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Product Name: Gamma Linolenic Acid
Chemical Formula: C18H30O2
Synonyms: GLA, Octadeca-6,9,12-trienoic acid
Recommended Use: Nutritional supplement, ingredient in cosmetics, research chemical
Manufacturer Information: Manufacturer’s address and emergency phone contacts must be listed on all shipping documents.
CAS Number: 506-26-3
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under current regulatory criteria for pure substances.
Label Elements: No symbol or hazard statement required under regulation.
Potential Health Effects: Ingestion can sometimes lead to nausea or diarrhea in sensitive individuals. Skin or eye contact with pure concentrate may cause minor irritation.
Environmental Effects: Spills in significant quantities could affect aquatic life due to the buildup of fatty acids.
Chemical Identity: Gamma Linolenic Acid
Common Name: GLA
Concentration: 100% pure acid or in oil with 8-23% GLA content depending on the oil source
Impurities: Traces of other fatty acids from plant extraction processes
EC Number: 208-042-3
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. GLA does not readily vaporize at room temperature, but aerosols or heated vapors should be avoided.
Skin Contact: Wash with mild soap and water. Limited reports of irritation, but continuous exposure should be avoided.
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes; seek medical attention if redness or discomfort persists.
Ingestion: For small amounts, monitor for symptoms. Large, accidental ingestion is rare but contact poison control for advice.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam on larger oil fires. Water spray may help cool adjacent structures.
Flammability: Oil-rich substances can sustain combustion once ignited.
Special Hazards: Decomposition may produce irritant smoke including oxides of carbon.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear breathing apparatus and chemical-resistant clothing.
Explosion Risk: Fine mist or vapor in air could present risk of ignition if exposed to heat source.
Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves and safety glasses. Avoid slip hazards from spilled oil.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into surface water drains. Contain with sand or earth if necessary.
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material such as clay, sand, or commercial absorbent. Shovel into labeled containers for disposal.
Decontamination: Wash area with detergent and water to remove any oily residues.
Handling: Use chemical-resistant gloves and avoid excessive skin contact. Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent contamination or oxidation.
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after handling before breaks or eating. Avoid inhaling vapors generated during heating.
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or strong oxidizing materials. Use nitrogen blanketing for large-volume tanks to minimize oxidation.
Incompatible Materials: Avoid storing near strong acids or oxidizers.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA/NIOSH/TLV limits exist for pure GLA.
Engineering Controls: Provide good general ventilation in work area, especially if heating or aerosolizing.
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves made from nitrile or latex, safety glasses or face shield, lab coat or apron. Respirator recommended during aerosol-generating procedures.
Environmental Monitoring: Not normally required for small-scale research or industrial uses; large facilities may monitor for oil mist.
Appearance: Clear, pale yellow oily liquid (commercial samples may appear as part of plant oil blend).
Odor: Mild, characteristic fatty odor.
Odor Threshold: No data available.
Melting Point: -35°C to -20°C (purified acid).
Boiling Point: >220°C.
Flash Point: Above 250°C (closed cup).
Solubility: Insoluble in water; readily dissolves in ethanol, chloroform, ethers, vegetable oils.
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature.
Specific Gravity: 0.9 - 0.92 g/cm³.
Partition Coefficient: High logP, indicative of strong lipid solubility.
Viscosity: Oil-like.
Auto Ignition Temperature: Above 300°C.
Decomposition Temperature: >230°C.
Evaporation Rate: Not volatile at ambient conditions.
Chemical Stability: Remains stable under normal storage and handling conditions. Prone to slow oxidative rancidity unless kept under nitrogen or refrigerated.
Reactivity: Can react with strong oxidizers. Unsaturated sites susceptible to polymerization or cross-linking in presence of free radicals.
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid prolonged exposure to air, high temperature, light, and moisture.
Hazardous Decomposition: Acrolein, carbon monoxide, dioxide, and unidentified organic compounds during combustion or thermal decomposition.
Polymerization: Unlikely under normal storage and usage scenarios.
Acute Toxicity: Animal testing and clinical reports indicate very low toxicity, both oral and dermal.
Skin Irritation: May cause mild irritation on extended or repeated contact.
Eye Irritation: Direct exposure may cause transient discomfort, no lasting effects.
Sensitization: No known sensitizing reactions noted in humans.
Chronic Toxicity: Long-term ingestion well-tolerated at nutritional doses. Excessive intake not linked to mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, or teratogenicity in published studies.
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: None specifically documented.
Ecotoxicity: Soaps and fatty acids like GLA can interfere with surface film and oxygen exchange at high concentrations in water. Potential hazard to aquatic organisms in concentrated spills.
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions in soil and water, breaks down to smaller fatty acids and ultimately to CO2 and water.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Limited, as it enters natural fatty acid metabolic cycles.
Mobility in Soil: Low due to hydrophobicity.
Other Adverse Effects: Not expected to cause significant environmental harm in diluted or normal use.
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose through authorized chemical waste contractors, consistent with local and national environmental regulations.
Uncontaminated Product: Clean residues may sometimes be incinerated in permitted waste-to-energy plants.
Packaging: Use clean, dry containers. Ensure labels are clearly marked and containers securely closed.
Special Precautions: Never pour bulk fatty acids into sewers or surface water drains.
Regulatory Classification: Not considered hazardous waste unless mixed with other regulated chemicals or contaminants.
UN Number: Not regulated as a dangerous good for road, air, rail, or sea transport.
Shipping Name: Gamma Linolenic Acid or Plant Oil (containing GLA)
Hazard Class: Not classified.
Packing Group: Not applicable.
Special Precautions: Protect containers from physical damage, extreme temperatures, and keep tightly sealed.
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as marine pollutant.
Labelling: Not subject to hazard labelling under global chemical safety regulations for pure food-grade GLA.
Inventories: Listed on TSCA (USA), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada) and AICS (Australia).
Workplace Safety: General rules for handling vegetable oils apply; no exposure limits.
Restrictions: No restrictions for consumer uses; dietary supplement regulations apply in certain jurisdictions.
Other Regulations: Product safety standards for food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic industries may apply based on application.
West Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, China
