Sulfuric acid

Synonyms & Trade Names

Battery acid, Hydrogen sulfate, Oil of vitriol, Sulfuric acid (aqueous)

CAS No.

7664-93-9

RTECS No.

WS5600000

DOT ID & Guide

1830 137
1831 137(fuming)
1832 137(spent)

Formula

H₂SO₄

Conversion

IDLH

15 mg/m³
See: 7664939

Exposure Limits

NIOSH REL

TWA 1 mg/m³

OSHA PEL

TWA 1 mg/m³

Measurement Methods

NIOSH 7903;
OSHA ID113 , ID165SG
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods

Physical Description

Colorless to dark-brown, oily, odorless liquid. [Note: Pure compound is a solid below 51°F. Often used in an aqueous solution.]

Molecular Weight

98.1

Boiling Point

554°F

Freezing Point

51°F

Solubility

Miscible

Vapor Pressure

0.001 mmHg

Ionization Potential

Specific Gravity

1.84 (96-98% acid)

Flash Point

Upper Explosive Limit

Lower Explosive Limit

Noncombustible Liquid, but capable of igniting finely divided combustible materials.

Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Organic materials, chlorates, carbides, fulminates, water, powdered metals [Note: Reacts violently with water with evolution of heat. Corrosive to metals.]

Exposure Routes

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Symptoms

irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; pulmonary edema, bronchitis; emphysema; conjunctivitis; stomatis; dental erosion; eye, skin burns; dermatitis

Target Organs

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, teeth

Personal Protection/Sanitation

(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash (>1%), Quick drench (>1%)

First Aid

(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately

Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 15 mg/m³:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode^£
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with acid gas cartridge(s) in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter^£
(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and acid gas cartridge(s) in combination with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted acid gas canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted acid gas canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

Sulfuric acid

NIOSH REL

OSHA PEL

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