Common Name: Chromic Acid CAS Number: 7738-94-5 DOT Number: UN 1463 Solid/UN 1755 Solution Date: August, 1987 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Chromic Acid can affect you when breathed in. It can also pass into inner layers of the skin. * Chromic Acid should be handled as a CARCINOGEN//WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Eye contact can cause severe damage with loss of vision. * Breathing Chromic Acid can cause a sore or hole through the inner nose, sometimes with bleeding, discharge or crusting. Irritation of the nose, throat and bronchial tubes can also occur with cough and/or wheezing. * It is a CORROSIVE CHEMICAL and skin contact can cause severe irritation, deep ulcers or an allergic skin rash. IDENTIFICATION Chromic Acid is a dark, purplish red, odorless, crystalline solid. It is used in chromium plating, medicine, ceramic glazers and paints. REASON FOR CITATION * Chromic Acid is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NIOSH, DOT and NFPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is CORROSIVE. 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 0.1 mg/m3, not to be exceeded at any time. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.025 mg/m3 averaged over an 10-hour workshift and 0.05 mg/m3, not to be exceeded during any 15 minute work period. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.05 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 Chromic 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 Chromic 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 Chromic Acid: * Eye contact can cause severe damage with loss of vision. * Skin contact can cause irritation. Concentrated solutions can cause skin burns. * Unless skin contact is quickly stopped, Chromic Acid can enter the body through the affected skin areas. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Chromic Acid and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * While Chromic Acid has not been identified as a carcinogen, certain kinds of Chromium compounds, known as hexavalent Chromium or Chromium VI compounds, have been determined to be human carcinogens. Chromic Acid is such a compound and should therefore be handled with extreme caution. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Chromic Acid has not been tested for its ability to affect reproduction. Other Long-Term Effects * Chromic Acid can cause a hole in the "bone" dividing the inner nose. Irritation, discharge, bleeding and/or formation of a crust in the inner nose may occur. * Exposed persons may develop a skin allergy with a rash like eczema. If this happens, any even small future skin contact can trigger a severe rash. * When Chromic Acid enters skin cuts or sores, slow healing ulcers can result. * Exposure can erode and discolor the teeth and cause growths (polyps) on the voice box. * Chromic Acid may cause irritation of the bronchial tubes (bronchitis) with cough and phlegm. * Lung allergy, with wheezing or shortness of breath, sometimes occurs. In such cases, even small future exposure can cause symptoms. * Repeated or severe exposure may cause kidney or liver damage. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Lung function tests. * Exam of the mouth and larynx. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may also be useful: * Kidney function tests. * Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin allergy. Also check your skin daily for little bumps or blisters, the first sign of "Chrome ulcers." If not treated early, these can last for years after exposure. * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Chromic Acid has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. 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. Conditions Made Worse By Exposure Persons with a history of skin allergy to Chromium compounds can have a severe rash with skin exposure to Chromic Acid. 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 transfer Chromic 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 Chromic Acid, #73-11021 and Chromium VI #76-129. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Chromic 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 Chromic Acid. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Chromic Acid, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke or drink where Chromic Acid is handled, processed or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean-up. Do not dry sweep. * When vacuuming, a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum. 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 Chromic Acid. Wear protective 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. Eye Protection * Wear dust-proof goggles and face shield when working with powders or dust, 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 0.025 mg/m3, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with a high efficiency particulate filter. Greater protection is provided by a powered-air purifying respirator. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Chromic Acid, 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. * Exposure to 30 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 30 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. Common Name: Chromic acid DOT Number: UN 1463 Solid/UN 1755 Solution DOT Emergency Guide code: 42/60 CAS Number: 7738-94-5 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 0 REACTIVITY 1 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Chromic Acid may ignite other combustible materials such as paper and wood. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Chromic Acid is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until clean-up is complete. * Ventilate the area of spill. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Chromic Acid as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state 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. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Chromic Acid you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Chromic Acid must be stored to avoid contact with ACETONE, COMBUSTIBLE, ORGANIC or other readily OXIDIZABLE MATERIAL (such as PAPER, WOOD, SULFUR, ALUMINUM and PLASTICS). * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Chromic Acid is used, handled or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area and protect from physical damage. FIRST AID 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 contaminated skin with large amounts of water. Carefully scrub any areas which may have cuts or sores to prevent later ulcers. 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. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Highly soluble Chemical Name Chromic Acid (H2Cr2O7) ------------------------------------------ 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 (609) 984-2202 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Chromium is a steel-gray lustrous metal used to make chrome-steel or stainless steel, and for chrome-plating of other metals. Chromium exists mainly in the 3+ (III) or 6+ (VI) oxidation states in natural bodies of water, and each form can be converted to the other form under appropriate environmental conditions. Chromium may enter the environment in effluents from metal plating industries or in municipal waste treatment plant discharges. 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. Chromium is more toxic in soft water than in hard water. Chromium (VI) has high acute toxicity to aquatic life, and chromium (III) has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the short-term effects of chromium 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. Chromium (III) and chromium (VI) both have high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the long-term effects of chromium to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Water solubility of chromium and its salts ranges from low to high. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Chromium is highly persistent in water, with a half-life of greater than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. 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. The concentration of chromium found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of chromium in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.