Polyethylene glycol PEG-4000/6000 itself is not a hazardous chemical; its acute oral toxicity LD50 (rat) is greater than 5000 mg/kg, classifying it as a practically non-toxic substance. However, this does not mean that safety protection during use can be ignored. The core safety hazard of this product lies in dust explosion risk — when fine dust mixes with air to a certain concentration, it can form an explosive mixture, with a dust explosion class of St1 and a minimum ignition temperature (MIT) of the dust cloud greater than 400°C. Therefore, the operating area must be kept away from open flames, sparks, and hot surfaces, and all equipment must be grounded to prevent electrostatic accumulation.
Secondly, PEG-4000/6000 has strong hygroscopicity. During storage, the container must be kept sealed and stored in a cool (recommended room temperature 10-30°C), dry, and well-ventilated warehouse. After moisture absorption, the product may clump or even deteriorate, affecting its performance. Additionally, prolonged or repeated direct contact with the skin can cause degreasing and dryness. Nitrile rubber gloves are recommended during operation; if dust is generated, a dust mask (FFP2 standard or equivalent protection level) and chemical safety goggles should also be worn.
In terms of emergency response, if a spill occurs, use non-sparking tools to collect the spilled material, strictly avoid raising dust, and residual material can be rinsed with water but with good ventilation. For firefighting, use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide. Avoid using a direct water jet on accumulated dust to prevent raising dust and forming an explosive mixture. Storage should also be kept away from strong oxidizers (such as peroxides, potassium permanganate, concentrated nitric acid, etc.).
| Safety Dimension | Key Requirement |
|---|---|
| Hazard Classification | Not classified as hazardous substance or mixture (GHS criteria) |
| Acute Toxicity | Oral LD50 > 5000 mg/kg (practically non-toxic) |
| Dust Explosion Class | St1, MIT > 400°C, keep away from ignition sources |
| Flash Point (Open Cup) | > 240°C |
| Storage Temperature | Recommended room temperature 10-30°C, dry and ventilated |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong oxidizers (peroxides, potassium permanganate, concentrated nitric acid, etc.) |
| Personal Protective Equipment | Dust mask (FFP2), nitrile rubber gloves, safety goggles |
| Suitable Extinguishing Agents | Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide |
Considering the specific requirements of various application fields, the following scenario-based recommendations should also be noted when handling PEG-4000/6000: