AHCES Blog

What is Citric Acid? Citric Acid is a tricarboxylic acid, a type of organic acid. Citric acid is a natural part of metabolic processes as well as a significant product of citrus fruits; it can also be synthesized at industrial scale. Citric acid has many uses, including as a cleaning product for removing mineral buildup and as a flavoring agent in food products such as sour candy. Citric Acid has the CAS Number 77-92-9. Notable Properties of Citric Acid Under normal conditions, citric acid is a white crystalline solid. Citric acid is soluble in water and can be found in aqueous solutions as well. What Makes Citric Acid Hazardous? Citric acid can be irritating to the eyes and respiratory system on direct exposure. Overconsumption of citric acid, such as that found on many sour candies, can also be harmful to lips, tongue, and other interior surfaces of the mouth. Since citric acid is an organic compound, it can serve as a fuel in a fire scenario. This can result in harmf...

    What is Octinoxate? Octinoxate, also known as 2-Ethylhexyl 4-Methoxycinnamate, is a cinnamate ester, a type of organic compound. It has UV-B absorption properties, making is a common ingredient in sunscreen and cosmetic products applied to the skin. Octinoxate has the CAS Number 5466-77-3. Notable Properties of Octinoxate Under normal conditions, octinoxate is a thick liquid which can be clear or pale yellow in color. What Makes Octinoxate Hazardous? Octinoxate has been linked to photoallergic contact dermatitis in some people, with repeated exposure increasing the likelihood of the development of a reaction. The products of octinoxate breaking down when exposed to high heat of other reactive environments can also cause adverse human health reactions. As an organic compound, octinoxate can combust in high heat and release toxic compounds, including but not limited to carbon monoxide. There are also increasing environmental hazard concerns about octinoxate...

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...

  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 ...

  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...

  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...