Question

Is L-62 Poloxamer harmful to humans? Does it have an impact on the environment?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 L-62泊洛沙姆

L-62 Poloxamer is a low-toxicity substance to humans under normal conditions of use, with the main risks being skin and eye irritation; it is environmentally friendly, readily biodegradable, and has low aquatic toxicity.

Detailed Explanation

L-62 Poloxamer (Poloxamer 182) is a nonionic block copolymer surfactant. From a toxicological perspective, its acute oral toxicity is extremely low (LD₅₀ rat > 5,000 mg\/kg), classified as "practically non-toxic" according to toxicological classification. Available scientific data indicates that this product does not have germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, or reproductive toxicity, and does not cause skin sensitization, and is not classified under these serious hazard categories according to the specified GHS hazard categories.

However, this product is not completely harmless. According to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), L-62 Poloxamer is classified as Skin Irritant Category 2 (H315) and Serious Eye Damage\/Eye Irritant Category 2 (H319). This means that direct skin contact may cause mild discomfort, while eye contact can cause significant irritation, pain, tearing, and redness. Therefore, wearing protective goggles and gloves is a necessary safety measure during handling.

In terms of environmental safety, L-62 Poloxamer performs well: it has low toxicity to aquatic organisms and is not expected to cause short-term or long-term negative ecological impacts; it is readily biodegradable, meaning it does not persist in the environment after release; and it does not have significant bioaccumulation potential, so it does not magnify along the food chain. Overall, under the premise of complying with standard usage and disposal practices, this product poses a low risk to the ecological environment.

Safety Classification Overview

Assessment DimensionResultClassification\/Description
Acute Oral ToxicityLD₅₀ (rat) > 5,000 mg\/kgPractically non-toxic
Skin IrritationGHS Category 2H315: Causes skin irritation
Eye Damage\/IrritationGHS Category 2H319: Causes serious eye irritation
Skin SensitizationNo sensitizationAvailable data indicates no skin allergy
Genotoxicity\/CarcinogenicityNo relevant evidenceNot classified as a hazard category
Aquatic ToxicityLow toxicityNo adverse ecological effects expected
BiodegradabilityReadily biodegradableDoes not persist in the environment
BioaccumulationNot significantNo risk of food chain magnification

Application Recommendations

L-62 Poloxamer is widely used in industrial and institutional cleaning, metalworking fluids, agrochemicals, emulsion polymerization, and coatings and pigment dispersion. Its low toxicity and good environmental compatibility make it suitable for use in various industrial formulations. In scenarios such as automatic dishwasher rinse aids and hard surface cleaners, where indirect contact with food or human body may occur, its safety has been fully verified. At typical formulation dosages (usually 0.1% to 5%), it does not pose a health risk to end users.

Precautions

  • Eye Protection: Always wear safety goggles compliant with EN 166 during handling. This product can cause serious irritation upon eye contact. In case of contact, immediately flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
  • Skin Protection: It is recommended to wear protective gloves. After handling, thoroughly wash exposed skin with mild soap and water. Do not use organic solvents for cleaning.
  • Ventilation Conditions: Under normal liquid handling, volatility is low; however, if aerosols are generated or heating operations are performed, ensure adequate ventilation.
  • Waste Disposal: Do not discharge this product into sewers or natural water bodies. Dispose of residues through qualified waste treatment facilities in accordance with local regulations.
  • Storage Requirements: Store in a sealed container in a cool (5~30°C), dry, well-ventilated area, away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong bases.