Substance Information
Substance Information
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REACH Registration data can be found in the new ECHA CHEM database. The old ‘Registered substance factsheets’ will be available on this web site during the transition period but have not been updated since 19 May 2023. More
Glycollic acid
EC / List no.: 201-180-5
CAS no.: 79-14-1
Mol. formula: C2H4O3
Danger! According to the classification provided by companies to ECHA in REACH registrations this substance causes severe skin burns and eye damage, causes serious eye damage, is harmful if inhaled and may be corrosive to metals.
This substance is registered under the REACH Regulation and is manufactured in and / or imported to the European Economic Area, at ≥ 1 000 to < 10 000 tonnes per annum.
This substance is used by consumers, in articles, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites and in manufacturing.
Biocidal Uses
This substance is being reviewed for use as a biocide in the EEA and/or Switzerland, for: disinfection, veterinary hygiene, food and animals feeds.
This substance is used by consumers, in articles, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites and in manufacturing.
Consumer Uses
This substance is used in the following products:
perfumes and fragrances,
washing & cleaning products and
cosmetics and personal care products.
Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from:
indoor use as processing aid.
Article service life
Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from:
outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials) and
indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).
This substance can be found in products with material based on:
stone, plaster, cement, glass or ceramic (e.g. dishes, pots/pans, food storage containers, construction and isolation material).
Widespread uses by professional workers
This substance is used in the following products:
washing & cleaning products,
water treatment chemicals,
adhesives and sealants,
perfumes and fragrances,
cosmetics and personal care products and
fertilisers.
This substance is used in the following areas:
building & construction work and
agriculture, forestry and fishing.
Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from:
indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners) and
outdoor use.
Formulation or re-packing
This substance is used in the following products:
metal surface treatment products,
non-metal-surface treatment products,
biocides (e.g. disinfectants, pest control products),
pH regulators and water treatment products,
laboratory chemicals,
paper chemicals and dyes,
textile treatment products and dyes,
washing & cleaning products,
water treatment chemicals,
polymers,
leather treatment products and
cosmetics and personal care products.
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use:
formulation of mixtures.
Uses at industrial sites
This substance is used in the following products:
pH regulators and water treatment products,
metal surface treatment products,
washing & cleaning products,
semiconductors,
water treatment chemicals,
leather treatment products,
coating products,
inks and toners and
textile treatment products and dyes.
This substance is used for the manufacture of:
chemicals,
electrical, electronic and optical equipment,
fabricated metal products,
wood and wood products,
textile, leather or fur and
mineral products (e.g. plasters, cement).
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use:
in processing aids at industrial sites and
as processing aid.
Manufacture
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use:
manufacturing of the substance.
The InfoCard summarises the non-confidential data on substances as held in the databases of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), including data provided by third parties. The InfoCard is automatically generated. Information requirements under different legislative frameworks may therefore not be up–to–date or complete. Substance manufacturers and importers are responsible for consulting official publications. This InfoCard is covered by the ECHA Legal Disclaimer.
about INFOCARD - Last updated: 27/05/2023