Material Safety Data Sheet: Wetting Agent
Identification
Product Name: Wetting Agent
Synonyms: Surfactant Solution
Recommended Use: Industrial wetting and spreading applications
Supplier’s Details: Address and contact information of the manufacturer/distributor
Emergency Phone: Available 24/7 from supplier
Product Type: Liquid surfactant blend
CAS Number: Provided by supplier or based on component
UN Number: Determined by transport regulator
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2), Skin irritation (Category 2), Aquatic hazard (Chronic, Category 3)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and eye irritation, harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects, may cause respiratory irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals
Pictogram(s): Exclamation mark, aquatic toxicity symbol
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors or spray, wear protective gloves and eye protection, wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid release to environment
Other Hazards: Spilled product can create slip hazard
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Main Components: Nonionic surfactant (e.g., Alkyl polyglucoside) 40–60%
Other Ingredients: Anionic surfactant (e.g., Sodium lauryl sulfate) 10–20%, water 20–30%, possible preservatives or stabilizers 1–3%
CAS Numbers: Listed for each chemical component, such as alkyl polyglucoside (XXXX-XX-X), sodium lauryl sulfate (151-21-3), water (7732-18-5)
Impurities and Stabilizing Additives: Contained in minimal amounts, not classified as hazardous unless noted
Concentration Range: Percentages given above may vary slightly with batch and supplier
First Aid Measures
Eye Contact: Flush with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids apart, remove contact lenses if present and easy, seek medical advice if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash thoroughly with soap and water, consult a doctor if symptoms continue
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing, get medical attention if symptoms occur
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting, give small sips of water if person is conscious, seek medical attention right away
Medical Attention: Show this safety data sheet or label to medical personnel for guidance
Most Important Symptoms: Redness, irritation, discomfort in eyes, skin, or respiratory tract
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO2
Unsuitable Media: High-pressure water jets may spread the liquid
Fire and Explosion Hazards: Product itself does not burn easily, hazardous decomposition products may form under fire conditions such as carbon oxides, sulfur oxides
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighting Instructions: Keep containers cool with water spray, prevent runoff from entering drains or watercourses
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Use appropriate personal protection equipment, avoid inhaling vapors, avoid contact with skin and eyes, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Do not let spilled material enter sewers, surface, or groundwater
Methods for Containment: Contain and collect spillage with non-combustible, absorbent material (sand, earth)
Cleanup Procedures: Clean area thoroughly with water after material pick-up, dispose in suitable containers, follow local disposal regulations
Notification: Inform appropriate authorities if release enters environment as required by law
Handling and Storage
Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid splashes or aerosols, never eat, drink, or smoke while using product
Technical Measures: Use only with adequate ventilation and proper precautions to avoid accidental exposure
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials, keep container tightly closed
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, bases, oxidizers
Special Handling Notes: Keep away from children and unauthorized personnel, label containers clearly
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Occupational Exposure Limits: Established for certain surfactant ingredients, check local regulations for details
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation in processing areas
Personal Protective Equipment: Protective gloves (nitrile or PVC), safety goggles or face shield, suitable protective clothing to avoid skin contact
Respiratory Protection: Use respirator for mist or aerosol in poorly ventilated spaces
PPE for Emergency: Full-body suit in case of large spills or prolonged exposure
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after using, remove contaminated clothing before entering break areas
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic
pH: Generally between 5 and 8
Melting/Freezing Point: Typically does not freeze above –5°C
Boiling Point: Near 100°C (similar to water component)
Flash Point: Above 100°C (nonflammable)
Evaporation Rate: Comparable to water
Flammability: Not classified as flammable
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Solubility: Fully miscible in water
Density: 1.01–1.07 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable (main ingredients remain in aqueous phase)
Viscosity: Slightly higher than water
Stability and Reactivity
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions known if used as directed
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong oxidizing agents may produce hazardous decomposition products
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, freezing, exposure to strong acids or bases
Decomposition Products: Thermal decomposition can lead to release of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sulfur oxides
Incompatible Materials: High concentrations of strong oxidizers or reducers
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: Components show low toxicity with typical industrial exposure
Irritation: Causes eye and skin irritation on direct contact
Respiratory Sensitization: Inhalation of mist may cause irritation in sensitive persons
Chronic Effects: No data indicating risk of systemic toxicity after repeated exposure under normal use
Carcinogenicity: None of the ingredients listed by OSHA, NTP, or IARC as carcinogenic
Mutagenicity: No evidence in available studies
Other:** Prolonged or repeated exposure could eventually dry out or irritate skin
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Surfactants present may be harmful to aquatic life at moderate or high concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Most components are biodegradable, but some may take longer to break down in the environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low for main components, though monitoring still recommended
Mobility in Soil: Product mixes readily with water, can migrate in liquid spills
Other Adverse Effects: Large spills can foam in water bodies, leading to physical effects on aquatic organisms
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of product and contaminated packaging in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements
Recommended Disposal: Incineration or chemical treatment preferred where permitted, never dispose into watercourses
Empty Containers: Rinse thoroughly and recycle or dispose as hazardous waste
Precautions: Prevent release into environment, use authorized waste disposal contractors
Transport Information
UN Number: May not be regulated for land, sea, or air transport but confirm locally
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated or “non-hazardous liquid” unless otherwise classified
Hazard Class: Non-dangerous for transport under most conditions
Packing Group: Not assigned unless classified as hazardous
Special Precautions: Prevent leakage, keep container upright and secure during movement
Regulatory Information
Labeling Requirements: Ensure GHS-compliant labels, with hazard symbols, signal word, and safety instructions
Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Product falls under chemical safety laws such as OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, EU REACH, local water act where applicable
Inventory Status: Ingredients commonly listed on TSCA, EINECS, or similar inventories
Other Regulatory Details: SDS must be available to all end users, record-keeping and reporting may be necessary for large users or spill events