Product Name: β-Galactosidase
Synonyms: Lactase, EC 3.2.1.23, Beta-D-galactoside galactohydrolase
Recommended Use: Laboratory research, industry enzyme, biotechnology applications
Supplier Information: Enzyme supplier details, company address, emergency phone
Chemical Family: Glycoside hydrolase enzyme
CAS Number: 9031-11-2
Contact for SDS: Safety office or chemical hygiene officer
Classification: Not considered hazardous under GHS criteria
Physical Dangers: May form dust in powder form that can irritate the respiratory tract
Health Hazards: Inhalation can trigger mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, skin and eye contact may cause irritation
Environmental Hazards: Unlikely to pose significant impact at typical concentrations, but large-scale release should be avoided
Label Elements: No pictogram required, no signal word
Precautionary Statements: Minimize dust generation and contact, practice good laboratory hygiene
Other Hazards: Allergen for some laboratory workers, especially after repeated exposure
Main Ingredient: β-Galactosidase enzyme preparation from Aspergillus or Escherichia coli (strain dependent)
Concentration: 90–99% (formulation dependent, balance inert material such as buffer or stabilizer)
Impurities: Trace proteins, salt buffer components, water
CAS Number: 9031-11-2
Other Additives: Stabilizers may include sodium chloride, glycerol, or sodium phosphate
Hazardous Components: None present in concentrations that require mention for standard laboratory practice
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, support breathing as needed, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash thoroughly with soap and water, see a healthcare provider if redness or discomfort continues
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids occasionally, get medical advice if irritation remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Most Important Symptoms: Possible itching, tearing, coughing, sneezing, skin redness in susceptible individuals
Note to Doctor: Treat symptomatically, show this SDS if possible
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam extinguishers
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High pressure water jets (may spread dust)
Fire Hazards: Material is not flammable, may decompose under fire, releasing carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides
Explosion Hazard: Dust can accumulate and, in extreme conditions, may form mixtures which could explode if ignited
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice for Firefighters: Prevent runoff from entering water systems, provide ventilation to avoid excessive inhalation of enzymatic dust
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, laboratory coat, and respiratory protection to limit exposure to dust or enzyme aerosol
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge to drains, waterways, or soil
Spill Cleanup Methods: Scoop up carefully to avoid generating dust, sweep into suitable containers for disposal, ventilate area
Decontamination: Wash spill area with plenty of water after removal
Small Spills: Wipe with damp cloth and dispose as laboratory waste
Large Spills: Use HEPA vacuum systems to collect residue, follow waste disposal protocols
Notification Procedures: Report spill to appropriate laboratory or facility safety staff
Handling Precautions: Work in well-ventilated spaces, avoid inhalation, prevent skin and eye contact, keep containers closed
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight, keep at recommended temperatures suggested by supplier (often 2–8°C or as required for enzyme stability)
Incompatible Materials: Avoid strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis which may degrade or denature enzyme
Hygiene Recommendations: Practice regular handwashing, do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas, remove contaminated clothing before leaving laboratory
Special Requirements: Use dedicated equipment and containments for allergen-producing enzymes to reduce risk of workplace sensitization
Engineering Controls: Use laboratory fume hood or local exhaust ventilation to limit airborne dust
Respiratory Protection: Wear suitable mask or respirator if dust levels increase or when handling large quantities
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, laboratory gowns or coats
Eye / Face Protection: Chemical splash goggles or safety glasses
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits for β-Galactosidase, but NIOSH/OSHA guidelines for protein dust may apply
Environmental Exposure: Limit release through proper waste handling and use of containment systems
Workplace Monitoring: Regular checks for air or surface enzyme contamination, especially in high-use labs
Appearance: Fine powder or lyophilized cake; some liquid formulations appear clear or slightly opalescent
Color: White to pale yellow (varies with source and purity)
Odor: Mostly odorless or mild, proteinaceous
pH (solution): Typically between 6.5 and 8.0 (for optimal activity)
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable (protein denatures prior to boiling)
Solubility: Soluble in water, insoluble in organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Density: Approx. 1.3–1.5 g/cm³ (solid); varies with buffers in liquid
Stability in Storage: Stable under recommended conditions; activity diminishes over months at higher temperatures
Chemical Stability: Stable at refrigerated temperatures, sensitive to heat (>30°C) and pH extremes
Reactivity: Low reactivity under normal conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, acid/base hydrolysis breaks down enzyme
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, exposure to sunlight, moisture for some dry formulations
Materials to Avoid: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Under fire or high heat, may produce carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other organic compounds
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal conditions
Acute Toxicity Data: β-Galactosidase is considered low toxicity; oral LD50 in mammals not established due to protein degradation in digestion
Skin and Eye Irritation: May cause mild irritation, especially with repeated exposure
Sensitization: Risk of respiratory and skin sensitization in individuals, especially after chronic handling
Chronic Toxicity: No evidence of carcinogenicity or reproductive hazards from current data
Other Routes of Exposure: Inhalation may trigger allergic symptoms for atopic individuals
Mutagenicity: No mutagenic effects reported in standard assays
Epidemiology: Laboratory-acquired allergies remain the most significant risk in occupational exposure
Aquatic Toxicity: β-Galactosidase rapidly degrades in sewage and natural water, expected to have low persistence
Terrestrial Impact: Soil bacteria and fungi can utilize the protein; breakdown expected with no significant bioaccumulation
Mobility: Dissolves in water, but binds to soils and organic matter
Degradability: Readily biodegradable by natural microbial flora
Bioaccumulation Potential: No evidence for significant bioaccumulation
Other Harmful Effects: Large releases may deplete oxygen in aquatic systems through microbial activity; avoid dumping in sensitive habitats
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose via approved chemical waste incineration or landfill after denaturation (autoclaving recommended for biological waste)
Product Disposal: Enzyme solutions can be diluted, deactivated with bleach, then flushed into sewer with plenty of water in accordance with local regulations
Packaging Disposal: Contaminated containers should be triple-rinsed before discarding in accordance with institutional guidelines
Environmental Precautions: Never discharge repository quantities into watercourses or soil
Legal Requirements: Observe all federal, state, and local environmental protection laws
UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not applicable
Labeling Requirements: No transport hazard label required
Special Precautions: Maintain packaging integrity to avoid leaks, especially with larger bulk shipments
Regulatory Status: Not subject to ADR, IMDG, or IATA dangerous goods codes
Environmental Hazards: None identified for shipment at intended uses and concentrations
OSHA Status: β-Galactosidase is not listed as a hazardous chemical by OSHA
EPA Regulations: Not subject to specific EPA registration
TSCA (US): Substances derived from common sources are registered or exempt
REACH (EU): Exempt from REACH registration under Annex IV/V (naturally occurring enzyme proteins)
Canada DSL: Included or otherwise exempt
International Regulations: Not classified as hazardous under international chemical safety regulations
Workplace Controls: Recommendations align with general biosafety level 1 or 2 practices in most jurisdictions