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Formaldehyde Safety Guide

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What is Formaldehyde? Formaldehyde, also known as formalin, methanal, and methyl aldehyde, is an aldehyde, a type of volatile organic compound. It is a natural metabolic byproduct, but in larger concentrations can be toxic, and is used as a fumigant, disinfectant, and fungicide. It also has other uses in industrial production of products such as paper, plywood, and some resin and as a preservative in some household goods including antiseptics and other pharmaceuticals. Formaldehyde has the CAS Number 50-00-0. Notable Properties of Formaldehyde Under normal room temperature and atmospheric pressure conditions, formaldehyde is a colorless gas. It has a highly pungent odor. When formaldehyde is dissolved in water, forming an aqueous solution, it is known as formalin. Formalin is a colorless liquid. It has the same highly pungent odor as gaseous formaldehyde. Formaldehyde readily self-polymerizes, most commonly forming the solid paraformaldehyde. What Makes Formaldehyde Hazardous? There ar...

Chloroxylenol Safety Guide

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  What is Chloroxylenol? Chloroxylenol, also known as para-chloro-meta-xylenol (PCMX), is a phenol, a type of organic compound. It is commonly used as an antiseptic and disinfectant for topical use. It has widespread use in both medical and household settings. Chloroxylenol has the CAS Number 88-04-0. Notable Properties of Chloroxylenol Pure chloroxylenol is solid at room temperature, forming white to off-white crystals. It is soluble in ethanol, as well as some other alcohols, and can also be found in a liquid concentrate. Chloroxylenol has a phenolic odor, which is often described as both sickly sweet and similar to tar. What Makes Chloroxylenol Hazardous? Concentrated chloroxylenol is an irritant, able to cause skin irritation on contact and serious eye damage. Chloroxylenol is also reported to be a skin sensitizer, with the possibility of developing contact dermatitis with repeated contact over a long period of time. Chloroxylenol Frequently Asked Questions ...

Citronellol Safety Guide

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  What is Citronellol? Citronellol, also known as dihydrogeraniol and 3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol, is a monoterpenoid, a type of organic compound. It is a major component of many essential oils, notably citronella oil, rose oil, and geranium oil. Citronellol is a popular ingredient in many floral fragrances and other cosmetic products such as hand creams. It also has use as a pesticide. Citronellol has the CAS Number 106-22-9. Notable Properties of Citronellol At room temperature, citronellol is a colorless liquid. It has a distinct rose-like scent. What Makes Citronellol Hazardous? Citronellol is an irritant, with exposure to concentrated citronellol capable of causing irritation to the skin and eyes. Citronellol is a known human allergen, with dilute mixtures such as those found in perfume causing a reaction in sensitive individuals. Citronellol Frequently Asked Questions What makes up citronellol? Citronellol is an organic compound with the molecular formula C 10 H 20 O. Is citron...

Geraniol Safety Guide

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  What is Geraniol? Geraniol, also known as geranyl alcohol, is a monoterpenoid alcohol. It is an organic compound found in many different essential oils, including rose oil, citronella oil, geranium oil, and lemon oil. Due to its pleasant rose like scent, it is commonly used in perfumes and other fragrances, as well as a flavoring agent in small quantities for candies, beverages, and other prepared food products. Geraniol has the CAS Number 106-24-1. Notable Properties of Geraniol Pure geraniol is liquid at room temperature and is either colorless or a pale yellow in color. It has a distinctive sweet rose odor. What Makes Geraniol Hazardous? Geraniol is an irritant, causing skin and eye irritation on contact. Geraniol is also reported to be a skin sensitizer, with repeated exposure having the potential of causing contact dermatitis. Per the Hazardous Substances Data Bank, instances of contact dermatitis have been reported from bakery workers and bartenders regularly handling grate...

Myristamine Oxide Safety Guide

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  What is Myristamine Oxide? Myristamine Oxide is an amine oxide, also known as myristyl dimethylamine oxide (MDO). Myristamine Oxide has many uses as a foam stabilizer and antimicrobial agent in soaps, shampoos, and hair conditioners. Myristamine Oxide has the CAS Number 3332-27-2. Notable Properties of Myristamine Oxide Myristamine Oxide is a solid at room temperature and is often sold as a white powder. It is readily soluble in water and can be found as a clear liquid solution as well. What Makes Myristamine Oxide Hazardous? Concentrated myristamine oxide is corrosive and an irritant. Exposure to myristamine oxide can cause severe skin burns and eye damage. Ingestion of myristamine oxide can also cause damage to the digestive system, with symptoms including nausea. Some reports by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) also indicate that myristamine oxide is hazardous to the environment, causing potential long-term damage to aquatic life. Myristamine Oxide Frequently Asked Questio...

Clove Oil Safety Guide

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  What is Clove Oil? Clove Oil, sometimes written as Oil of Clove, is an essential oil derived from the clove plant, S. aromaticum. The primary active component of clove oil is the compound eugenol, an aromatic compound of the phenylpropene group. Per the PubChem database, clove oil also contains the aromatic compounds benzaldehyde, methyl salicylate, and eugenol acetate, as well as caryophyllene, ylangene, and 2-heptanone. This guide will primarily focus on the hazards of the eugenol component. Clove Oil has the CAS Number 800-34-8. Eugenol has the CAS Number 97-53-0. When searching for clove oil in the component list of a safety document, such as a Chemical Label or a Safety Data Sheet, look for either of these CAS numbers. Notable Properties of Clove Oil At room temperature, clove oil is a liquid. It can either be clear or will have a pale yellow coloration. Over time with exposure to oxygen or UV, it can discolor to a darker brown color. To limit discoloration, store clove oil ...

Introduction to DOT Limited Quantitites

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  What is a DOT Limited Quantity? The formal definition of a Limited Quantity from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) is as follows: Limited quantity, when specified as such in a section applicable to a particular material, means the maximum amount of a hazardous material for which there is a specific labeling or packaging exception. 49 CFR 171.8 “Limited quantity” In simpler terms, a limited quantity in an amount of hazardous material small enough to be less hazardous and therefore requires less stringent packaging and labeling compared to other hazardous shipments. What Exceptions are made for Limited Quantity Shipments? The full text describing exceptions to the shipping rules for limited quantity materials can be found in  49 CFR Part 173.156 . In addition to the exceptions listed in the linked text, there are other exceptions within Part 173 pertaining to more specific exceptions by hazard class and transportation method. Gross We...