Is super absorbent polymer toxic?

Is super absorbent polymer toxic?

What are super absorbent polymers?
Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) are substances that can hold a huge amount of liquid in relation to their size.

History of the SAPs(Super absorbent polymers).

The US Department of Agriculture first developed SAPs back in the 60’s. They were trying to improve water conservation in soils.

However, SAPs have a myriad of uses, and not just in the agricultural sector.

Today, a large range of products contain SAPs. Water retention products is just one. The largest demand for SAPs is in nappies and hygiene products, but you can even find SAPs in toys.

Is super absorbent polymer toxic?
There’s been a lot of research done in this area, and the conclusion is that they’re safe.

This Material Safety Data Sheet shows that SAPs are considered non toxic.

Sodium Polyacrylate, Cross-linked is a white, granular, odorless polymer that forms a gel-like material with water. It is insoluble in water and causes slippery conditions when wet. Although not regulated as a hazardous material, the respirable dust is a potential respiratory tract irritant. At high temperature, thermal decomposition can give toxic products (CO & CO₂).

General Product Information
Acute inhalation of respirable dust may cause irritation of upper respiratory tract and lungs.
Acute Toxicity – LD50/LC50
Oral: LD50/oral/rat > 1600 mg/kg, Mouse LD50 > 3200 mg/kg
Dermal: Not irritant (Human, Rabbit)
Inhalation: The product is not expected to be toxic by inhalation.
Irritation
Skin: Not irritating.
Eyes: Not irritating.
Carcinogenicity：None
Chronic Toxicity：No chronic effects.
Mutagenicity：Not mutagenic.
AMES test is negative using Salmonella typhimurium (TA98, TA100, TA1535 and TA1537) and E-coli(WP2uvrA)

The FDA allows SAPs to be added to food.
This Material Safety Data Sheet shows that SAPs are considered non toxic.
considered non toxic by the Cosmetic Ingredients Review panel
the EU Ecolabel allows their use in hygiene products like nappies and feminine pads
SAPs are considered to be non toxic, non sensitizing, non irritant and non mutagenic.

All in all, using a water absorbent polymer is a good thing. They’re non toxic and safe, and they help to keep nappies thinner, so there’s less landfill.

For more information or Inquiry about this product, please contact us - Angchao Technology.