Product Name: Poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid)
Synonyms: PLGA, poly(lactide-co-glycolide)
CAS Number: 26780-50-7
Recommended Use: Polymer for medical devices, drug delivery systems, biodegradable packaging
Manufacturer/Supplier: Supplier details available upon request
Emergency Contact Number: Provider's emergency line or local poison control
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS criteria
Potential Health Effects: Dust or powder may cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
Physical Hazards: Fine dust may present combustible risk in certain concentrations; standard powders can be flammable in cloud form
Label Elements: No pictogram required, signal word not required, hazard statements not issued under normal use
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhaling dust; use personal protection during handling
Environmental Hazards: Not expected to cause adverse environmental effects at normal concentrations
Chemical Name: Poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid)
CAS Number: 26780-50-7
Concentration: 100% pure polymer, no hazardous impurities detected
Additives: Free from solvents, plasticizers, and catalysts above notification limits
Other Information: Composition varies by lactide to glycolide ratio, but no relevant impurities present
Eye Contact: Rinse with fresh water for several minutes, remove contacts if present and easy to do, seek help if discomfort persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and plenty of water, seek help if a rash or irritation occurs
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep comfortable for breathing, call a physician if symptoms such as cough or chest discomfort develop
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, do not induce vomiting, consult a medical professional if symptoms develop
General Advice: Treat symptomatically, no special antidote available, bring product information when seeking medical help
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry powder, foam, water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water stream may spread powder in case of dust
Special Hazards: Thermal decomposition releases acrid smoke, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, traces of acidic vapors possible
Advice for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing, use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers
Explosion Data: Dust clouds may present a hazard, avoid sources of ignition while handling powder or dust
Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation, use personal protective equipment including dust mask and goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, watercourses, or soil, clean up promptly to avoid environmental exposure
Methods for Clean-Up: Use disposable towels or HEPA vacuum, collect spilled material in sealed container for disposal, ventilate area
Reference to Other Sections: See sections on handling, storage, and disposal
Handling: Avoid breathing dust, use with adequate ventilation, minimize dust generation, ground all equipment and transfer devices
Safe Handling Advice: Wash hands after handling, prevent eye and skin contact, store away from sources of ignition
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed container, cool and dry area, away from sunlight, heat, and moisture
Incompatibilities: Avoid strong acids, alkalis, and oxidizing agents, do not store near food or pharmaceuticals not intended for use with PLGA
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific exposure limit set for PLGA, consider general dust limit for nuisance particulates (10 mg/m³ total, 3 mg/m³ respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or fume hood to minimize airborne dust
Personal Protection: Safety goggles, gloves resistant to powders, lab coat, dust respirator if dust levels exceed limits
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after use, use good industrial hygiene practices
Appearance: White to off-white powder or granules
Odor: Mild or odorless
Odor Threshold: No data available
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Typically between 45°C–60°C, varies with composition
Boiling Point: Not available (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Not determined; organic polymers generally above 200°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: May burn, dust may form explosive mixtures with air
Vapor Pressure: Negligible under ambient conditions
Relative Density: 1.2 – 1.4 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in some organic solvents (e.g., dichloromethane, chloroform)
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Auto-ignition Temperature: Data not available; like many organics, may auto-ignite at elevated temperatures
Decomposition Temperature: >220°C with breakdown of polymer
Viscosity: Not applicable to solid
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Not reactive under normal conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flame, moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Thermal decomposition produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, low molecular weight oligomers, traces of acetic and lactic acids
Polymerization: Will not occur spontaneously
Acute Toxicity: Not considered toxic, large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Expected to be non-irritant under normal exposure
Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause mechanical irritation due to dust
Respiratory Sensitization: Inhalation of fine dust may cause irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen (IARC, NTP, OSHA)
Reproductive Toxicity: No data indicating risk
Mutagenicity: Tests indicate no mutagenic potential for similar materials
Chronic Effects: No evidence of chronic health hazards reported
Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be hazardous to aquatic or terrestrial life due to slow breakdown and biodegradability
Degradability: Biodegradable under industrial composting and some natural conditions; degradation products (lactic acid, glycolic acid) readily metabolized in environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Minimal migration in soil due to low solubility
Other Adverse Effects: None anticipated under authorized uses
Disposal Methods: Dispose according to local, regional, or national regulations for non-hazardous industrial polymers
Product Disposal: Incinerate or landfill in compliance with regulatory guidelines; do not release into drains or surface water
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly before disposal or recycling where facilities exist
Special Precautions: Avoid dust emissions during disposal
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as a hazardous material
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant
Special Precautions for User: Secure packaging to prevent dust release; keep protected from moisture during transit
Inventory Listings: Listed on TSCA, REACH, DSL, ENCS, and most global inventories
Regulatory Status: PLGA products for medical uses should comply with device, drug, or food contact regulatory approvals from relevant authorities
SARA Title III: Not listed as hazardous
California Prop 65: Not listed
Other Regulations: Not classified as a hazardous or regulated material in most jurisdictions
Labeling: No special labeling required for non-medical uses; observe labeling for clinical applications
