Question

Is polyether F-38 harmful to the human body? Does it have an impact on the environment?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 聚醚F-38

Polyether F-38 is a low-toxicity substance, basically harmless to the human body, and under normal use conditions, it is non-irritating and non-sensitizing to the skin; it is environmentally friendly, easily biodegradable, and has low toxicity to aquatic organisms.

Detailed Description

Polyether F-38 (Poloxamer 108) is a nonionic surfactant, and its toxicological data indicate that the product has high safety. The acute oral toxicity (rat) LD₅₀ value is greater than 5 g/kg, belonging to the low toxicity level. In the skin irritation test (rabbit), no irritating reaction was observed, and the skin sensitization test result was also non-sensitizing. Only eye contact may cause mild reversible conjunctival redness and swelling, without permanent damage. Overall, under normal industrial use conditions, the health risk of polyether F-38 to humans is extremely low.

In terms of environmental safety, polyether F-38 also performs well. According to the OECD 301B standard test, its biodegradation rate exceeds 60%, making it easily biodegradable, and it can be rapidly decomposed by microorganisms in the natural environment without causing long-term accumulation. The ecotoxicity data for aquatic organisms (fish/water flea) show that LC₅₀/EC₅₀ are all greater than 100 mg/L, belonging to the low toxicity level, and it is not classified as a substance harmful to the aquatic environment. Therefore, under normal industrial discharge and disposal conditions, the ecological and environmental risk of polyether F-38 is low.

This product is non-flammable, non-explosive, chemically stable, and does not decompose to produce harmful substances under normal storage and operating conditions. Only during combustion may it produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other irritating or toxic fumes, but this is not a risk under normal use scenarios.

Toxicological and Ecotoxicological Parameter Summary

Test ItemTest ResultConclusion
Acute Oral Toxicity (Rat) LD₅₀> 5 g/kgLow Toxicity
Skin Irritation (Rabbit)Non-irritatingSafe
Eye Irritation (Rabbit)Mild Irritation (Reversible conjunctival redness and swelling)Requires Protective Measures
Skin SensitizationNon-sensitizingSafe
Biodegradability (OECD 301B)>60%Readily Biodegradable
Acute Fish Toxicity LC₅₀>100 mg/LLow Toxicity
Acute Daphnia Toxicity EC₅₀>100 mg/LLow Toxicity
Environmental Hazard ClassificationNot classified as a substance harmful to the aquatic environmentEnvironmentally Friendly
FlammabilityNon-flammable, no auto-ignition temperatureNon-hazardous Material

Application Recommendations

Given the low toxicity and environmental friendliness of polyether F-38, this product is particularly suitable for industries with high requirements for safety and environmental protection, such as textile auxiliaries, paper chemicals, and polyurethane foam products. In formulation design, its excellent chemical stability and low-foaming characteristics also help reduce the amount of additives and wastewater treatment burden in subsequent processes.

Precautions

  • Eye Protection: Although the irritation is mild and reversible, it is still recommended to wear chemical safety goggles during operation to avoid material splashing into the eyes.
  • Operating Procedures: Wash hands thoroughly after operation, and strictly prohibit eating and smoking in the workplace.
  • Waste Disposal: Although the product has low environmental toxicity, waste should still be handed over to qualified professional organizations for disposal in accordance with national and local environmental regulations, and it is strictly prohibited to discharge directly into sewers or the natural environment.
  • Storage Conditions: Recommended storage temperature is 5°C–40°C. Low temperature may cause the product to solidify or become turbid, but it can be restored by warming and stirring evenly without affecting quality.
  • Incompatible Substances: Avoid contact with strong oxidizers.