Short answer: sodium lignosulfonate (CAS 8061-51-6) is not classified as hazardous under the GHS, based on the data in our Grade One safety data sheet (Rev. 2.0). It has no signal word and no hazard pictogram. The main practical risk is dust: fine powder can irritate the eyes, nose and throat.
What the Safety Data Sheet Says
| Topic | SDS finding | SDS section |
|---|---|---|
| GHS classification | Not classified as hazardous under normal industrial handling | 2 |
| Signal word | None | 2 |
| Acute effects | May cause mild irritation to eyes and skin; no specific acute toxicity effects documented in the available data | 11 |
| Chronic effects | No unusual chronic effects known | 11 |
| Carcinogenicity | Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP or OSHA | 11 |
| Aquatic toxicity | No product-specific data; lignosulfonates are generally regarded as having low aquatic toxicity compared with synthetic dispersants | 12 |
| Bioaccumulation | Not expected, given its high water solubility and polymeric, ionic nature | 12 |
| Transport | Not regulated as a dangerous good | 14 |
The SDS does not list LD50 values. If a registration file needs toxicology study data, ask us for what is available for the specific grade.
Handling It Safely
- Avoid making dust, and use local exhaust or general ventilation where dust is produced.
- Wear safety glasses, gloves and a dust mask during long or repeated handling of powder.
- Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking or smoking.
- Store sealed in a cool, dry place, away from food and feed, strong oxidizers, strong acids and strong bases.
- Clean up spills promptly; spilled powder makes hard floors slippery.
More detail on spills and disposal: safety precautions for handling sodium lignosulfonate; protective equipment for operators: worker safety.
First Aid
| Exposure | What to do (SDS section 4) |
|---|---|
| Eyes | Flush with clean water for at least 10 minutes, lifting the eyelids. Remove contact lenses if easy to do. Get medical attention if irritation persists. |
| Skin | Remove contaminated clothing, rinse with water, then wash with soap and water. |
| Inhalation | Move to fresh air. Get medical attention if irritation or breathing discomfort persists. |
| Ingestion | Rinse the mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by medical staff. Get medical advice if discomfort occurs. |
Is It Safe in Animal Feed?
Lignin sulfonates are permitted in US animal feed as a pelleting aid under 21 CFR 573.600, at up to 4% of the finished pellets, and are authorised as a feed additive in the EU. Only use a documented feed grade for this, such as our feed-grade sodium lignosulfonate. The industrial grades on this site are not feed or food products.
Environmental Profile
Sodium lignosulfonate comes from natural lignin and, according to the SDS, is expected to biodegrade more readily than fully synthetic polymer dispersants. It is very water-soluble and mobile in soil, so large quantities should not be released into drains or waterways. A fuller review is in sodium lignosulfonate safety and environmental review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sodium lignosulfonate toxic to humans?
It is not classified as hazardous under the GHS. The SDS notes possible mild eye and skin irritation and no documented specific acute toxicity. Avoid breathing the dust.
Is sodium lignosulfonate a skin or eye irritant?
Fine powder can cause temporary mechanical irritation of the eyes and skin. Safety glasses and gloves are recommended when handling powder.
Is sodium lignosulfonate hazardous for transport?
No. The SDS states it is not regulated as a dangerous good, so it has no UN number.
Is sodium lignosulfonate safe for animals?
Lignin sulfonates are permitted as a feed pelleting aid (21 CFR 573.600, up to 4% of pellets). That applies to feed-grade material at the permitted level. Keep industrial grades away from pets and livestock, and ask a vet if an animal eats a large amount.
