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Product Name: Span 20
Chemical Name: Sorbitan Monolaurate
Common Synonym: Polysorbate 20
CAS Number: 1338-39-2
Recommended Use: Emulsifier in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals
Supplier Information: Name and address of manufacturer or distributor, phone number for technical support, email contact for further details
Emergency Contact: Local emergency number for chemical spills, manufacturer’s 24-hour emergency information
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous by GHS standards
Label Elements: No pictogram, no signal word, precautionary statements may focus on basic safety practices
Hazards: May cause mild, temporary eye or skin irritation, not considered flammable under standard conditions
Potential Health Effects: Eye contact may cause slight discomfort; skin exposure rarely leads to reaction; ingestion considered low risk unless consumed in very large quantities
Chemical Name: Sorbitan monolaurate
CAS Number: 1338-39-2
Concentration: Typically 100% or may be available as a blend in some applications
Impurities: Minor byproducts of esterification processes; not present at hazardous concentrations
Eye Contact: Immediately rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; take off contaminated clothing; contact healthcare provider for persistent redness
Inhalation: Move to fresh air in case of accidental aerosol inhalation; seek care for prolonged respiratory symptoms
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; get medical help if large quantities are swallowed
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use carbon dioxide, foam, dry chemical, or water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Agents: High-pressure water stream may spread burning material
Specific Hazards: Generates smoke, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide during combustion
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing for significant fires
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, possible acrolein and minor aldehydes in closed-space fires
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, eye protection, and appropriate clothing to prevent contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways, drains, or soil
Methods for Clean-up: Use absorbent material like sand or vermiculite; shovel material into labeled container; clean residue with detergent and water
Handling: Store in a well-ventilated, dry place; avoid contact with eyes; use clean utensils to prevent contamination;
Storage Conditions: Keep tightly closed in original container; avoid prolonged heat exposure; separate from strong oxidizers
Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents; prevent contact with open flame
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA, ACGIH, or EU exposure limits set for Sorbitan monolaurate
Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated areas, use local exhaust if material is handled as mist or aerosol
Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles
Skin Protection: Use gloves made of nitrile or latex
Respiratory Protection: Not generally required unless aerosolized or used in confined space
Other: Wash hands thoroughly after handling before eating or drinking
Appearance: Amber to yellowish, viscous liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic
pH: Not applicable
Boiling Point: Decomposes above 200°C
Melting Point: Softens below room temperature
Flash Point: Above 150°C (open cup)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in oils
Density: Approximately 1.03 g/cm³ at 25°C
Viscosity: Thick fluid at room temperature
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Shows little reactivity toward most substances; begin to degrade or form breakdown products if heated above 200°C
Hazardous Reactions: None expected under proper use; may react with strong acids or oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, minor aldehydes and ketones on thermal breakdown
Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity shown in animal studies; not classified as toxic
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Slight skin or eye irritation possible after prolonged contact
Respiratory Sensitization: Not expected, no ingredient linked to asthma or chronic symptoms
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by NTP, IARC, or OSHA
Other Effects: Large quantities may cause diarrhea if ingested due to surfactant action
Ecotoxicity: Not acutely toxic to aquatic organisms; surfactants may deplete oxygen in water if released in large amounts
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable in aerobic conditions; breakdown products generally non-hazardous
Bioaccumulation Potential: Unlikely to build up significantly in the food chain
Mobility in Soil: Limited, tends to adsorb to soil or sediment; not prone to significant leaching
Waste Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations; can be incinerated in approved facilities
Container Disposal: Rinse and offer empty packaging for recycling or disposal as non-hazardous waste if allowed
Precautions: Do not flush large quantities to drains or waterways; avoid release into environment
UN Number: Not regulated for land, sea, or air transport
Proper Shipping Name: Not assigned special designation
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as a hazardous material
Packing Group: No classification required
Special Precautions: Handle containers securely; prevent leaks or spills
Regulatory Status: Not classified as a hazardous substance or mixture by United States OSHA, EU CLP, or Canadian WHMIS
TSCA Inventory: Listed
DSL/NDSL: Listed on Canadian DSL
REACH Status: Exempted or registered in EU under REACH regulations
Other Regulations: Approved for use in food and cosmetics under FDA and EU guidelines; included on major chemical inventories worldwide
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting under SARA Section 302, 304, 313
California Proposition 65: Does not contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity
Label Requirements: None mandated beyond standard workplace safety standards
