Squalene: Safety Insights and Hands-On Precautions

Identification

Substance: Squalene
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid, slight odor
Chemical Formula: C30H50
Common Uses: Cosmetic formulations, vaccine additive, dietary supplement

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under most local regulations
Major Hazards: Can pose a minor skin and eye irritation risk on contact, but no acute toxicity by ingestion or inhalation
Potential Health Effects: Mild irritant on broken skin or when sprayed in eyes; inhalation unlikely due to low volatility; otherwise regarded as safe in routine handling
Environmental Risk: Not thought to present major ecological risks at typical concentrations; large spills into water should be avoided as precaution for aquatic life

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Name: Squalene
Chemical Nature: Unsaturated hydrocarbon, triterpene
Purity: Usually found as greater than 98% pure in cosmetics and food supplements, depending on source and processing method

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air if vapor exposure occurs, though this is rare due to low volatility
Skin Contact: Wash the affected area with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with plenty of water; seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; generally non-toxic, but medical attention is wise if large amounts are swallowed or unusual reactions occur

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide extinguishers; water spray to cool surfaces
Specific Dangers: Being an oil, squalene can form flammable mixtures with air above its flash point, so avoid open flames and sources of ignition
Firefighting Instructions: Use protective equipment, avoid breathing fumes, cool adjacent containers

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use gloves and safety glasses, ventilate the area
Environmental Protection: Prevent release to drains or natural water sources
Spill Clean-Up: Absorb with sand or inert material, shovel into suitable waste container, clean area with detergent and water

Handling and Storage

Handling Tips: Pay attention to good personal hygiene and wear usual protection like gloves and goggles in manufacturing environments
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, away from direct sunlight and sources of ignition; stable at room temperature in dry, cool places

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation for bulk operations
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves to prevent spills on skin, goggles for splash risk, normal lab coats or aprons
Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits set for squalene by local or international regulatory bodies based on available toxicological data

Physical and Chemical Properties

Boiling Point: Around 285°C
Flash Point: Near 210°C
Melting Point: -75°C
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water, soluble in oils and organic solvents
Density: About 0.858 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Very low at room temperature

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Chemically stable under standard storage and use conditions
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, open flames, strong oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Can produce carbon oxides when burned or oxidized at high temperature

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Recognized as non-toxic by oral, inhalation, and dermal routes at common exposure levels
Chronic Effects: No links to chronic health effects found in available scientific literature
Irritation: Low risk, but sensitive individuals might develop mild irritation on skin or in eyes
Mutagenicity/Carcinogenicity: No evidence of carcinogenic or mutagenic effects

Ecological Information

Environmental Fate: Breaks down naturally in the environment
Aquatic Effects: Not expected to bioaccumulate or cause acute toxicity to fish or invertebrates at expected concentrations
Soil Mobility: Low solubility limits transport through soil

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Dispose of squalene according to local regulations; small quantities can be handled as non-hazardous waste, but bulk amounts should go to licensed chemical disposal
Container Disposal: Empty containers should be rinsed and offered for recycling or disposal as provided by local guidelines

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated as dangerous goods
Packaging: Use standard packaging for non-flammable liquids, keep container tightly closed

Regulatory Information

Global Status: Not listed as a controlled substance; permitted in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals under established guidelines
Handling Restrictions: No specific prohibitions, but manufacturers must comply with general chemical safety standards
Label Requirements: Clear labeling for safe handling and emergency measures, following workplace safety rules