International Chemical Safety Cards

PHOSPHORIC ACID ICSC: 1008

PHOSPHORIC ACID
Orthophosphoric acid
H3O4P/H3PO4
Molecular mass: 98.0
CAS # 7664-38-2
RTECS # TB6300000
ICSC # 1008
UN # 1805
EC # 015-011-00-6
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible. Contact with common metals produces hydrogen gas which forms flammable mixtures with air. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO contact with metals, aldehydes, cyanides, mercaptans and sulfides.
In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION

In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!

  • INHALATION
    		• Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Unconsciousness. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
    		Ventilation.
    		Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• Redness. Pain. Blisters.
    		Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
  • EYES
    		• Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.
    		Safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
    		First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
  • INGESTION
    		• Abdominal cramps. Burning sensation. Confusion. Laboured breathing. Sore throat. Unconsciousness. Weakness.
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
    		Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Rest. Refer for medical attention.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Sweep spilled substance into containers. Cautiously neutralize remainder. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place (extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Separated from food and feedstuffs, metals, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, phenols, ketones, sulfides, cyanides, organic peroxides. Cool. Dry. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
    		Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
    C symbol
    R: 34
    S: 26
    UN Hazard Class: 8
    UN Packing Group: III
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 1008 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993 No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    PHOSPHORIC ACID ICSC: 1008

    I
    M
    P
    O
    R
    T
    A
    N
    T

    D
    A
    T
    A
    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     HYGROSCOPIC, COLOURLESS CRYSTALS.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance violently polymerizes under the influence of azo compounds, epoxides and other polymerizable compounds. On combustion, forms toxic fumes (phosphorous oxides). The substance decomposes on contact with metals, alcohols, aldehydes, cyanides, ketones, phenols, esters, sulfides, halogenated organics producing toxic fumes. The substance is a medium strong acid. Attacks metals to liberate flammable hydrogen gas.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV: ppm; 1 mg/m3 (ACGIH 1991-1992).
    TLV (as STEL): ppm; 3 mg/m3 (ACGIH 1991-1992).
    OSHA PEL: TWA 1 mg/m3
    NIOSH REL: TWA 1 mg/m3 ST 3 mg/m3
    NIOSH IDLH: 1000 mg/m3


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
     The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

    INHALATION RISK:
     A harmful contamination of the air will not or will only very slowly be reached on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     Corrosive. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin, and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion as well. Inhalation of vapour may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Exposure may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Melting point: 42°C
    Relative density (water = 1): 1.88
    Solubility in water: very good
    		 Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 4
    Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.4
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to water and air.
    NOTES
    The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. NEVER pour water into this substance; when dissolving or diluting always add it slowly to the water.
    NFPA Code: H 2; F 0; R 0;
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 1008 PHOSPHORIC ACID
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.