AGAR (AGAR-AGAR)

← Back to Chemical Safety

Basic information

  • Chemical formula(s): Complex polysaccharide (\({\rm (C_{12}H_{18}O_9)_n}\))
  • Other names: Agar-agar, gelose, kanten, China grass
  • CAS number: 9002-18-0
  • EC number: 232-658-1
  • Molecular weight: Variable (complex polysaccharide)
  • International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC): N/A (see Roth Safety Data Sheet)
  • Flammability: probably combustible (flash point data not available)
  • Description: Beige to white powder derived from red algae cell walls. Odorless and tasteless. Food-grade gelling agent used in microbiology culture media.

NFPA 704 (fire diamond)

  • Health (blue): 0 - poses no health hazard.
  • Flammability (red): 1 - must be pre-heated before ignition can occur (probably combustible).
  • Instability–reactivity (yellow): 0 - normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water.
  • Special notice (white): -

Hazard statements

Agar is not classified as hazardous under GHS regulations. Therefore, no H-codes are assigned.

Code Phrase
- No hazard statements assigned (not classified as hazardous)

Precautionary statements

Despite not being classified as hazardous, the following general precautionary measures apply for organic powder handling:

Code Phrase
P261 avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray
P264 wash hands thoroughly after handling
P280 wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection

Protective measures

Gloves

  • Any standard laboratory gloves: very good - agar is non-toxic and non-irritating.
  • Nitrile: very good - prevents contamination and provides good grip with powders.
  • Natural latex or rubber: very good - adequate for food-grade material handling.
  • Vinyl: very good - suitable for food-grade applications.
  • PVC: good - adequate protection for non-hazardous powder.

Safety goggles

  • Standard safety glasses recommended when handling large quantities to prevent dust irritation.
  • Not required for small quantities but good laboratory practice.
  • Corrective glasses are not considered safety goggles.
  • Dust may cause mechanical irritation to eyes.

Clothing

  • Standard laboratory clothing is sufficient.
  • Long sleeves recommended when handling large quantities to minimize dust contact.
  • Closed-toe shoes required as standard laboratory safety.
  • No special protective clothing required for food-grade material.

Respiratory protection

  • Dust mask recommended when handling large quantities or in poorly ventilated areas.
  • Low hazard for usual industrial handling but minimize dust generation.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent dust accumulation.
  • Use full-face respirator if exposure limits are exceeded or irritation occurs.

Spill management

  • Sweep up material carefully to minimize dust generation.
  • Use vacuum with appropriate filtration if available.
  • Avoid creating dust clouds during cleanup.
  • Collect in appropriate container - can be disposed as non-hazardous waste.
  • Clean area with damp cloth to remove residual dust.
  • Biodegradable - environmentally safe material.
  • No special disposal requirements - food-grade material.

Special warnings

  • Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) - approved food ingredient and pharmaceutical excipient.
  • Practically non-toxic - oral LD50 >15 g/kg (more than 1 quart for 70 kg person).
  • Passes through intestinal tract mostly unabsorbed - minimal systemic toxicity.
  • Dust irritation - may cause mechanical irritation to eyes and respiratory tract.
  • Hygroscopic - absorbs moisture from air, store in dry conditions.
  • Store in cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.
  • Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents - standard organic material precaution.
  • Fire extinguishing: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam extinguisher.
  • WHMIS classification: Not controlled (minimal regulatory requirements).
  • Water hazard class 2 - slightly hazardous to water (WGK Germany rating).
  • Derived from natural source - red algae (Rhodophyta) cell walls.