive groups
Environmental Impact: Readily biodegradable; low bioaccumulation potential
Aquatic Toxicity: Not expected to harm aquatic life at expected concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Breaks down in soil and water into small harmless molecules
Mobility in Soil: Water-soluble; has some potential to move in soil if spilled
Other Adverse Effects: Large releases could encourage microbial growth, which may reduce oxygen in water
Disposal Methods: Collect in containers for chemical waste; send to authorized disposal contractor
Local Regulations: Follow all local, regional, and national waste disposal laws
Packaging: Decontaminate or dispose of empty packaging according to chemical waste guidelines
Reuse or Recycling: Not advised unless quality and purity can be assured by qualified personnel
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Polyethylene glycol, not dangerous
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Use sealed packaging to keep material dry and free from contamination
Regulatory Notes: Polyethylene glycol 20,000 travels as a non-dangerous good by road, sea, or air
Regulations: Not listed as a hazardous material under US OSHA, EU CLP, or GHS
Label Requirements: Product identifier and general safety advice as per supplier guidelines
TSCA Listing: Included
REACH Status: Exempt as polymer
Other Notices: Not subject to strict import/export controls; requirements may shift if used in medical or pharmaceutical formulations