Product Name: Lactitol
Chemical Name: 4-O-β-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-glucitol
Synonyms: Lactit, Lacty, D-Lactitol, β-galactosido-sorbitol
CAS Number: 585-86-4
EC Number: 209-567-0
Recommended Uses: Used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and as a sugar substitute in various consumables
Supplier Information: Manufacturer’s details including address and emergency telephone numbers available on request or label
Emergency Number: Staffed chemical emergency lines provided by the producer or international agency
Molecular Formula: C12H24O11
Molecular Weight: 344.32 g/mol
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS
Signal Word: None required
Pictograms: No symbol indicated for non-hazardous material
Acute Health Hazards: Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea or bloating) in some individuals due to osmotic effects. Inhalation or direct skin or eye exposure typically produces mild and reversible irritation
Chronic Health Hazards: No known chronic effects associated with exposure during normal handling
Environmental Hazards: Not classified under aquatic hazard categories
Special Hazards: Lactitol dust clouds could present a combustion risk in certain industrial settings if large concentrations accumulate near ignition sources
Chemical Identity: Lactitol monohydrate
Purity: Typically above 99%
Impurities: Small traces of galactose, glucose and sorbitol may occur depending on manufacturing process
Additives: No additives present in food-grade or pharmaceutical lactitol
Hazardous Components: None identified within the product as sold
Concentration Range: Pure form as ingredient; mixture or blend information available from downstream formulation MSDSs
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air. Observe for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. Medical attention not typically required, but seek if distress persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin with water and mild soap. Skin irritation is rare. Rinse thoroughly
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water. Lift eyelids occasionally. If irritation persists, get medical advice
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Drink small quantities of water. Adverse effects limited to mild gastrointestinal upset. Large doses may result in osmotic diarrhea
Medical Attention: Symptomatic treatment as required, no documented antidote or significant toxic systemic effects reported
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Avoid direct water jets to prevent dust displacement
Specific Hazards: Lactitol is an organic powder and may form explosive dust-air mixtures. Combustion produces carbon oxides and small amounts of other organic vapors
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus recommended
Explosion Risks: Fine dust can ignite if an ignition source is present in an oxygen-rich environment. Implement preventative housekeeping and electrical protection
Advice for Firefighters: Remain upwind, use non-sparking tools, avoid inhaling smoke and combustion by-products
Personal Precautions: Avoid formation and inhalation of dust. Use appropriate PPE including dust masks, safety goggles, and gloves
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large concentrations from entering waterways or drains, as high sugar loads can disrupt local water chemistry
Containment Methods: Collect spilled lactitol into containers via shovel or vacuum system with HEPA filter. Minimize dust generation
Cleanup Methods: Wash affected area with water after cleanup to remove residue. Avoid creating slip hazards
Disposal: Follow disposal considerations below for large amounts
Safe Handling Procedures: Minimize dust generation and airborne movement by using powder dampening or local exhaust ventilation. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in work areas
Conditions for Safe Storage: Store in tightly sealed bags or containers, protected from moisture and incompatible substances. Store in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from flame sources
Separation from Incompatibles: Do not store near strong oxidizers, acids, or bases
Bulk Storage: Use containers with secure lids to avoid ingestion by rodents or pests. Label containers clearly
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands thoroughly after handling
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits for lactitol
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust and general ventilation to reduce airborne dust. Filter exhaust air if large quantities processed
Personal Protection:
Gloves: Nitrile or latex if prolonged contact anticipated
Respiratory Protection: N95 or equivalent mask in dusty conditions
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Clothing: Long sleeves, laboratory coat or work apron to limit skin exposure
Hygiene Measures: No food or drink in processing areas. Wash thoroughly before eating or drinking
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless, slightly sweet taste
Melting Point: 146–150°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
Density: Approximately 1.52 g/cm³ (bulk density varies)
pH (Solution): 4.0–7.0 (10% solution at 20°C)
Flash Point: Not applicable for solids
Flammability: Dust can be combustible under specific conditions
Explosive Properties: Dust/air mixtures may explode if sufficient concentration present
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Log P less than 1, indicating hydrophilic nature
Decomposition Temperature: >160°C
Auto-ignition Temperature: >350°C
Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Does not react vigorously with most chemicals in typical use
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Exposure to strong oxidizers (peroxides) can cause exothermic reactions
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Excess moisture, extreme temperatures, open flames, sources of ignition
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, traces of other organic compounds under combustion
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity, oral LD50 (rats) is estimated greater than 10,000 mg/kg
Irritation: Mild skin and respiratory irritation sometimes reported in workplace exposure to airborne dust
Sensitization: No evidence found for dermal or respiratory sensitization
Chronic Effects: No data to support chronic or carcinogenic effects
Reproductive and Developmental Effects: No reported teratogenic outcomes in standard toxicological screening
Ingestion Effects: Mild gastrointestinal effects (flatulence, laxative effect) at high doses
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity: Negative in Ames test and long-term studies
Summary of Human Experience: Long-term dietary consumption has not shown clinically significant negative health outcomes
Ecotoxicity: Expected to present low hazard to aquatic life at ordinary exposure levels
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in water and soil by microbial activity
Bioaccumulation: Low potential; BCF expected to be very low given high solubility and rapid microbial breakdown
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile, will dissolve and leach if released in large amounts
Other Adverse Effects: Elevated organic loads may affect water oxygen demand if released massively, potentially causing eutrophication in stagnant water
Log P (Kow): Less than 1; unlikely to bioaccumulate
Waste Treatment Methods: Small amounts can be dissolved in plenty of water and sent to sanitary sewer, provided local requirements permit. For bulk disposal, offer to authorized waste facilities that handle biodegradable sugar waste
Recycling: Reuse is not generally practiced due to contamination risks
Environmental Considerations: Avoid direct release to surface water or high-concentration land disposal
Disposal Containers: Seal in suitable bags or rigid containers to prevent dust escape during transport
Regulatory Compliance: Check local, regional, and national regulations regarding organic material disposal—non-hazardous waste classification applies in most locations
UN Number: Not regulated for transport under UN, ADR, IMDG, IATA
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous goods
Transport Hazard Class: No hazard label required
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: None reported for transport
Special Precautions: Ship in well-sealed containers, avoid release of dust during transit
Additional Notes: Monitor for moisture damage or pest infestation if shipment duration is long or environmental control is poor
Global Inventory Status: Listed or exempted from registration in most major chemical inventories
OSHA Status (US): Not regulated as hazardous
TSCA (US): Listed
EU REACH: Exempt or pre-registered for food and pharma applications
Food Additive Approvals: Approved by JECFA, EFSA, FDA as a food additive (E966)
WHMIS (Canada): Not controlled
DSL (Canada): Listed
SARA Title III (US): Not listed as reportable substance
California Prop 65: Not on Prop 65 list
Other Regulations: Subject to good manufacturing practice and safe ingredient handling regulations in relevant industries