AHCES Blog

  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 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...

   What is Lauric Acid? Lauric acid, also known as dodecanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid which is solid at room temperature. Lauric acid is a major component in both coconut oil and palm kernel oil. Lauric acid has the CAS Number 143-07-7. The CAS Number is used to identify lauric acid as an ingredient on safety data sheets (SDS) and other safety documentation. When looking for lauric acid as an ingredient in products, look for the CAS Number within the composition table. Notable Properties of Lauric Acid Lauric acid is a solid at room temperature, white in color, with minimal odor described as either soap or bay oil. What Makes Lauric Acid Hazardous? Pure lauric acid is corrosive and an irritant; it can cause serious eye damage and irritation as well as skin irritation. Some sources also indicate that lauric acid can be harmful to the environment. Due to being a carbon-based substance and solid at room temperature, lauric acid can also form combustibl...

  What is Lye? Lye refers to both sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, which are alkali metal hydroxides. Sodium hydroxide lye is more common in modern usage than potassium hydroxide lye. Lye is used in a variety of applications, including as a cleaning product, in soap making, and in food preparation. Sodium hydroxide has the CAS Number 1310-73-2. Potassium hydroxide has the CAS Number 1310-58-3. The CAS Number is used to identify lye, and which type of lye, as an ingredient on safety data sheets (SDS) and other safety documentation. When looking for lye as an ingredient in products, look for one of the above CAS Numbers within the composition table. Notable Properties of Lye Lye, both sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, are white, crystalline solids. Lye is commonly available in the form of a powder, flake, or pellet. What Makes Lye Hazardous? Lye is a strong base, making it a highly caustic substance. Lower levels of exposure can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, an...