Product Name: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Common Names: SLS, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
Chemical Formula: C12H25NaO4S
CAS Number: 151-21-3
Recommended Uses: Detergents, personal care products, industrial cleaners, foaming agents
Manufacturer Information: Contact details and emergency phone number listed on packaging or supply invoice for traceability
Synonyms: Lauryl sodium sulfate, dodecyl sodium sulfate
GHS Classification: Eye Irritation (Category 2), Skin Irritation (Category 2), Acute Oral Toxicity (Category 4)
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and serious eye irritation, harmful if swallowed
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation or skin contact, wear gloves and protective eyewear
Other Hazards: Dust may cause respiratory discomfort and acute exposure can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or vomiting
Chemical Identity: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Synonyms: SDS, SLS, Sodium dodecyl sulfate
Purity: 85%–99% (varies by grade and manufacturer)
Impurities: Minor amounts of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, residual fatty alcohols
Ingredient Disclosure: No hazardous non-active additives present at reportable concentrations
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep victim comfortable, seek medical attention if coughing or shortness of breath develops
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash area thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical care for continued irritation or rash
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of clean, flowing water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, get prompt medical evaluation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, call physician or poison control center
Acute Symptoms: Irritation, redness, itching, possible burns to mucous membranes following ingestion or significant exposure
Flammability: Not classified as flammable, but will burn upon heating
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Fire Hazards: Decomposition produces toxic fumes like sulfur oxides and carbon monoxide
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective suit
Fire-Fighting Tips: Avoid inhalation of combustion gases, cool containers with water to prevent bursting
Personal Precautions: Avoid dust generation, ventilate area, wear gloves and goggles
Spill Response: Sweep up gently to prevent airborne dust, gather into proper waste containers
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into drains, sewers, streams
Cleanup Procedures: Wash spill area with plenty of water after bulk removal, avoid unnecessary exposure by using proper tools and protective gear
Waste Collection: Dispose according to local, state, and national guidelines for chemical waste
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid forming or inhaling dust, keep containers closed
Protective Measures: Wear protective clothing, eye protection, and gloves
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from incompatible substances like strong acids and oxidizing agents
Packaging Materials: Use sealed, corrosion-resistant containers; avoid contact with aluminum
Incompatibilities: Do not store with acidic or oxidizing materials to reduce the chance of hazardous reactions or corrosion
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established ACGIH or OSHA exposure limits; use good workplace hygiene to control dust
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust ventilation where dust is generated
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses or goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, long-sleeved clothing, dust mask or NIOSH-approved respirator for heavy exposure
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face thoroughly after use, launder contaminated clothing before reuse
Appearance: White to off-white solid (powder, needles, or granules)
Odor: Mild, soap-like scent
Molecular Weight: 288.38 g/mol
pH (water solution): 7–10 (1% solution)
Melting Point: 204–207°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes
Solubility: 150 g/L in water at 20°C
Density: 1.01 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable (solid at room temperature)
Partition Coefficient (octanol/water): No significant bioaccumulation expected
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of handling and storage
Hazardous Reactions: Generates heat with acids, can release sulfur oxides or lauryl alcohol vapors under intense heat or combustion
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, oxidizing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moist or wet storage conditions, exposure to strong acids or alkalis
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, smoke, possible sodium fumes
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) 1288 mg/kg
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion
Symptoms of Exposure: Irritation, redness, burning sensations, vomiting, diarrhea if ingested in significant amounts
Sensitization: Rare but possible with repeated skin contact
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a human carcinogen
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure may lead to dermatitis or dryness in some users; no reliable evidence for reproductive or genetic toxicity from regular use
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life; LC50 (96h, fish): 4.2 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Rapidly biodegradable in the environment
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to accumulate in living organisms
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile, disperses readily in water channels
Other Ecological Effects: Overuse in wastewater may cause frothing and impact dissolved oxygen levels in local waterways; responsible disposal and limited release recommended
Residual Disposal: Collect and place in labeled waste container
Local Regulations: Follow official chemical waste disposal requirements established by environmental authorities
Incineration: Safe for high-temperature treatment in licensed facilities
Environmental Protection: Avoid discharge to surface waters or public sewer systems, dilute strongly if circumstances make this unavoidable
Packaging Disposal: Clean and recycle, or dispose as industrial waste according to regulatory guidance
UN Number: Not regulated for most land and sea transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous
Proper Shipping Name: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Prevent moisture ingress during shipping, package securely to limit dust escape, follow best practices for chemical materials in transit
International Inventories: Listed in TSCA (US), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan)
Reportable Component: Not subject to SARA Title III reporting (US)
Workplace Safety: Regulated under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard as an irritant
Pesticide/Drug Regulation: Approved for certain cosmetic and personal care uses by FDA and EU authorities, limits on maximum concentration may apply
Other Guidance: Employers must provide suitable training and access to safety data, keep workplace exposure as low as reasonably achievable
