Product Name: Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Chemical Formula: C20H30O2
CAS Number: 10417-94-4
Synonyms: EPA, icosapentaenoic acid, all-cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid
Molecular Weight: 302.45 g/mol
Intended Use: Laboratory and industrial applications including nutritional supplements, research, and chemical synthesis
Supplier Details: Contact provided by manufacturer or distributor for emergency and technical information
Emergency Contact: Refer to company-specific safety line or local emergency numbers
Recommended Restriction: Not intended for use in food, drug, or household products unless specified
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under current GHS criteria
GHS Label Elements: No pictogram, signal word, or hazard statement as per current classification
Potential Health Effects: May cause mild eye or skin irritation after prolonged exposure. Inhalation of fine dust might irritate upper respiratory tract. May cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances if ingested in large quantities.
Symptoms of Overexposure: Redness, itching, discomfort on skin and eyes, mild nausea or headache from inhalation exposure
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; minimize dust generation; follow good hygiene practices after handling
NFPA Rating: Health 1; Flammability 1; Reactivity 0
Chemical Name: Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Concentration: ≥98% (typical laboratory or industrial grade)
Impurities: Trace amounts of related fatty acids including docosahexaenoic acid, possible antioxidant stabilizers depending on source
Additives: May contain small amounts of solvents such as ethanol in some preparations, stated by supplier
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Seek medical care if rash or irritation develops.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Let the person rest in a comfortable position. Seek medical advice if breathing becomes difficult or symptoms persist.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. If large quantities are swallowed and symptoms appear, consult a physician. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel.
Most Important Symptoms/Effects, Acute and Delayed: Mild eye or skin irritation, mild respiratory discomfort
Immediate Medical Attention: Large exposure or persistent symptoms call for prompt medical evaluation
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical powder, foam, or carbon dioxide for small fires. Water spray can be used to cool containers but may not be effective for extinguishing bulk material fires.
Specific Hazards: May release irritating or toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide on burning
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Firefighting Procedures: Move containers from the fire area if it can be done safely. Cool containers with water spray if needed. Prevent fire control water from contaminating local waterways.
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. Avoid raising significant dust.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into sewers, surface water, or soil by diking large spills
Methods for Clean-Up: For small spills, absorb with inert material such as sand or vermiculite, scoop into labelled waste containers. Clean spill area with soap and water. Dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations. Ventilate area after cleanup.
Reporting: Notify relevant authorities in case of significant environmental release
Handling Precautions: Work in well-ventilated areas. Minimize dust formation and avoid breathing dust. Use proper personal protection. Wash thoroughly after handling. Keep away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Protect from direct sunlight and moisture. Store away from heat sources and ignition points. Keep containers clearly labelled.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents can accelerate degradation. Avoid sources of strong acids or bases.
Special Requirements: Follow all standard chemical hygiene protocols for storage and retrieval of bulk lipids
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limit values have been established for eicosapentaenoic acid
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or work in a fume hood to control airborne concentrations. Provide eyewash stations and safety showers in work area.
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves (nitrile, latex, or appropriate chemical-resistant type), splash-proof safety goggles, laboratory coat
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Remove and wash contaminated clothing. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas.
Environmental Controls: Avoid release to the environment by following waste handling protocols
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid or oily substance
Odor: Characteristic mild fatty odor
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: About -54°C
Boiling Point / Range: Approximately 220°C (decomposition may occur before boiling)
Flash Point: >150°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not determined
Flammability: Considered not highly flammable; can burn when preheated
Explosive Limits: Not established
Vapor Pressure: Very low at room temperature
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Solubility in Other Solvents: Soluble in ethanol, ether, chloroform, organic oils
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Predicted >6 (highly lipophilic)
Vapor Density: Not determined
Relative Density: ~0.93-0.95 g/cm³
Auto-ignition Temperature: >300°C
Decomposition Temperature: >200°C
Viscosity: Oily, low to moderate viscosity at room temperature
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Not expected under normal conditions. May react with strong oxidizers to produce hazardous byproducts
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to air, excessive heat, strong light, moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids and bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, potentially small amounts of irritant fumes if heated to decomposition
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal practice
Acute Toxicity: Low acute toxicity based on animal studies (oral LD50 in rats estimated >5,000 mg/kg)
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild irritation or dryness from long or repeated contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Can cause temporary discomfort or redness
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Not classified as a sensitizer
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: No component classified as mutagenic based on available studies
Carcinogenicity: No evidence of carcinogenic potential; not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: High-quality studies indicate no reproductive or developmental harm at normal exposure levels
Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single/Repeated Exposure): Not expected at levels below established exposure limits
Aspiration Hazard: Negligible risk under physical form provided
Ecotoxicity: Limited data on direct toxicity to aquatic organisms, but readily biodegradable and low bioaccumulation potential indicated. Large spills may temporarily affect aquatic systems due to oxygen demand.
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions. Breaks down into naturally occurring fatty acids and simpler compounds
Bioaccumulative Potential: High partition coefficient suggests lipophilicity, but rapid metabolism and breakdown limit negative ecological impact
Mobility in Soil: Immobile in groundwater systems due to water insolubility. May adsorb strongly onto soil materials
Other Adverse Effects: No long-term adverse effects expected if managed responsibly
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations for non-hazardous organic chemicals. Do not discharge into drains or environment.
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse containers before recycling or disposal. Remove labels and dispose of as solid waste.
Recycling/Reuse: Recovery and recycling at permitted facilities preferred where possible
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as hazardous for transportation
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not considered hazardous to the environment under transport rules
Special Precautions: Ship in tightly sealed, upright containers with clear labelling. Avoid excessive heat and rough handling during transport.
Regulatory Transport Requirements: Confirm compliance with carrier and local requirements for organic chemicals
Inventory Listings: Listed on TSCA (US), EINECS/ELINCS (Europe), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia), and other country inventories as a chemical substance
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under ISO and national GHS criteria
OSHA Hazard Status: Not hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
International Regulations: Consult local, regional, and national guidelines for safe use and handling
Other Restrictions: Follow specific use restrictions where EPA is intended for direct human consumption as a food supplement and pharmaceutical product; adherence to good manufacturing practices required