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Name: Docosahexaenoic Acid
Chemical Formula: C22H32O2
Synonyms: DHA, C22:6 n-3, all-cis-docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoic acid
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow, oily liquid
Odor: Slight, characteristic fatty aroma
Uses: Found in omega-3 supplements, infant nutrition, fortified foods, medical applications, and animal feed.
Hazard Classification: Considered non-hazardous under typical handling conditions, though ingestion in excessive amounts or improper storage can introduce risks.
Physical Hazards: Can become slippery in liquid form; increased risk of slips and falls if spilled.
Health Hazards: Low acute toxicity but may cause skin and eye irritation after contact; unlikely to be absorbed in a harmful amount through skin.
Environmental Hazards: High concentrations introduced to water systems may affect aquatic life due to oxygen depletion caused by its oily nature.
Main Component: Docosahexaenoic acid (typically over 90%)
Other Fatty Acids: Trace amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid and related lipids might be present in extracts
Impurities: Residual solvents may appear if obtained synthetically or through extraction.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical help if symptoms appear or persist.
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water; remove contaminated clothing if discomfort occurs.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for several minutes, lift eyelids occasionally, consult a doctor if irritation continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, and seek medical advice if large amounts have been swallowed or adverse effects develop.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide; avoid water jets that can spread oil fires.
Fire Hazards: In the presence of an open flame, the oil can ignite, producing dense smoke and potentially harmful fumes.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus in confined fire situations due to the risk of inhaling unpleasant or hazardous combustion products.
Combustion Products: May include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and various irritant organic compounds.
Personal Precautions: Use gloves and eye protection to avoid direct contact; pay close attention to slip hazards.
Environmental Precautions: Block access to stormwater drains; contain with inert absorbent like sand, sawdust, or commercial oil sorbents.
Cleaning Procedure: Scoop up excess liquid, wipe surfaces thoroughly, wash area with detergent to remove oily residue, and ventilate space as needed.
Handling: Avoid ingestion, inhalation of fumes (especially in poorly ventilated areas), and repeated skin or eye contact.
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers away from direct sunlight, heat, and strong oxidizing agents; refrigeration can help preserve stability.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing chemicals and sources of ignition.
Special Considerations: Containers need clear labeling to avoid confusion with food oils.
Engineering Controls: General room ventilation keeps vapors at safe levels under most circumstances.
Personal Protection: Safety glasses or goggles, lab coats or gloves when handling large quantities, and prompt clean-up of spills.
Occupational Exposure Limits: None established specifically for DHA; standard hygiene practices are effective for control.
Respiratory Protection: Usually unnecessary at ambient temperatures due to low vapor pressure.
Physical State: Oily liquid at room temperature
Color: Colorless to light yellow
Odor: Mild, fatty odor
Boiling Point: Approx. 360°C
Melting Point: -44°C
Density: Around 0.93 g/cm³ at 25°C
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water, dissolves in organic solvents and other lipids.
pH: Not applicable, as it is insoluble in water.
Flash Point: Over 200°C
Viscosity: Noticeable, typical for long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Auto-ignition Temperature: Data limited, but higher than many common food oils.
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions, though it can oxidize when exposed to air and light, producing rancid flavors and possible off-gassing.
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents; sensitive to prolonged heat and ultraviolet exposure.
Decomposition Products: Overheating or burning can release aldehydes, acids, and other potentially hazardous byproducts.
Polymerization: Unlikely under normal use conditions.
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, skin contact, eye contact, inhalation of vapors or aerosols.
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity; consumption as dietary supplement considered safe within recommended limits.
Chronic Effects: Large-scale chronic toxicity unreported in healthy adults; overconsumption could alter lipid metabolism or lead to gastrointestinal upset.
Irritation: May irritate eyes or skin on prolonged or repeated contact.
Carcinogenicity: No evidence of cancer risk found related to dietary or occupational exposure to purified DHA.
Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be highly toxic, though spills can cause harm to aquatic systems by forming surface films that reduce oxygen exchange.
Persistence/Degradation: Biodegradable through microbial action, but breaks down slowly in large concentrations.
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to bioaccumulate at dangerous levels in the wild due to natural cycling of fatty acids.
Mobility in Soil: Poor water solubility limits movement in soil; stays near the surface when spilled.
Waste Disposal: Collect excess with absorbent materials for disposal by incineration or in accordance with local hazardous waste programs.
Container Disposal: Triple rinse and recycle or dispose of in agreement with environmental regulations; residue may be slippery or attract pests.
Best Practices: Avoid pouring large quantities down drains or into water bodies; treat oily residues as potential contaminants for municipal systems.
Transport Classification: Not classified as hazardous for ground, air, or sea transport.
Packaging: Use sealed, leak-proof containers; protect from heat during shipment.
Labeling: Transport with clear labeling to avoid confusion, especially if handled with other food-grade oils or laboratory reagents.
Special Precautions: Transport away from reactive chemicals and keep away from foodstuffs if not intended for human consumption.
Safety Standards: Dietary DHA falls under food safety regulations for ingredients and supplements; non-food use may require evaluation against workplace safety guidelines.
Labeling Requirements: Food-grade or supplement-grade DHA must indicate content, purity, and source on end-user products.
Environmental Regulation: Disposal practices must align with local and national guidelines for fatty substances; accidental release into water or soil may attract investigation if environmental damage is found.
Worker Protection: Standard precautions for handling chemicals with low but present irritation risk; proper hand washing, use of gloves and goggles in occupational settings.
