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Chemical Name: 4-Aminobutyric Acid
Common Names: GABA, γ-Aminobutyric Acid
Molecular Formula: C4H9NO2
Synonyms: Gamma-Aminobutyric acid, GABA
CAS Number: 56-12-2
Color and Form: Usually appears as a white, crystalline powder
Use Cases: Widely used in laboratories for neurological research, sometimes as a supplement
Acute Effects: Inhalation or skin contact can trigger mild irritation. Eye contact causes noticeable redness or discomfort. Ingestion produces symptoms like nausea or stomach upset.
Chronic Effects: Not known to trigger chronic toxicity in typical use, though experimental settings may increase exposure risk.
Hazard Pictogram: Not classified under major hazard classes for acute toxicity by most regulatory systems.
Label Elements: Signal words rarely exceed "Warning" given GABA’s relatively low risk profile.
Main Component: 4-Aminobutyric Acid at over 99% purity in most lab supplies
Impurities: May include trace moisture or typical manufacturing byproducts at negligible levels.
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, observe for adverse effects. Persistent symptoms should prompt medical evaluation.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing to prevent chronic absorption.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously under running water for several minutes and avoid rubbing. Persistent irritation calls for medical consultation.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Small accidental doses rarely cause long-term harm, but high intake can demand clinical attention if gastric irritation appears.
Suitable Extinguishing Agents: Water spray, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide all work when fire happens in a storage or working area.
Hazards from Combustion: Fire can release nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. Adequate ventilation lines up as essential to avoid inhalation hazards in a burning scenario.
Firefighters’ Gear: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus should stay close at hand in case of combustion.
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, lab coat, and protective eyewear to keep exposure to a minimum.
Containment: Sweep up the solid, avoid sweeping up with air flow or vacuum if dust can become airborne.
Disposal: Collected material lands in a sealed container for proper chemical waste collection.
Handling: Minimize dust creation, use appropriate tools, and keep open containers away from heat or moisture.
Storage Requirements: Keep in tightly closed bottles, in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place. Segregate from strong acids or alkalies.
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers could react unfavorably if spilled or mixed.
Occupational Exposure Limit: Not specifically assigned in most countries, reflecting its relatively low risk outside long-term or large-scale contact.
Engineering Controls: Fume hoods and local exhaust ventilate airborne dust or vapors.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical goggles, nitrile gloves, and long sleeves or lab coats form basic lines of defense.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling and before breaks or meals.
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Slightly musty, often undetectable without concentrating it
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, very limited in organic solvents
Melting Point: Around 203-205°C (397-401°F)
Molecular Weight: 103.12 g/mol
pH (aqueous solution): Typically measured at 6.5–7.5 for a neutral solution at standard concentrations
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature and normal handling settings.
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat or exposure to strong oxidizing substances.
Hazardous Decomposition: Burning generates carbon and nitrogen oxides.
Acute Toxicity: Standard animal studies point to very low acute toxicity. No known human fatalities from acute doses.
Skin/Eye Irritation: Short contact might cause irritation but usually fades on its own.
Chronic Effects: No links to cancer, specific organ damage, or heritable mutations with normal use.
Ingestion & Inhalation: Large oral doses not recommended; respiratory exposure poses little threat under ordinary laboratory use.
Known Sensitizers: No established evidence of allergic potential in the literature.
Environmental Fate: Water-soluble and expected to break down efficiently in wastewater systems.
Toxicity to Aquatics: Minimal evidence points to significant risk for fish or invertebrates.
Persistence and Bioaccumulation: Does not persist or accumulate in typical scenarios, driven by its ready biodegradability.
Recommended Disposal Method: Place in sealed containers for routine hazardous waste incineration or through approved chemical waste programs.
Regulatory Treatment: Never mix with household trash; laboratory waste streams should handle all residues.
Environmental Considerations: Avoid flushing directly into sewers or the wild, preventing small but unnecessary additions to local water systems.
UN Classification: Not listed under hazardous chemicals for transport internationally.
Labeling: Most shipments travel as general chemical goods, with clear labeling to avoid mix-ups or mistaken handling.
Special Shipping Requirements: Airtight containers and padding against moisture ingress keep things safe en route.
Regulatory Listings: Not restricted by main chemical regulations like REACH or TSCA in the United States and Europe. No assigned workplace exposure limits by agencies like OSHA or ACGIH.
Occupational Restrictions: No age, gender, or process-based employment restrictions reported for use in research or industry.
Warning Requirements: Labels require chemical name and basic hazards, but not special restriction statements.
