AHCES Blog

What is Phenolphthalein? Phenolphthalein is a phenol, a type of organic compound. Phenolphthalein is often used as a pH indicator, as it turns from clear to bright pink when in the presence of a pH between 8.3 to 10. This makes it useful for detecting strong bases.   Phenolphthalein has the CAS Number 77-09-8. Notable Properties of Phenolphthalein Pure phenolphthalein is a solid, crystalline substance that is white to pale orange in color. It is soluble in both water and alcohol. Many commercially available premade indicator solutions are dissolved in ethanol. What Makes Phenolphthalein Hazardous? Phenolphthalein is classified as Group 2B by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This means that it is possibly carcinogenic to humans based on current research, including animal studies. There are also concerns about phenolphthalein having reproductive toxicity and causing germ cell mutagenicity. The National Toxicology Program (NTP), part of the U.S...

  What is Quaternium-15? Quaternium-15, also known as 1-(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane chloride and methenamine 3-chloroallylochloride, is a quaternary ammonium salt. Quaternium-15 is used as a surfactant and preservative in many products, including personal care and cosmetics. Quaternium-15 has the CAS Number 4080-31-3. Notable Properties of Quaternium-15 Quaternium-15 is a cream-colored powder when in a concentrated, solid form. Quaternium-15 is soluble in water. When dissolved in water, quaternium-15 releases formaldehyde, which is the active chemical for antimicrobial properties. See the Formaldehyde Safety Guide for more details on formaldehyde specific safety information. What Makes Quaternium-15 Hazardous? Quaternium-15 can be irritating to the skin. There are also indications that quaternium-15 can be a sensitizer, meaning repeated exposure can cause an allergic reaction known as contact dermatitis to develop in some individuals. There is...

  What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate? Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA), also known as lathanol, is an organic compound. It is commonly used as a surfactant in cleaning agents, including hand soaps and bath fizz products. There are also pharmaceutical uses for sodium lauryl sulfoacetate. Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate has the CAS Number 1847-58-1. Notable Properties of Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate is a solid at room temperature, often found in a white power or flake form when purchased in commercial quantities. Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate is soluble in water and can also be found in aqueous solution form. What Makes Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate Hazardous? Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, especially when concentrated, can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Repeated skin exposure to aqueous solutions of SLSA, as low as 0.18%, can result in strong skin irritation in some individuals. This irritation is not considered sensitizing, in t...

  What is the Safer Choice Standard? The Safer Choice and Design for the Environment Standard (SCDfES), previously known as the Safer Choice Standard prior to regulatory updates in August 2024, is a regulatory standard by the EPA. This standard sets the requirements that a product and its ingredients must meet to be marked with a "Safer Choice" label or the "DfE" logo. This marking is meant to indicate to consumers that the product and its ingredients are safer for both human health and the environment compared to un-marked alternative products. Brief Introduction to the EPA The EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency, an independent agency of the United States government and is not part of any specific department. It was established in 1970. The EPA develops environmental regulations that determine compliance with environmental laws passed on a federal level. These regulations are also enforced by the EPA. The EPA is also instrumental in conducting resea...

  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...

  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...