OP-10 (octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether) is a nonionic surfactant. Although it has a relatively high flash point (closed cup >200°C, typically about 250°C) and is not flammable, it poses clear safety risks to humans and the environment. According to GHS classification, special attention is required for acute toxicity (oral category 4), skin corrosion/irritation (category 2), serious eye damage/irritation (category 2), and chronic aquatic toxicity (category 3). The oral LD50 in rats is approximately 1800 mg/kg, and rabbit tests show it can cause mild to moderate skin irritation and severe eye irritation.
In daily operations, core protective measures include: maintaining good ventilation in the operating area and recommending local exhaust ventilation; wearing chemical-resistant protective gloves (e.g., nitrile rubber), protective clothing, and chemical safety goggles; a face shield should be worn if there is a risk of splashing; eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited during operation; after work, hands and any potentially exposed skin areas must be thoroughly washed. Contaminated clothing must be washed before reuse.
This product has long-term persistent effects on aquatic organisms (96h-LC50 for fish approximately 3–10 mg/L, 48h-EC50 for daphnia <10 mg/L). Therefore, it is strictly prohibited to discharge directly into the environment, sewers, or water bodies without treatment. Empty containers may contain product residues and must not be used to hold other substances without professional cleaning. Their disposal must follow the same safety precautions as for the product itself.
| Hazard Category | Hazard Statement | Key Data |
|---|---|---|
| Acute Toxicity (Oral) | H302: Harmful if swallowed | Rat oral LD50 approx. 1800 mg/kg |
| Skin Corrosion/Irritation | H315: Causes skin irritation | Rabbit test: mild to moderate irritation |
| Serious Eye Damage/Irritation | H319: Causes serious eye irritation | Rabbit test: may cause serious eye irritation |
| Chronic Aquatic Toxicity | H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects | Fish 96h-LC50 approx. 3–10 mg/L; Daphnia 48h-EC50 <10 mg/L |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | Not flammable, but produces toxic fumes at high temperatures | >200°C (typically approx. 250°C) |
| Autoignition Temperature | — | >350°C |
Immediately remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Flush thoroughly with plenty of running water and mild soap for at least 15 minutes. If skin irritation or redness persists, seek medical attention immediately.
Immediately hold eyelids open and rinse continuously with plenty of low-pressure running water or saline solution for at least 20 minutes. Remove contact lenses if worn. After rinsing, seek immediate ophthalmological medical attention.
Quickly move the affected person to fresh air and maintain an open airway. If respiratory discomfort or coughing occurs, rest in a semi-upright position and call for medical assistance immediately. If breathing stops, trained personnel should administer artificial respiration.
Do NOT induce vomiting. Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water. Immediately drink 200–300 mL of water to dilute. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Immediately seek medical attention with the product label or SDS.
Small spill: Contain and collect with inert absorbent materials (e.g., sand, vermiculite) into a closed waste container. Large spill: Immediately cordon off the area, construct dikes or diversion channels to prevent spread, and transfer using explosion-proof pumps to spare containers. Do not flush into public drainage systems. Major spills should be reported immediately to local environmental authorities.
This product is not flammable but may produce irritating and toxic fumes (e.g., carbon monoxide, aldehydes) at high temperatures. Firefighters should wear self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus and full chemical protective clothing. Depending on the surrounding fire, use water fog, alcohol-resistant foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide to extinguish.