Lecithin

Synonyms

Acti-Flow 68-SB; Alcolec S; Egg yolk; Emulthin M-35; Gliddex; Granulestin; Kelecin; Lecithin, soybean; Lecithins; Lecithol; Ovovitellin; Phosphatidylcholine; Phospholutein; Soybean lecithin; Vitellin; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Plant Oils and Extracts

Description

Waxy solid or thick liquid (dependent on acid value); White when fresh, turns yellow to brown on exposure to air; [Merck Index] Yellow odorless solid; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Found in all living organisms; Commercial product mainly soybean lecithin; Used in food as an emulsifier and surfactant; [Merck Index] Used for treating leather and textiles and in rubber processing; Also used as an emulsifier and antioxidant in foods and cosmetics, animal feed additive, emollient and penetrating agent in cosmetics, dispersant in paints and printing inks, antioxidant and dispersant in petroleum products, mold release for plastics, blending agent in oils and resins, and lubricant for textile fibers; [HSDB]

Comments

Emergency treatment: "Non-toxic ingestion"; [HSDB] May cause eye irritation; [MSDSonline]

Biomedical References

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Feed Additives)
• Leather Tanning and Processing
• Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides)
• Petroleum Production and Refining
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)