Product Name: Lecithin
Chemical Name: Phosphatidylcholine (principal component)
Synonyms: Soy Lecithin, Egg Lecithin
CAS Number: 8002-43-5
Recommended Use: Food additive, emulsifier, dietary supplement, cosmetics ingredient
Manufacturer Details: Contact manufacturer for specific supplier information, addresses, and emergency phone numbers
Emergency Contact Number: Check packaging or supplier communications for immediate information
Other Identifiers: May be listed as "Lecithine" in some regions
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria
Physical Hazards: Substance does not pose significant physical risks under typical use
Health Hazards: Minor irritation possible for eyes and skin, rare allergy in sensitized persons
Environmental Hazards: No expected threat to aquatic environments at usual levels
Pictograms: No pictograms required for lecithin according to international standards
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statement: Not considered dangerous as defined in OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Precautionary Statements: Avoid generating dust, prevent contact with eyes, wash hands after use
Main Component: Phosphatidylcholine (percentage varies by source, typically 20%–85%)
Other Phospholipids: Phosphatidylethanolamine, Phosphatidylinositol, Phosphatidic acid
Non-Phospholipid Contents: Triglycerides, glycolipids, free fatty acids, carbohydrates
Ingredient Purity: May contain trace amounts of soy protein or egg protein depending on origin
Potential Contaminants: Residual solvents below regulated limits, no major allergens except source-derived
CAS Numbers of Major Components: Vary but principal is 8002-43-5
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath persist
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least fifteen minutes, lift upper and lower eyelids occasionally
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, and observe for discomfort; get medical attention if necessary
Most Important Symptoms: Rare minor symptoms like rash or mild irritation; allergic reactions unlikely but possible
Protection for First Responders: Use suitable gloves and eyewear when handling large spills
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water streams can spread burning product, use with caution
Specific Hazards: Burning may release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other combustion products
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Precautions: Avoid inhalation of smoke or fumes, evacuate area if fire becomes intense
Flammability: Material does not readily ignite, but fine particulate dusts can present explosion risk
Explosion Hazard: Fine powder may create combustible dust-air mixture under rare circumstances
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, protective clothing; prevent skin or eye contact
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release into drains, watercourses, or soil
Containment Methods: Absorb spills with inert material such as sand or earth
Clean-up Methods: Scoop into containers for recovery or disposal, wash spill site after material pickup
Prevention of Dust: Use gentle cleaning methods to limit dust generation, avoid dry sweeping for powders
Disposal: Collect spilled material to minimize waste and follow regulatory requirements
Safe Handling: Use with adequate ventilation, minimize inhalation and contact with skin and eyes, handle in accordance with food safety protocols if applicable
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed areas before eating, drinking, or smoking
Storage Requirements: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location, keep container tightly closed
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, keep away from direct sunlight and sources of heat
Packing Materials: Use food-grade lined containers, avoid materials that could react with lecithin
Additional Precautions: Keep away from materials emitting strong odors and out of reach of children or pets
Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits set for lecithin
Engineering Controls: Mechanical ventilation or local exhaust for large scale operations
Personal Respiratory Protection: Use dust mask or respirator if airborne particles become significant
Hand Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves for prolonged or repeated handling
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles
Skin Protection: Protective clothing recommended for bulk handling
General Safety Measures: Wash contaminated clothing before reuse, observe workplace safety protocols
Appearance: Viscous, amber to brown liquid or off-white to yellow powder depending on type
Odor: Mild, characteristic, sometimes nutty
pH: Not applicable for solids, dispersions generally neutral
Melting Point/Freezing Point: 30–40°C for most industrial grades
Boiling Point: Not applicable (product decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: >290°C (closed cup, varies by purity and form)
Evaporation Rate: Not volatile
Flammability: Not highly flammable, dust may be combustible
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Solubility: Insoluble in water, dispersible; soluble in most organic solvents
Density: 1.03–1.05 g/cm³ (liquid), varies for powder
Viscosity: Highly viscous if liquid
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of storage and use
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, open flames, strong oxidizers, prolonged storage above ambient temperature
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acrolein on thermal breakdown
Reactivity: Does not undergo hazardous polymerizations
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents
Storage Life: Up to two years in unopened, optimal conditions
Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity (LD50 rat >15 g/kg), minimal inhalation hazard
Chronic Toxicity: Long-term animal studies do not show cumulative toxicity
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No evidence in core test systems
Reproductive Toxicity: No adverse reproductive effects observed
Routes of Exposure: Skin or eye contact, inhalation of dust during processing
Symptoms: Temporary skin or eye irritation, rare allergic responses
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing allergies may be exacerbated for soy- or egg-derived lecithin
Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be toxic to aquatic or terrestrial organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable through natural microbial action
Bioaccumulative Potential: No tendency to bioaccumulate in food chain
Mobility in Soil: Limited, binds to organic matter
Results of PBT and vPvB Assessment: Not considered persistent, bioaccumulative, or toxic
Other Adverse Effects: No significant environmental effect expected at normal usage levels
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose following local and national regulations, treat as non-hazardous organic material
Unused Product: Can be incinerated or landfilled at approved facilities
Contaminated Packaging: Empty completely before recycling or disposal, rinse as appropriate
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material entering natural water systems, use approved disposal companies
Special Considerations: Avoid disposal by flushing into water systems, compost when feasible
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Lecithin
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous good
Packing Group: None assigned
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions for User: Protect containers from physical damage, ensure covers on securely
Transport in Bulk: No special requirements under International Maritime Organization rules
Inventory Status: Listed in TSCA (US), DSL (Canada), EINECS (EU), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan)
Labeling Requirements: No special hazard labeling for lecithin in most jurisdictions
OSHA (US): Not hazardous
EPCRA/SARA Title III: Not listed
REACH (EU): Exempt from registration under food ingredient status
Food Additive Approvals: Recognized as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) in the US, E322 in the EU
Restrictions: Must confirm suitability with specific legislation for pharmaceuticals or organic food
Worker Protection Standards: Standard workplace hygiene practices advised
Other Local Regulations: Check regional requirements as interpretations on use can vary