AHCES Blog

  What is Caffeine? Caffeine is a naturally occurring organic compound found in many plants, notably the seeds of the Coffea genus and leaves of Camellia sinensis . Caffeine has a stimulant effect on the central nervous system when consumed and is the most commonly consumed stimulant globally. Caffeine has the CAS Number 58-08-2. Notable Properties of Caffeine Pure caffeine is a solid at room temperature, with white needle-like crystals. Caffeine is soluble in water, as well as ethanol and acetone. What Makes Caffeine Hazardous? Caffeine can be toxic in high doses. This risk is increased when working with larger quantities of pure or highly concentrated caffeine. An oral dose of 18-50 grams has been recorded as lethal to adult humans. For children and animals, the lethal dose can be lower. Symptoms of caffeine overdose can include but are not limited to convulsions, changes in heartrate, excitement, delirium, muscle tremors, and quickened breathing. When solid, c...

  What is Ferric Chloride? Ferric Chloride, also known as iron(III) chloride, is an inorganic compound. It can be readily found in anhydrous (dry) and hydrous (wet) forms, as well as an aqueous solution. Ferric chloride has many uses, including as an agent in water purification and sewage treatment, an etching agent for the production of circuit boards, and as a reagent for other chemical manufacturing. Ferric chloride has the CAS Number 7705-08-0. Notable Properties of Ferric Chloride In solid, crystalline form, anhydrous ferric chloride is brown-black in color and the most common hexahydrate form is orange to yellow in color. In aqueous solution, ferric chloride is brown. What Makes Ferric Chloride Hazardous? Ferric chloride in all forms is acidic. This makes ferric chloride corrosive and an irritant, capable of causing serious irritation and potential burns to the skin and eyes. Breathing in ferric chloride dust or vapors can cause irritation to the respiratory s...

  What is Lauramine Oxide? Lauramine Oxide, also known as lauryldimethylamine oxide (LDAO) or dodecyldimethylamine oxide (DDAO), is a tertiary amine oxide, a type of organic compound. Lauramine oxide has surfactant properties, which can stabilize foams, making it an ingredient in many cleaning products including glass cleaners, laundry detergents, and hand soaps. Lauramine Oxide has the CAS Number 1643-20-5. Notable Properties of Lauramine Oxide Under normal conditions, lauramine oxide is a crystalline solid. It is a highly hygroscopic substance, meaning it will readily absorb water from the environment around it. It is soluble in water and can also be found in aqueous solutions. What Makes Lauramine Oxide Hazardous? Concentrated lauramine oxide is corrosive, and can cause serious eye damage, skin irritation, and respiratory irritation. Lauramine oxide is also harmful if swallowed, causing both irritation to the mucus membranes and being toxic. In addition to having...

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...