Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-40 (CAS No.: 61791-12-6) is a non-ionic surfactant derived from natural castor oil. Although it has mild properties, according to GHS classification, it is a skin and eye irritant (Category 2) and may cause long-term harm to the aquatic environment (Category 3). Therefore, in daily industrial operations, its potential health and environmental risks cannot be ignored.
From an operational safety perspective, the core precautions first lie in personnel protection: chemical safety gloves, protective goggles or face shields, and appropriate work clothing must be worn. The work area should be well-ventilated; if aerosols or vapors are generated, local exhaust ventilation should be activated. Eating, drinking, or smoking is strictly prohibited during operation, and exposed skin must be thoroughly washed after work.
From an environmental and emergency perspective, in case of leakage, the product should be immediately contained and absorbed with inert materials such as sand, vermiculite, etc. It is strictly forbidden to flush into sewers or natural water bodies. Storage should be in closed containers, placed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse, with temperature maintained between 5°C and 35°C, away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, and sources of fire or heat. Waste disposal must comply with local and national regulations, incinerated at approved waste treatment facilities, and direct discharge is strictly prohibited.
| Parameter Item | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| GHS Signal Word | Warning |
| Pictogram | GHS07 (Exclamation Mark) |
| Hazard Statement | H315: Causes skin irritation; H319: Causes serious eye irritation; H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects |
| Storage Temperature | 5°C to 35°C |
| Incompatibilities | Avoid coexistence with strong oxidizers and strong acids |
| Recommended Extinguishing Media | Carbon dioxide, dry powder, foam, water spray |
| First Aid for Skin Contact | Remove contaminated clothing and rinse with plenty of running water and soap for at least 15 minutes |
| First Aid for Eye Contact | Lift eyelids and rinse gently with plenty of running water or saline for at least 15 minutes without interruption; seek medical attention immediately |
With its moderate HLB value (12.5~13.5) and excellent water solubility, this product is used as a high-performance O/W emulsifier and dispersant in textiles, pesticides, coatings, metalworking, and daily chemical fields. During application, it is recommended to determine the optimal dosage (usually 1% to 5% of the total formulation) through experiments based on the formulation system and oil phase type to fully leverage its emulsifying, wetting, and antistatic effects. The above safety guidelines must still be strictly followed during operation.