Question

Is OPE-105 (octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether) harmful to the human body? Does it have an impact on the environment?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 OPE-105(opep-105)

OPE-105 (octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether) has clear hazards to the human body, especially causing severe damage to the eyes. At the same time, it also has long-term and continuous toxic effects on the aquatic ecological environment. Strict protection must be taken and it is forbidden to discharge it into the environment.

Detailed Explanation

OPE-105 is a nonionic surfactant. According to its Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and GHS classification standards, this product has multiple health and environmental hazards. In terms of human health, the risk of severe eye damage from OPE-105 is the most prominent (Category 1). Once it contacts the eyes, it can cause serious and irreversible damage. At the same time, skin contact can cause irritation reactions, and accidental swallowing is harmful to the body. Therefore, chemical safety goggles, protective gloves, and protective clothing must be worn throughout the operation.

In terms of the environment, OPE-105 has obvious acute toxicity and chronic long-term effects on aquatic organisms (H411). This means that even low-concentration discharges may harm fish, aquatic invertebrates, and algae. Moreover, it is not easily and quickly degradable in the environment and has persistent hazards. The product database clearly stipulates: It is strictly forbidden to discharge this product or its wastewater into water bodies, soil, and drainage systems. Spills and cleaning wastewater must be collected as hazardous waste and disposed of by qualified professional institutions.

It should be specifically pointed out that octylphenol, as the hydrophobic group in OPE-105, and its environmental degradation intermediates (such as octylphenol itself) are known environmental endocrine disruptors. Even at extremely low concentrations, they may have estrogen-like effects on aquatic organisms. This characteristic further strengthens the necessity of strictly controlling its environmental emissions.

Summary of Health and Environmental Hazards

Hazard CategoryGHS ClassificationHazard CodeSpecific Description
Acute toxicity (oral)Category 4H302Harmful if swallowed. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during operation.
Skin corrosion\/irritationCategory 2H315Causes skin irritation. Protective gloves such as nitrile rubber must be worn.
Serious eye damage\/eye irritationCategory 1H318Causes serious eye damage. Chemical goggles or face shields must be worn.
Acute aquatic toxicityCategory 2H401Toxic to aquatic life.
Chronic aquatic toxicityCategory 2H411Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Safe Operation and Environmental Protection Recommendations

Personal Protective Measures

  • Eye protection: Wear chemical safety goggles or a full-face shield throughout the operation. This is the most important protective requirement (corresponding to the H318 risk of severe eye damage).
  • Skin protection: Wear impermeable protective clothing and certified chemically resistant gloves (nitrile rubber material is recommended).
  • Respiratory protection: When ventilation is insufficient, wear a full-face respiratory protective device.
  • Operation specifications: After use, immediately wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and clean water. Store work clothes separately from everyday clothes.

Environmental Control Requirements

  • Prohibition of discharge: It is strictly forbidden to discharge the product, waste liquid, or cleaning water into sewers, surface water, and groundwater systems.
  • Spill handling: For small spills, absorb with inert materials such as dry sand or vermiculite and then collect in sealed containers. For large spills, isolate the area to prevent spread.
  • Waste disposal: Both the product and contaminated containers are hazardous waste and must be disposed of by qualified professional institutions with hazardous waste operation licenses through incineration or chemical treatment.
  • Storage management: Equip the warehouse with spill-proof trays or secondary containment facilities to effectively control accidental leaks.

First Aid Points

  • Eye contact (top emergency): Immediately open the eyelids and rinse continuously with a large amount of low-pressure running water for at least 15 minutes. After rinsing, seek medical attention immediately for an ophthalmological examination.
  • Skin contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing and rinse with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes. Do not wipe with solvents.
  • Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting! Immediately rinse the mouth, drink small amounts of water multiple times to dilute, and seek medical attention immediately. Bring the product packaging and SDS.

Disclaimer: The above information is sourced from the OPE-105 product Safety Data Sheet and product database provided by Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. It is for safe operation reference only. Please read the complete SDS file and follow local regulatory requirements before use.