AHCES Blog

  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 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...

  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 ...

  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...

  Definition of DOT Class 9: Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials Class 9 covers materials which are hazardous for transportation but do not otherwise fall into the Class 1 to Class 8 classifications. Class 9 materials include anesthetic, noxious, or other similar materials which could inhibit the performance of a flight crew member if released. They also include elevated temperature materials, hazardous substances, hazardous waste, and marine pollutants that meet a definition within 49 CFR 171.8 but not a specific Class definition. Relationship Between Class 9 and OSHA Hazard Classifications Since Class 9 is strongly defined more by the material's properties being hazardous in transportation, there is minimal overlap with OSHA Hazard Classification. OSHA has separate Hazards Not Otherwise Classified apart from Physical Hazards and Health Hazards. While PHMSA Class 9 includes materials which are considered elevated temperature material and marine pollutants,...

  What is Sodium Carbonate? Sodium Carbonate, also known as disodium carbonate and soda ash, is an organic sodium salt. It has many uses, ranging from being an ingredient in detergents and cleaners to textile processing to human and veterinary medicine. Sodium carbonate has the CAS Number 497-19-8. Notable Properties of Sodium Carbonate In its natural solid form, sodium carbonate is a colorless crystal and when powered it appears white. What Makes Sodium Carbonate Hazardous? Sodium carbonate is an irritant, with exposure causing irritation to the skin and eyes. There are also reports of repeated sodium carbonate inhalation causing irritation and damage to the respiratory system. Sodium Carbonate Frequently Asked Questions Does sodium carbonate dissolve in water? Yes, sodium carbonate is soluble in water. It will break down into carbonic acid and sodium hydroxide. For more information about sodium hydroxide, see the AHCES Lye Safety Guide . 6 Steps for Safety Step 1: Read the Warnin...

Definition of DOT Class 8: Corrosive Materials Class 8 covers corrosive materials. The formal definitions associated with Class 8 can be found in 49 CFR 173.136 . Class 8 Corrosives covers both materials that are corrosive to human skin and materials that are corrosive to metal. The hazard of being corrosive to human skin is the primary basis the regulation is written on and is referred to the most within the relevant regulations, due to the risk to human health presented. Class 8 Packing Groups Class 8 is divided into three Packing Groups, labeled Packing Group I, Packing Group II, and Packing Group III in descending order of severity. The primary assignment of the Packing Group is based on how rapidly the material can cause irreversible damage to human skin. Lower Packing Group materials, meaning more dangerous materials, will have accordingly stricter packaging requirements and restrictions associated with them. Relationship Between Class 8 and OSHA Hazard Classifications Materials ...