Common Name: Sulfuric Acid CAS Number: 7664-93-9 DOT Number: UN 1831 Date: January 4, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Sulfuric Acid can affect you when breathed in. * Sulfuric Acid is a CORROSIVE CHEMICAL and can severely burn the skin and eyes. It can cause third degree skin burns and blindness on contact. * Exposure to mist can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, causing coughing, chest tightness and sneezing. Higher levels can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. * Repeated exposures can cause permanent lung damage and damage teeth. * Sulfuric Acid is a REACTIVE CHEMICAL and is an EXPLOSION HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION Sulfuric Acid is an oily liquid. It is used in fertilizers, chemicals, dyes, petroleum refining, etching, analytical chemistry and in making iron, steel and industrial explosives. REASON FOR CITATION * Sulfuric Acid is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH NFPA and EPA. * This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is REACTIVE and CORROSIVE. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * 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. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 1 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 1 mg/m3 averaged over a 10 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 1 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. 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 Sulfuric Acid and at the end of the workshift. * 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 Sulfuric Acid 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 Sulfuric Acid: * Contact can severely burn the skin and eyes causing permanent damage. * Exposure to Sulfuric Acid mist or fumes can irritate the eyes, causing tearing; the nose and throat, causing sneezing; and can irritate the lungs, causing chest tightness, coughing and shortness of breath. * High levels can burn the lungs and cause a buildup of fluid (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Sulfuric Acid and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Sulfuric Acid has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Sulfuric Acid has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposure can cause bronchitis, with cough, phlegm, and shortness of breath and may cause emphysema. * Sulfuric Acid can cause chronic runny nose, tearing of the eyes, nose bleeds, and stomach upset. * Repeated exposure can cause erosion and pitting of the teeth. 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. * Exam of the teeth. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. 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. 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 controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Sulfuric Acid from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Occupational Exposure to Sulfuric Acid #74 128 Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Sulfuric Acid should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Sulfuric Acid. * 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 Sulfuric Acid, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. A specially formulated emollient soap can be used. * At the end of workshift, after washing, you should be provided with and use a skin cream which will help prevent excessive drying and a loss of elasticity of your skin. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Sulfuric Acid 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 Sulfuric Acid. 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 Neoprene, Nitrile, Polyvinyl Chloride or Saranex as protective materials. Eye Protection * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. * For highly concentrated Sulfuric Acid, wear gas proof goggles and face shield 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to Sulfuric Acid does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 1.0 mg/m3, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an acid gas canister with a high efficiency particulate prefilter. Increased protection is obtained from full face piece powered air purifying respirators. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Sulfuric Acid, or in the case of a full face piece 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, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. * Exposure to 80 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 80 mg/m3 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 Sulfuric Acid you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Sulfuric Acid must be stored to avoid contact with WATER, CHLORATES, CHROMATES, CARBIDES, FULMINATES, NITRATES, PICRATES, and POWDERED METALS since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry well ventilated area away from SUNLIGHT and in an area with an acid resistant cement floor. * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where Sulfuric Acid is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * Always add acid to water, never the reverse. * Sulfuric Acid is extremely corrosive HANDLE WITH CARE and use proper equipment and practices. * Wherever Sulfuric Acid is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. * Contact of Sulfuric Acid with metal drums may cause the release of flammable, explosive Hydrogen gas, therefore, storage drums should be coated with acid resistant material. Common Name: Sulfuric Acid DOT Number: UN 1831 DOT Emergency Guide code: 39 CAS Number: 7664-93-9 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - 0 REACTIVITY - 2 ---------------------------------------- CORROSIVE AND REACTIVE DO NOT USE WATER POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE OR ON CONTACT WITH WATER OR STEAM ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * DO NOT USE WATER. * Use dry chemical or CO2 extinguishers. * Sulfuric Acid may ignite other combustible materials. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE or ON CONTACT WITH WATER or STEAM, including Oxides of Sulfur. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Contact with metal releases FLAMMABLE Hydrogen gas. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Sulfuric Acid is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * Cover spills with sand or ashes. Never use organic materials like sawdust. Never wash down a spill of Sulfuric Acid with water. * Keep Sulfuric Acid out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Sulfuric Acid as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * INSTANTLY flush eyes 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 Water Solubility: Miscible/Reactive Other Names and Formulations: BOU; Dipping Acid; Oil of Vitriol; Vitriol Brown Oil; Sulphuric Acid Mist. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Sulfuric acid is a clear, colorless, oily liquid made in large volumes for commercial use. It is very corrosive and has a great affinity for water. It is used to make phosphate fertilizers, inorganic pigments, textile fibers, explosives, petroleum products, alcohols, pulp and paper, detergents, and other chemicals. It is also used as a leaching agent for ores, a pickling agent for iron and steel, and is a component of lead storage batteries. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges 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. Sulfuric acid has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Sulfuric acid is very corrosive and would badly burn any plants, birds, or land animals exposed to it. 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. Sulfuric acid has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of sulfuric acid 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 ecosystems, but larger quantities can lower the pH for extended periods of time. Sulfuric acid contain sulfate, whose concentration in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.