Peregal O-20 (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (20) ether, CAS No.: 68439-49-6) is a non-ionic surfactant. According to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and product safety data, this product is not classified as highly toxic or highly hazardous, but it does have certain irritant properties to humans. Under normal industrial use conditions, as long as safety operating procedures are followed and appropriate personal protective equipment is worn, the health risks are manageable.
In terms of the environment, Peregal O-20 is relatively friendly. Ecotoxicological data indicate that this product has low toxicity to aquatic organisms and good biodegradability, meaning it can be decomposed by microorganisms in the natural environment and does not persist for long periods. It has been assessed as not possessing persistent, bioaccumulative, or toxic (PBT) properties, nor does it meet the criteria for very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) substances.
| Hazard Type | GHS Classification | Hazard Code | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Category 2 | H315 | Direct contact may cause skin redness, itching, and other irritation reactions |
| Serious eye irritation | Category 2A | H319 | Splash into eyes causes noticeable irritation, pain, and redness |
| Respiratory irritation | Category 3 | H335 | Inhalation of dust or fumes generated by heating may irritate the respiratory tract |
| Acute oral toxicity | Low toxicity | — | Rat oral LD50 > 2000 mg/kg |
| Evaluation Indicator | Conclusion |
|---|---|
| Aquatic toxicity | Low toxicity |
| Biodegradability | Easily biodegradable |
| Persistence (PBT assessment) | Not persistent |
| Bioaccumulation (PBT assessment) | Not bioaccumulative |
| vPvB characteristics | Does not meet criteria for very persistent and very bioaccumulative |
Peregal O-20 is widely used in textile printing and dyeing, pesticide formulations, daily chemicals, industrial detergents, metal processing, papermaking, and leather industries. In these application scenarios, the product is ultimately diluted or treated before discharge, and its good biodegradability means it has a relatively small impact on downstream aquatic ecosystems. Even so, industrial wastewater containing this product is recommended to undergo standard wastewater treatment before discharge to avoid direct release of high concentrations into natural water bodies.