Product Name: α-Amylase Type VI-B
Synonyms: 1,4-α-d-glucan glucanohydrolase, Bacterial amylase
CAS Number: 9000-90-2
Recommended Use: Enzymatic hydrolysis of starch, laboratory and industrial enzyme processes
Manufacturer Details: Supplied by leading biotech reagent companies, check product label for contact details
Emergency Number: Refer to the corporate safety sheet, typically local US CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300
Product Description: Off-white to pale brown powder or granules, often sold as an enzyme blend for laboratory use
Classification: Irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; may trigger allergic skin or respiratory reaction; not classified as acutely toxic
Hazard Statements: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms; eye and skin irritation possible after contact; avoid inhalation of dust
Symbol: Exclamation mark (GHS07), Health hazard (GHS08)
Precautionary Statements: Prevent dust formation; wear protective clothing; use in well-ventilated areas; keep container tightly closed
Other Hazards: Enzyme dust exposure may sensitize individuals, especially those with pre-existing allergies or respiratory conditions; no reported carcinogenicity
Chemical Name: α-Amylase
Enzyme Commission Number: EC 3.2.1.1
Concentration: Typically ≥95% active enzyme protein; remainder may include buffer salts and carrier substances such as sodium chloride, dextrin
CAS Number: 9000-90-2 for main ingredient
Other Ingredients: Trace components could include microbial fermentation by-products and stabilizers
Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical advice if cough or difficulty breathing develops or persists
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of water and soap; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse; consult a physician if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes lifting upper and lower eyelids; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; seek medical advice if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel; get medical help if symptoms develop
Symptoms and Effects: Watery eyes, redness, coughing, wheezing, rash, sneezing; those with known enzyme or dust allergies should remain alert to early symptoms
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical for small fires
Specific Hazards: Powder may form explosive dust-air mixtures; treat as a combustible organic material
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and standard turnout gear
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possible nitrogen oxides in confined or high-heat fires
Specific Procedures: Prevent run-off from entering water sources; cool containers exposed to fire with water spray
Personal Precautions: Avoid direct contact; wear gloves, eye/face protection, respiratory mask for dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into water systems and soil; keep spill contained
Methods for Cleanup: Scoop up material using non-sparking tools; avoid generating dust; place in sealable, labeled containers for proper waste disposal; ventilate area after cleanup
Reference to Other Sections: See Exposure Controls and Disposal Considerations for more information on handling spills
Handling: Minimize dust formation; avoid inhalation or contact with eyes/skin; employ good workplace hygiene and use extract ventilation or local exhaust where possible
Technical Measures: Use closed handling systems; ground equipment to avoid static discharge when handling large quantities; keep containers tightly sealed
Storage: Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated location; protect from moisture, temperature extremes, and direct sunlight; keep away from acids, oxidizers, and incompatible chemicals
Packaging Materials: Store in original container or corrosion-resistant secondary containers with clear labeling
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established TLV for α-Amylase; enzyme dusts typically recommended to remain below 0.06 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction, 8-hour TWA according to some guidance)
Engineering Controls: Laboratory fume hood or local exhaust ventilation; dust collection systems recommended for large-scale handling
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles or face shield, lab coat, chemical-resistant gloves, NIOSH-approved respirator (N95 or P3) for dust
General Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly before eating and after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke in the work area
Environmental Controls: Keep enzyme powder away from drains; use spill trays for containment
Appearance: Off-white or yellow powder; hygroscopic; some lots appear as fine granules
Odor: Slight, resembles stale flour or yeast
pH (1% solution): Usually 6.0–8.0 depending on supplier
Solubility: Soluble in water; insoluble in most organic solvents
Melting Point: No data available; decomposes at high temperatures
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Flash Point: Not relevant (non-volatile solid)
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not determined
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: 0.7–0.9 g/cm³ (bulk)
Stability in Solution: Loses activity above 40–60°C; stable to pH 5–9 for limited periods
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Not reactive with most substances under standard laboratory conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, humidity, moisture exposure, strong acids or bases, oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis
Hazardous Decomposition Products: May produce carbon oxides or nitrogen oxides if burned
Hazardous Polymerization: Not known to polymerize
Acute Toxicity: No acute oral, dermal, or inhalation toxicity at typical laboratory doses
Skin Corrosion / Irritation: Mild irritation possible on repeated or prolonged contact; sensitization documented in some users
Eye Damage / Irritation: Causes eye irritation; may cause burning, redness, watery eyes
Respiratory Sensitization: May cause asthma or allergic symptoms if inhaled; chronic exposure increases risk
Mutagenicity / Carcinogenicity: No evidence for mutagenic, teratogenic, or carcinogenic effects in humans based on available research
Chronic Effects: Reports indicate repeated exposure may cause enzyme respiratory sensitivity and occupational asthma; gloves, mask, and care in handling essential for those with previous symptoms
Environmental Fate: Biodegradable; enzyme rapidly breaks down in aquatic and soil environments
Aquatic Toxicity: No evidence of acute toxicity to aquatic life at typical concentrations; high localized doses may affect natural microbial balances
Persistence and Degradability: Protein structure decomposes quickly under environmental conditions; does not bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile in water but will denature and degrade naturally
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low; not expected to persist in organisms
Other Adverse Effects: Use in moderation; prevent uncontrolled release to minimize risk of environmental imbalance
Disposal Methods: Mix with compatible absorbent for small quantities; dispose of sealed waste through licensed chemical disposal contractor
Waste Code: Not classified as hazardous waste in most jurisdictions, but check local regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Clean or destroy packaging before disposal; avoid reuse for food or drink
Precautions: Avoid dust during disposal; do not allow to reach waterways, drains, or environment
UN Number: Not regulated for transport under common codes (IMDG, IATA, ADR)
Proper Shipping Name: Not a dangerous good
Class: Non-hazardous for transport
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Minimize movement that may damage packaging or promote powder release; always transport in tightly sealed container
OSHA Status: Enzyme dusts covered under OSHA hazardous chemical requirements; right-to-know labeling applies
TSCA Status: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
EU Regulation: Not classified as hazardous under EU CLP; enzymes regulated under Biocidal Products Regulations and REACH as substances of interest
Other Requirements: Proper labeling for workplace; safety training and documentation for regular handlers; local and international guidelines should be reviewed depending on application