Is polyethylene glycol PEG-200 harmful to the human body? Does it have any impact on the environment?

Polyethylene glycol PEG-200 has low toxicity to the human body, no irritation or only very slight irritation to the skin, low ecotoxicity, and is readily biodegradable, with overall excellent safety.

Detailed Explanation

According to the chemical safety technical specification provided by Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd., polyethylene glycol PEG-200 (CAS No.: 25322-68-3) is not classified as a hazardous chemical. From toxicological data, the rat acute oral median lethal dose (LD50) is greater than 2000 mg/kg, belonging to a low toxicity level. This product has no genotoxicity (negative in Ames test), no skin sensitization (negative in guinea pig maximization test), and its skin irritation index is only 0 to 0.5, which falls into the category of no or very slight irritation, with only slight irritation to the eyes. When used under normal industrial operation standards, it is not harmful to the human body.

Although PEG-200 is mild in nature, basic protective measures are still recommended during operation: wear safety goggles and protective gloves, use in a well-ventilated area, and avoid prolonged contact with eyes and skin. If accidentally splashed into eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; for skin contact, rinse with water and soap.

In terms of the environment, PEG-200 has low ecotoxicity, is readily biodegradable, and has no expected bioaccumulation, meaning it will not accumulate in organisms or magnify along the food chain. Nevertheless, according to safety regulations, it should still be avoided from entering soil, sewers, or any water bodies. In case of leakage, it should be collected using inert absorbent materials and disposed of by authorized waste treatment facilities, with strictly prohibited arbitrary discharge.

Technical Parameters

Application Recommendations

Given the low toxicity and excellent environmental compatibility of PEG-200, it is widely used in the following fields:

• Daily chemical and personal care industry: Added as a humectant and lubricant in shampoos, body washes, creams, and toothpaste, it is mild and non-irritating, imparting a smooth feel to the skin.
• Pharmaceutical industry: Serves as an ointment base and drug solubilizer, with high toxicological safety, suitable for pharmaceutical excipient applications.
• Agricultural field: Used as an emulsifier and dispersant for pesticides, with low ecotoxicity and controllable environmental impact.
• Industrial applications: Used in casting release agents, metalworking heat transfer fluids, and brake fluid base components, with stable and reliable chemical properties.

Precautions

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse at a recommended temperature of 15°C to 30°C, and keep the container tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption.
• Keep away from strong acids, strong oxidants, and other incompatible substances.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke during operation; wash hands thoroughly after operation.
• Waste disposal must comply with national and local environmental regulations; prohibited from discharging into sewers or water bodies.
• In case of large spillage, promptly notify the local environmental protection authorities.