- Wear protective clothing like gloves, eye goggles and dust masks when handling the dry powder form to avoid contact.
- Works areas should have adequate ventilation when tasks generate lignosulfonate dusts.
- Practice good hygiene – wash exposed skin areas thoroughly before eating, drinking or smoking.
- Avoid inhalation of airborne lignosulfonate dusts generated during weighing or mixing processes.
- Use mechanical systems like local exhaust ventilation to control dust levels if possible.
- Refer to SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for details on first aid in case of accidental exposure to eyes or skin.
- Flush eyes with clean water for 15 minutes and remove contacts if irritation occurs.
- In case of skin contact, wash area with soap and plenty of water.
- Seek medical attention promptly in event of developing any unexpected symptoms.
- Practice good housekeeping – clean up spills promptly and dispose any waste safely.
- Wear dust mask while sweeping or shovelling spills to avoid ingesting any dust.
Potential health effects of exposure to sodium lignosulfonate
- Acute (short-term) exposure:
- Skin/eye irritation: Direct contact with eyes or prolonged skin contact may cause mild irritation.
- Inhalation: Breathing in high dust levels can cause nasal/throat irritation.
- Chronic (long-term) exposure:
- No known risk of cancer development.
- Not classified or regulated as a human carcinogen.
- Accidental ingestion:
- Can cause stomach upset like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Not considered toxic in amounts a person could accidentally swallow.
- Occupational exposure:
- Workplace exposure levels are well below toxicity thresholds.
- No significant health issues reported from occupational exposures.
- It is not known to accumulate in bodily tissues.
More details on the use of sodium lignosulfonate in personal care products
- Emollient: It helps create smooth, creamy textures in lotions, creams and hair conditioners.
- Emulsifier: Allows oils and water to blend uniformly by coating oil droplets and preventing separation.
- Surfactant: Gently cleanses skin and hair by lowering surface tension between dirt and water molecules.
- Thickener: Provides body and a rich feel to formulations without feeling heavy or greasy.
- Stabilizer: Helps maintain a stable emulsion and prevents separation over shelf life.
- Preservative booster: Its antimicrobial properties help enhance the efficacy of preservatives.
- Common in: Lotions, moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, liquid soaps, cream cleansers.
- Concentration: Typically 0.1-1% depending on the product type and desired attributes.
- Safety: Generally recognized as safe, non-irritating and non-sensitizing at usage levels.