Question

Is castor oil polyoxyethylene ether EL-10 harmful to the human body? Does it have an impact on the environment?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 蓖麻油聚氧乙烯醚EL-10

Castor oil polyoxyethylene ether EL-10 is a low-toxicity non-hazardous substance, with mild irritancy to the human body but no serious toxicity; its impact on the environment is controllable, but large spills into water bodies must be prevented.

Effects on human health

According to the product safety data from Guoli Chemical, castor oil polyoxyethylene ether EL-10 (CAS number: 61791-12-6) is low-toxicity upon inhalation or ingestion and is not classified as a hazardous chemical. Its main health effects are concentrated on local irritation: it causes mild irritation to the eyes and skin, and repeated or prolonged contact may lead to skin defatting and dryness. Under normal industrial use conditions, as long as operating procedures are followed and appropriate personal protective equipment is worn, the health risk is controllable.

This product is a non-flammable liquid (flash point >150°C) and is not classified as a dangerous good. However, when decomposed at high temperatures or in flames, it releases irritating gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, so it should be avoided for use or storage under extreme high-temperature conditions. Heavy metal content is strictly controlled, with total heavy metals ≤10 mg/kg and arsenic ≤2 mg/kg (source: Guoli Chemical product database), meeting industrial application safety standards.

Environmental impact

Castor oil polyoxyethylene ether EL-10 is modified from natural castor oil via ethoxylation and, compared to fully synthetic petrochemical surfactants, has relatively better renewability and lower ecological burden. This product is low-foaming and does not easily cause persistent foam pollution in actual water environments.

However, as a nonionic surfactant, this product has excellent emulsifying ability. Once it enters a water body in large quantities, it may interfere with the cell membranes of aquatic organisms, affecting the normal functions of the aquatic ecosystem. It is easily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether. Strict control should be exercised during use and waste disposal, and direct discharge into sewers, surface water, or soil without treatment is strictly prohibited. Currently, the Guoli Chemical database has not provided clear biodegradability data (such as BOD/COD ratio, OECD degradation test results) and ecotoxicity data (such as LC50, EC50) for this product. It is recommended that users conduct their own environmental impact assessments or consult Guoli Chemical technical support when using and discharging large quantities.

Technical parameters (safety-related)

ParameterValue
Hazard classificationNon-hazardous, non-flammable liquid
Flash point>150°C
Acute toxicityLow toxicity upon inhalation or ingestion
IrritancyMild irritation to eyes and skin; repeated contact may cause skin defatting
Total heavy metals≤10 mg/kg
Arsenic content≤2 mg/kg
pH value (1% aqueous solution)5.0-7.0
Foam performanceLow foaming
Chemical stabilityStable at normal temperature; avoid strong acids, strong bases, and strong oxidizing agents
Ecotoxicity/biodegradability dataNot available at this time
Data sourceGuoli Chemical product database

Safe use and environmental recommendations

  • Personal protection: Wear nitrile rubber gloves, chemical safety goggles, and appropriate protective clothing during operation; use in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling vapors or mists.
  • Emergency procedures: In case of skin contact, rinse immediately with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes; for eye contact, lift eyelids and rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately; if ingested, do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water and seek medical attention immediately.
  • Spill response: For small spills, absorb with inert absorbent materials (dry sand, vermiculite) and collect in sealed containers; for large spills, contain quickly to prevent entry into sewers, surface water, or soil, and dispose of residues according to regulations.
  • Waste disposal: Waste disposal must comply with local environmental regulations; do not discard indiscriminately and recommend entrusting to a qualified hazardous waste treatment facility.
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse (0°C to 40°C), away from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and other incompatible substances, and keep containers tightly closed.

Notes

Although castor oil polyoxyethylene ether EL-10 is widely used in cosmetics, pesticides, and other fields, when used in product formulations, its safety should be evaluated based on the intended use of the final product. If used in cosmetics or products that may come into contact with the human body, it must comply with the relevant regulations on raw material usage specifications and impurity limits. For further questions, it is recommended to directly contact the Guoli Chemical technical team to obtain a detailed safety data sheet or conduct a specific assessment.