Chemical Name: Lactic Acid Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Common Names: Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), PLGA
Synonyms: PLGA, Poly(lactide-co-glycolide)
CAS Number: 26780-50-7
Recommended Use: Biodegradable polymer for medical, pharmaceutical, and laboratory applications
Supplier/Manufacturer: Supplier name and address required for traceability, including emergency contact number for prompt response during incidents
Emergency Telephone: 24-hour helpline required by local regulations in case of spillage or exposure
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS guidelines
Signal Word: Not applicable
Hazard Statements: No significant risk of acute toxicity, irritation, or sensitization reported under normal handling; fine dust may pose risk for inhalation irritation
Pictograms: None required
Precautionary Statements: Use protective equipment when handling large amounts to minimize dust inhalation and direct skin contact; proper ventilation advised in handling areas
Potential Health Effects: May cause slight respiratory tract irritation if inhaled as dust; skin or eye contact may lead to low-level irritation in sensitive individuals; ingestion is unlikely to cause serious effects but should be avoided
Environmental Hazards: No acute environmental hazards expected under normal usage or disposal
Chemical: Lactic Acid Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Molecular Formula: (C3H4O2)x(C2H2O2)y
Content: Purity typically over 99% for medical/pharmaceutical grade material
Impurities: Trace amounts of monomers (lactic acid and glycolic acid), water, residual catalysts ranging generally below 1%
Additives: No intentional additives unless otherwise labeled; information from supplier needed for any proprietary blending
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, provide rest and observe for any breathing discomfort; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water; remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse; medical attention required only for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Flush eyes immediately with water for several minutes lifting upper and lower eyelids; do not rub or scratch eyes; medical attention if irritation remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water without inducing vomiting; seek medical assessment in case of large ingestion or discomfort
Most important symptoms/effects: Dust inhalation or contact with eyes may cause mild irritation
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide; water spray can help cool surfaces and control vapors
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid high-pressure water jets which may scatter dust
Specific Hazards: High temperature decomposition can result in release of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and low molecular weight organic compounds
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear due to risk of fume inhalation in enclosed spaces
Advice for Firefighters: Move containers from fire area if it can be done safely; cool containing vessels with water spray if exposed to heat
Personal Precautions: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and suitable mask for dust if handling in powder form
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spills from entering watercourses, sewers, or drains; report material release according to local regulations
Cleanup Methods: Use a HEPA-filter vacuum or sweep up using non-sparking tools; place material in appropriate closed containers for disposal; wash spill area with water after clean-up
Handling for Large Spills: Dampen material with water spray to minimize airborne dust during clean-up
Handling: Avoid generating dust during transfer and handling; use local exhaust ventilation if dust levels may become significant; practice good industrial hygiene such as washing hands after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry and well-ventilated location, away from direct sunlight, sources of ignition and incompatible materials (strong acids, bases, oxidizers)
Storage Temperature: Usually 2–8°C recommended for shelf-life stability; avoid freezing and moisture exposure
Packaging Materials: Chemical-resistant packaging such as polyethylene-lined containers; keep containers closed when not in use
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to maintain dust concentrations below applicable occupational exposure limits
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved respirator for dust may be necessary in poorly ventilated areas or where airborne dust forms
Skin Protection: Nitrile or latex gloves to prevent direct skin contact
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles
Other Protective Measures: Laboratory coats or long sleeves recommended to reduce skin exposure; personal hygiene practices such as washing hands after handling
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific regulatory limits established, but nuisance dust limits are generally applied—10 mg/m³ for total dust (OSHA PEL)
Appearance: White to off-white powder or granules with no significant odor;
Odor: Mild, almost imperceptible
Melting Point: Ranges from 150°C to 220°C depending on composition ratio
Density: Approximately 1.2–1.4 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents such as dichloromethane, acetone
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Flash Point: Not easily flammable; flash point generally above 300°C
Auto-ignition Temperature: Data not available, but above 300°C for most grades
Viscosity: Depends on molecular weight, typically provided by suppliers
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of storage and use
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, and prolonged exposure to moisture or direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: High-temperature decomposition can yield carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and small organic acids
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur under recommended handling conditions
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity; no deaths or adverse systemic effects seen in laboratory animal studies at relevant exposure concentrations
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Minimal to none; may cause dryness or mild irritation in sensitive individuals
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Dust may cause mechanical irritation, redness or watering
Respiratory Sensitization: Inhalation of dust may trigger irritation but is not known to sensitize
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence suggesting mutagenic or reproductive toxicity
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure data is limited, but chronic toxicity is not expected under occupational exposure guidelines
Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be toxic to aquatic or terrestrial organisms; biodegradable under environmental conditions
Persistence and Degradability: Breaks down to natural acids (lactic, glycolic) over time; degradation rate depends on polymer ratio and environmental factors
Bioaccumulation: Not likely to bioaccumulate due to high molecular weight and rapid degradation
Mobility in Soil: Polymer particles have low mobility; degrade in moist, warm soil environments
Other Adverse Effects: No long-term adverse ecological effects anticipated at standard usage and disposal levels
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, or national regulations; incineration or landfill acceptable for non-contaminated material
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers before recycling if permissible, dispose of in approved waste facilities
Special Precautions: Do not discharge large amounts into drains, watercourses, or environment; pick up spills promptly to avoid possible environmental persistence
RCRA Status: Not regulated as a hazardous waste under US RCRA regulations
UN Number: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Lactic Acid Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous for transport by air, sea, or road
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as environmentally hazardous under transport regulations
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect containers from physical damage and moisture ingress during transport
TSCA: Listed or exempt
REACH: Monomer registration as required; polymer itself may be exempt as per EU guidance
OSHA: Not specifically regulated as a hazardous chemical
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting under Sections 302, 304, 311, 312, or 313
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a chemical known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm
Other National Inventories: Substance generally listed or exempt on Australia AICS, Canada DSL, China IECSC, and Japan ENCS
Labeling: Not required as a hazardous material, but recommended to identify chemical and precautionary measures for laboratory and industrial use
