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Chemical Name: Catalase, enzyme derived from bovine liver
Common Name: Catalase
Appearance: Catalase usually appears as a white to off-white powder, sometimes as a fine crystalline solid. The source is animal tissue, specifically bovine liver, which makes it an animal-sourced protein.
Health Hazards: Sensitization is one of the main risks—catalase dust in the air can cause respiratory allergies with repeated exposure, especially for those with asthma or other breathing trouble. Contact may lead to eye irritation, mild skin reactions, and in rare cases, allergic responses to proteins.
Environmental Hazards: Enzymes like catalase are biodegradable, but spills in large amounts may disturb aquatic systems by increasing biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).
Physical Hazards: Enzyme powders, including catalase, can create dust that may be combustible under the right conditions, so airborne dust control is important in large-scale operations.
Main Component: Catalase enzyme (protein, from bovine liver)
Other Components: May include traces of salts used for stabilization, moisture, and carrier substances such as sodium chloride, depending on the extraction process. Animal proteins are the principal concern for allergies.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Individuals experiencing asthma-like symptoms should seek medical attention if breathing problems develop.
Skin Contact: Wash area thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Observe for signs of irritation or allergic skin reaction.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of clean water for about 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open. Medical help is needed if discomfort continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Catalase is a protein; accidental ingestion of small amounts seldom causes serious health issues but can be risky for people with animal protein allergies.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical and carbon dioxide work in most situations.
Specific Hazards: Dust clouds of enzyme powders can ignite or explode. Burning produces carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides, depending on the decomposition.
Personal Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing to avoid enzyme dust or fumes during fire.
Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust. Use a properly fitted particulate mask or respirator. Limit contact by wearing gloves and eye protection.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into water sources to avoid short-term oxygen imbalance.
Methods for Cleanup: Collect powder carefully, minimizing dust. Dampen lightly to prevent dust formation. Dispose of collected material in a safe and secure manner. Wash spill area thoroughly after removal.
Handling: Keep containers tightly closed. Work in well-ventilated areas to reduce dust exposure. Use local exhaust or general ventilation. Open packages carefully to prevent airborne enzyme dust. Those with allergies to proteins or enzymes should be especially careful when working with catalase.
Storage: Store at cool temperatures in a dry, designated area. Protect container from moisture and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizing or reducing agents. Containers should be clearly labeled and secured, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
Exposure Limits: No specific regulatory exposure limit for catalase, but guidelines for nuisance dusts or enzymes by agencies such as ACGIH or OSHA can guide workplace practices.
Engineering Controls: Ventilation systems, dust collectors, and closed processing help keep airborne levels down.
Personal Protective Equipment: Respirators for dust, gloves for skin protection, safety goggles for eyes. Change out of contaminated clothing immediately to reduce risk of skin irritation or allergy. Shower at the end of shifts if handling large quantities or for long periods.
Physical State: Solid powder or sometimes lyophilized (freeze-dried) cake
Color: White to off-white
Odor: Faint, typical of animal-derived proteins, but hardly noticeable in dilute form
Solubility: Soluble in water
Melting/Decomposition Point: Proteins like catalase denature at relatively low heat (usually above 50°C) and lose function
pH Stability Range: Most stable around neutral pH, relevant to its biological function
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, moisture, strong oxidizers and reducers can degrade the enzyme
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids or bases, strong oxidizing materials
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Decomposition from fire or extreme handling produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. Protein dust in suspension can react violently in rare cases if an ignition source is present.
Acute Toxicity: Catalase has low toxicity by oral, dermal or inhalation routes for most people. Main health risk is allergy.
Chronic Effects: Regular or prolonged exposure to enzyme dust can lead to respiratory sensitization and asthma-like symptoms, especially in susceptible individuals.
Skin and Eye Irritation: Direct contact causes mild irritation; severe effects are rare except in people with allergies.
Carcinogenicity: No evidence links catalase to cancer.
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: No known risks established in scientific studies.
Biodegradability: Catalase, like most enzymes, rapidly breaks down outdoors or in water.
Aquatic Toxicity: Large spills may affect water oxygen content, harming aquatic life until diluted; small quantities break down harmlessly.
Persistence: Proteinaceous material does not persist long in soil or water, especially with microbial action in the environment.
Waste Methods: Dispose of catalase in accordance with national and local regulations for proteinaceous or enzyme-containing wastes. Small quantities can go with regular laboratory or biomedical waste, large-scale disposal should be reviewed for any local waterway impact.
Precautions: Keep enzyme out of food and water streams. Make sure containers are clean before recycling or trash. Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly after handling, to reduce allergic risk in handling waste.
UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport, but check for national or international restrictions.
Proper Shipping Name: Enzyme Preparation, not otherwise specified
Transport Precautions: Boxes or containers must be sealed and protected against moisture, crushing, or heat. Special care for packaging if shipped by air to prevent dust release.
Enzyme Classification: Catalase does not fall under major hazardous chemical lists (such as REACH or OSHA Hazard Communication Standard) but employer duty of care means maintaining good occupational hygiene where enzymes are processed.
Labeling Requirements: Should be labeled with warnings about possible allergy, respiratory risk, and handling precautions.
Workplace Regulations: Guidance for dust control, personal exposure limits for proteins, and mandatory training for employees handling bulk catalase keep everyone safer and reduce incident risk in workplaces.
