Common Name: Hydrogen Chloride CAS Number: 7647-01-0 DOT Number: UN 1050 anhydrous/UN 1789 solution Date: May, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Hydrogen Chloride can affect you when breathed in. * Breathing the vapor can irritate the lungs, and cause bronchitis. Higher exposures can cause a build up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. * Continued contact with dilute solutions may cause a skin rash or irritation. * Hydrogen Chloride is a CORROSIVE CHEMICAL and contact can cause eye damage that could lead to blindness. It can also cause severe skin burns. * Exposure can irritate the mouth, nose, and throat. Long term exposure may cause erosion of the teeth. IDENTIFICATION Hydrogen Chloride is a colorless gas with a strong odor. It usually exits in a solution named Hydrochloric Acid. It is used in metal processing, analytical chemistry and making other chemicals. REASON FOR CITATION * Hydrogen Chloride is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DEP, DOT, NFPA and EPA. * This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is CORROSIVE. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from you employer. If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 0.77 ppm. * The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 5 ppm, not to be exceeded at any time. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 ppm which should not be exceeded at any time. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Hydrogen Chloride. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Hydrogen Chloride to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Hydrogen Chloride: * Contact can cause severe skin burns and severe burns of the eyes, leading to permanent damage with loss of sight. * Breathing the vapor can irritate the mouth, nose, and throat. High levels may irritate the lungs, causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Hydrogen Chloride and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * There is limited evidence that workers who are manufacturing Hydrogen Chloride have an increase of respiratory cancers. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Hydrogen Chloride has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Hydrogen Chloride may cause erosion of the teeth. * Exposure to dilute solutions may cause a skin rash or irritation. * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether Hydrogen Chloride causes lung damage. MEDICAL Medical Testing For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or greater), the following are recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Consider chest x ray after acute over exposure. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following control is recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Hydrogen Chloride from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Hydrogen Chloride should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Hydrogen Chloride. * Eye wash fountains in the immediate work area should be provided for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Hydrogen Chloride, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Hydrogen Chloride is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Hydrogen Chloride. Wear acid resistant gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/ manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/ clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. * ACGIH recommends natural rubber or neoprene as protective materials. Eye Protection * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid Hydrogen Chloride, or gasproof goggles when using the gas, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 5 ppm, use an MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an acid gas canister which is specifically approved for Hydrogen Chloride. Increased protection is obtained from full facepiece powered air purifying respirators. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Hydrogen Chloride, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the respirator to face seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges, or canisters, to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. * Where the potential for high exposures exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode. * Exposure to 100 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 100 ppm exists use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Hydrogen Chloride you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Hydrogen Chloride must be stored to avoid contact with ZINC, BRASS, GALVANIZED IRON, ALUMINUM, COPPER and COPPER ALLOYS since violent reactions occur. * Hydrogen Chloride is not compatible with bases. Store cylinders at temperatures under 125oF (52oC). * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from WATER and HEAT. * Hydrogen Chloride IGNITES in the presence of FLUORINE and METAL CARBIDES. Common Name: Hydrogen Chloride DOT Number: UN 1050 anhydrous/UN 1789 solution DOT Emergency Guide code: 15/60 CAS Number: 7647-01-0 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NFPA FLAMMABILITY 0 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- CORROSIVE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Hydrogen Chloride is non combustible, but contact with metals produces Hydrogen gas, which will increase, the chance of an explosion. * Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE including Chlorine and Hydrogen Chloride. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Hydrogen Chloride solution is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean up is complete. * Collect material in a convenient manner and deposit in sealed containers. If necessary, dilute and/or neutralize the material before collection. If Hydrogen Chloride gas is leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of leak until clean up is complete. * Ventilate area of leak to disperse the gas. * Stop flow of gas. If source of leak is a cylinder and the leak cannot be stopped in place, remove the leaking cylinder to a safe place in the open air, and repair leak or allow cylinder to empty. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Hydrogen Chloride as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water. Continue without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of water. Seek medical attention immediately. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: Greater than 1 mmhg at 68oF (20oC) Water Solubility: Highly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Hydrochloric Acid Other Names and Formulations: Anhydrous Hydrochloric Acid; Chlorohydric Acid; Muriatic Acid. ---------------------------------------- Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ---------------------------------------- NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 036 ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Hydrogen Chloride is used to make and clean metals, to make chlorine dioxide for the bleaching of pulp, to make phosphate fertilizers and hydrogen, for the neutralization of basic systems, as a laboratory reagent, in the preparation of various food products, in the treatment of oil and gas wells, and in the removal of scale from boilers and heat-exchange equipment. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges, from laboratories, or spills. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Hydrogen Chloride has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of Hydrogen Chloride to plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Hydrogen Chloride has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of Hydrogen Chloride to plants, birds, or land animals. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. Small quantities of acids will be neutralized by the alkalinity in aquatic systems, but larger quantities can lower the pH for extended periods of time. Hydrogen chloride contains chloride whose concentrations in edible tissues of most aquatic species that are consumed by humans will probably be about the same as the average concentration that was present in the water from which the organism had been taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.