Polyethylene glycol PEG-800 (CAS No.: 25322-68-3) is a non-ionic water-soluble polymer that is safe for humans under normal use conditions. According to toxicological study data, its acute oral toxicity LD₅₀ value in rats exceeds 5,000 mg/kg, with no observed mortality at this dose, classifying it as practically non-toxic according to the GHS classification criteria. Skin irritation tests (OECD 404), eye irritation tests (OECD 405), and skin sensitization tests (OECD 406) were all negative, indicating that the product is non-irritating to the skin and eyes and non-sensitizing. Additionally, the Ames bacterial reverse mutation test result was negative, demonstrating its lack of mutagenicity, and no significant target organ toxicity has been reported from long-term exposure.
From an environmental perspective, PEG-800 exhibits low acute toxicity to aquatic organisms (including fish, daphnia, etc.), classifying it as a low-hazard substance. Its octanol/water partition coefficient (LogPow) is low, indicating no potential for bioaccumulation in organisms. More importantly, the product is readily biodegradable and can be rapidly decomposed through biological oxidation upon entering the environment, without long-term persistence in the ecosystem. However, it is worth noting that although the hazard of a single release is limited, large spills into water bodies or soil should still be avoided to prevent short-term load impacts on local ecosystems.
It should be emphasized that PEG-800 is not classified as a hazardous chemical, does not possess flammable or explosive properties (closed cup flash point approx. 240–270 °C), and is safe and convenient to store and use. Long-term application in various fields such as pharmaceutical preparations, personal care products, and industrial processing has fully verified its good physiological safety and environmental compatibility. Under recommended usage conditions, the risks to human health and the environment posed by this product are both controllable and at extremely low levels.
| Test Item | Test Method/Subject | Result | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity | Rats, LD₅₀ | > 5,000 mg/kg | Practically Non-toxic |
| Skin Corrosion/Irritation | Rabbits, OECD 404 | Non-irritating | Safe |
| Serious Eye Damage/Irritation | Rabbits, OECD 405 | Non-irritating | Safe |
| Skin Sensitization | Guinea Pigs, OECD 406 | Non-sensitizing | Safe |
| Mutagenicity | Ames Test (Bacterial Reverse Mutation) | Negative | Non-mutagenic |
| Aquatic Toxicity | Fish, Daphnia, etc. | Low Toxicity | Low Hazard |
| Biodegradability | — | Readily Biodegradable | No Persistent Residue |
| Bioaccumulation Potential | LogPow | Low (Not Easily Enriched) | No Accumulation Risk |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | — | Approx. 240–270 °C | Not Flammable |
Given the excellent safety and environmental characteristics of PEG-800, it is widely used in multiple industries: in the pharmaceutical field as an ointment base, suppository base, and pill excipient; in personal care products as a humectant and emollient; and in industrial processing as a lubricant and mold release agent. Users should follow recommended dosages according to specific application scenarios and refer to the product safety data sheet for handling.