Question

Is low-foam penetrating agent SF harmful to the human body? Does it have an impact on the environment?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 低泡渗透剂SF

Under normal use conditions, low-foam penetrating agent SF has very low harm to the human body and is not classified as a hazardous chemical, but direct discharge into environmental waters should be avoided.

Detailed Explanation

According to the product safety data provided by Guoli Chemical, low-foam penetrating agent SF (alcohol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate) does not fall into the physical, health, or environmental hazard categories defined by the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Toxicological tests show: rat acute oral toxicity LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg bw, rat acute dermal toxicity LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg bw, both within the low acute toxicity range. In the rabbit skin irritation test, the irritation score was less than 0.5, judged as non-irritating to the skin. Therefore, under industrial production and normal operating conditions, the health risk to operators from this product is controllable.

In terms of the environment, low-foam penetrating agent SF is a nonionic surfactant (with some anionic characteristics). The fatty alcohol chains and polyoxyethylene ether segments in its molecular structure have a certain biodegradability potential in the natural environment. However, it should be noted that this product is strictly prohibited from being directly discharged into environmental waters, as large discharges may have adverse effects on aquatic organisms. The product safety instructions clearly require: avoid leakage into sewers or water bodies, and waste materials must be handed over to qualified waste treatment agencies for disposal; do not discharge at will. This indicates that although the product itself is not a highly toxic chemical, as a surfactant industrial chemical, it still requires compliance with waste management responsibilities.

In summary, under the premise of standardized operation and proper disposal, the risk of low-foam penetrating agent SF to human health and the environment is low. Wearing basic protective equipment (chemical safety goggles, protective gloves), maintaining ventilation in the workplace, and avoiding prolonged direct contact with skin and eyes can effectively control the use risk.

Toxicological Parameters Summary

Toxicological IndicatorTest DataConclusion
Acute Oral Toxicity (Rat)LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg bwLow Toxicity
Acute Dermal Toxicity (Rat)LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg bwLow Toxicity
Skin Irritation (Rabbit)Irritation Score < 0.5Non-irritating
GHS Hazard ClassificationNot classified as any physical, health, or environmental hazard categoryNon-hazardous Chemical
FlammabilityNon-flammable liquidHigh storage and transport safety
Aquatic Ecotoxicity DataNo specific ecotoxicological data available (product instructions require prohibition of discharge into water bodies)

Safety Usage Recommendations

  • Personal Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles and protective gloves during operation, wear general work clothes, and wash hands thoroughly after operation.
  • Ventilation Conditions: Maintain good ventilation in the workplace to avoid the formation of persistent aerosols or vapor accumulation.
  • Storage Requirements: Store in a cool, dry, ventilated place, temperature controlled at 5°C to 35°C, away from strong oxidizers, keep container sealed.
  • Emergency Treatment: In case of skin contact, immediately rinse with plenty of water and soap for at least 15 minutes; in case of eye contact, continuously rinse with water or saline for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

Environmental Considerations

It is strictly prohibited to discharge the product directly into sewers, rivers, or soil. In case of leakage, use inert absorbent materials (such as vermiculite, sand) to collect and hand over to qualified agencies for disposal. Waste packaging must not be discarded arbitrarily and should be properly treated as industrial solid waste.