© 2026 Nanjing Finechem Holdings Co., Ltd,
All Right Reserved
Chemical name: Sorbitan monooleate
Common name: SPAN 80
Other designations: Nonionic surfactant
Use: Emulsifier, dispersing agent for agricultural, food, and cosmetic industries
Physical form: Amber, oily liquid
Main hazards: May cause irritation to skin and eyes on direct contact, mild respiratory irritation possible from vapors
Environmental warning: Large spills threaten aquatic life due to low water solubility and persistence
Flammability: Burns if exposed to significant heat or open flame
Sensitivity: Inhalation hazards exist mostly in spray form or during heated processing; in routine use, skin exposure matters most, especially with cracked or broken skin
Main ingredient: Sorbitan monooleate (CAS 1338-43-8)
Impurities: May include trace free fatty acids and residual solvents from manufacturing
Concentration: Typically over 99% pure in commercial supply
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, check for persistent coughing, seek medical help if symptoms remain
Skin contact: Wash with soap and water, monitor for signs of irritation or rash especially with existing skin conditions
Eye contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes, blinking often, medical follow-up for ongoing discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water, contact poison control if a large amount is swallowed
Suitable extinguishing media: Foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide tackle most small fires
Combustion risks: Fumes may include carbon oxides and other toxic gases
Firefighter protection: Self-contained breathing apparatus recommended due to potential smoke—and heat can break down the oil, releasing more harmful vapors
Special procedures: Cool nearby containers with water spray to limit heat exposure and possible explosion
Personal precautions: Avoid skin and eye contact, use gloves and goggles
Environmental precautions: Block off drains, contain spill with inert material like sand
Cleanup methods: Scoop or absorb with an industrial absorbent, then dispose of residue under safe waste guidelines
Ventilation: Air out area to clear any vapor buildup when handling a significant spill indoors
Safe handling: Wear gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing if splashing risk exists
Storage temperature: Store in cool, dry area away from open flames or high heat
Container requirements: Use sealed, chemically resistant containers, kept upright to avoid leaks
Special advice: Keep containers tightly closed when not in use, label tanks and transfer lines clearly to avoid mix-ups or misuse
Personal protection: Nitrile gloves, goggles or full face shield if direct splash anticipated, protective clothing
Workplace ventilation: General mechanical ventilation keeps fumes low; in confined spaces or large-scale transfer, local exhaust works even better
Occupational limits: No specific regulatory limits for this substance, yet good practice keeps exposure well below nuisance dust or fume levels
Clean-up: Wash hands thoroughly after use, remove contaminated clothing before entering break areas
Appearance: Clear to amber viscous liquid
Odor: Faint, fatty or oily odor
Solubility: Insoluble in water, mixes with many organic solvents
Boiling point: Above 200°C, decomposes slowly at elevated temperatures
Flash point: Over 150°C
Viscosity: Thick but pourable at room temperature
Chemical stability: Stable under recommended storage and ordinary handling
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers, acids, or bases, especially if heated
Hazardous decomposition: Overheating or fire releases acrid smoke, carbon oxides, and minor decomposition compounds
Container risk: Residue can remain sticky and may absorb airborne dust or react with other spilled chemicals if left uncovered
Inhalation effects: Unlikely severe hazard during normal use, but concentrated vapor or spray may irritate airways
Skin contact: Long, repeated exposure sometimes leads to mild irritation
Eye exposure: Direct splashes can sting or redden the eyes, especially with accidental rubbing
Ingestion: Small accidental doses typically pass through with mild irritation; large doses can upset digestion
Chronic effects: Studies in lab animals show low acute toxicity for SPAN 80, with a very high oral LD50; no convincing evidence links it to long-term health issues at ordinary use levels in people
Aquatic impact: High local concentration from a spill can harm fish and aquatic invertebrates by coating gills and bodies
Persistence: Breaks down slowly in the environment but can stick to soil or sediments
Bioaccumulation: Low risk known, but tends to bind to organic matter more than collecting in living tissue
Degradability: Partial biodegradation takes weeks or months depending on temperature and microbial activity
Preferred disposal: Take to a licensed chemical waste facility; do not pour in drains or the environment
Used material: Absorb spills on sawdust or sand and discard safely in a sealed container
Incineration: For large quantities, controlled incineration often works best
Local rules: Follow regional or national chemical waste laws for the most responsible disposal
Packaging group: Not classified as hazardous under most transport regulations unless mixed with other dangerous substances
Container preparation: Seal drums or containers tightly, label for content clarity, and secure upright in transit
Spill risk: If container leaks, it can make surfaces slippery; clean up promptly to protect handlers and cargo
GHS labeling: Generally not classified as dangerous or flammable under global harmonized system
Inventory status: Registered in main chemical inventories under generic nonionic surfactant categories
Workplace standards: No specific occupational exposure limits in North America or Europe at time of writing
