Question

Is dodecyl polyoxyethylene ether AC-1215 harmful to humans? Does it have an impact on the environment?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 十二胺聚氧乙烯醚AC-1215

Dodecyl polyoxyethylene ether AC-1215 is a low-toxicity chemical, with relatively low acute toxicity, but it is irritating to the skin and eyes; it is harmful to aquatic organisms, but it is readily biodegradable and does not persist in the environment easily.

Detailed Explanation

The acute toxicity of dodecyl polyoxyethylene ether AC-1215 is relatively low, with an oral LD50 >2000 mg\/kg in rats and a dermal LD50 >2000 mg\/kg in rabbits, so it is not classified as an acutely toxic substance. Its main health risks are local irritation: it causes mild skin irritation (GHS skin corrosion\/irritation category 2, H315) and moderate to severe eye irritation (GHS serious eye damage\/irritation category 2, H319). Skin sensitization tests in guinea pigs show that the product is not sensitizing. Inhalation of its vapor or mist may cause respiratory tract irritation, and ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, and other discomfort, but acute toxicity is low.

In terms of the environment, the product is toxic to aquatic organisms, with an acute fish 96-hour LC50 of 1–10 mg\/L, classified as GHS aquatic hazard - long-term hazard category 3 (H412). However, the product is readily biodegradable—with a BOD\/COD ratio greater than 60% within 28 days—and has low bioaccumulation potential. It can be gradually eliminated in water and soil through biodegradation and other processes, and does not persist easily in the environment. Overall, under conditions of proper use and disposal, its environmental risks are manageable.

Technical Parameters

Parameter CategoryParameter ItemValue\/Conclusion
Human HealthOral acute toxicity (rat)LD50 > 2000 mg\/kg (low toxicity)
Dermal acute toxicity (rabbit)LD50 > 2000 mg\/kg (low toxicity)
Skin irritationMild irritation (GHS category 2, H315)
Eye irritationModerate irritation (GHS category 2, H319)
Skin sensitizationNon-sensitizing
Environmental EcologyFish acute toxicity (96h LC50)1–10 mg\/L
BiodegradabilityReadily biodegradable (28-day BOD\/COD >60%)
BioaccumulationLow
Environmental persistenceNot persistent

Application Recommendations

Given the skin and eye irritation of AC-1215, strict adherence to safety operation procedures should be followed in routine industrial operations: wear chemical-resistant protective gloves (e.g., nitrile rubber gloves), chemical safety goggles or face shields during operation, and thoroughly wash hands and face after operation. Ensure good ventilation in the workplace, and if substantial vapor or aerosol may form, wear appropriate respiratory protective equipment.

In terms of environmental management, wastewater containing this product should not be discharged directly into sewers or natural water bodies; it should be treated in the factory wastewater treatment system before being discharged up to standard. Waste products and contaminated materials should be handled in accordance with hazardous waste management regulations and sent to qualified treatment facilities for high-temperature incineration. Although the product itself is biodegradable, high concentration discharges may still cause short-term impacts on aquatic ecosystems.

Precautions

  • GHS signal word: Warning, pictogram: exclamation mark
  • In case of skin contact: wash immediately with plenty of soap and water
  • In case of eye contact: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing; if irritation persists, seek medical attention immediately
  • Do not discharge the product directly into soil, sewers, or natural water bodies
  • Empty containers may contain product residue and must be managed as hazardous waste; do not use for storing food or water
  • Store at 5–35°C in a cool, dry place; shelf life: 12 months