Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric Acid is a colorless, odorless solid or a thick, clear liquid. It is used in rustproofing metals, fertilizers, detergents, foods, beverages, and water treatment. It is used as an anti-oxidant in food, as a flavour additive for sharp taste in food (jellies, preserves) and soft drinks (e.g. Coca-Cola), as a tang.

Phosphoric acid is used in the manufacture of

superphosphate fertilisers
livestock feeds
phosphate salts
polyphosphates
soaps
waxes
polishes and detergents
fire control agents
opal glasses
electric lights
in cotton dyeing
tile cleaning
ceramic binding
dental cement
water treatment
electro-polishing
operating lithography
photoengraving operations
process engraving
as a petrol additive
coagulating rubber latex

Phosphoric acid is used as a soil stabiliser, it is used in metal rust proofing before painting, in the polishing of metals, in pickling and in hot stripping for aluminium and zinc substrates. Used as an acid catalyst in making ethylene and purifying hydrogen peroxide, in the manufacture of chemicals (ethylbenzene, propylene, cumene), as a bonding agent for refractory bricks, in extracting penicillin and as an analytical agent and for the manufacture of yeasts and gelatine. It is used to manufacture the phosphoric acid electrolyte fuel cell system and it has been used to treat lead poisoning.

Phosphoric Acid is a CORROSIVE CHEMICAL and contact can irritate and burn the eyes.

Very hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion

Hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive, permeator), of eye contact (corrosive). Slightly hazardous in case of inhalation (lung sensitizer).

Liquid or spray mist may produce tissue damage particularly on mucous membranes of eyes, mouth and respiratory tract.

Skin contact may produce burns.

Inhalation of the spray mist may produce severe irritation of respiratory tract, characterized by coughing, choking, or shortness of breath.

Inflammation of the eye is characterized by redness, watering, and itching.

Skin inflammation is characterized by itching, scaling, reddening, or, occasionally, blistering

Severe over-exposure can result in death.

The substance may be toxic to blood, liver, skin, eyes, bone marrow. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage.

Large Spill:

Corrosive liquid. Poisonous liquid. Stop leak if without risk Do not get water inside container. Do not touch spilled material Prevent entry into sewers, basements or confined areas; dike if needed. Call for assistance on disposal.

Precautions:

Do not ingest. Do not breathe gas/fumes/ vapor/spray.

Keep away from incompatibles such as oxidizing agents, combustible materials, metals, alkalis.

May corrode metallic surfaces.

Personal Protection:

Face shield. Full suit. Vapor respirator. Be sure to use an approved/certified respirator or equivalent. Gloves. Boots.

Acute Potential Health Effects:

Skin: Corrosive and causes severe skin irritation and can cause severe skin burns.

May affect behavior (somnolence or excitement) if absorbed through skin.

Eyes: Corrosive. Liquid or vapor causes severe eye irritation and can cause severe eye burns leading to permanent corneal damage or chemical conjunctivitis.

Ingestion: May be harmful if swallowed. Causes irritation and burns of the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract. Causes severe pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea hematemesis, gastrointestinal hemmorrhaging, and shock. May cause corrosion and permanent tissue destruction of the esophagus and digestive tract. May affect behavior and urinary system, liver (hepatocellular damage, hepatic enzymes increased), blood (blood dyscrasia)

Federal and State Regulations:

Connecticut hazardous material survey.: Phosphoric Acid

Illinois toxic substances disclosure to employee act: Phosphoric acid

Illinois chemical safety act: Phosphoric acid

New York release reporting list: Phosphoric acid

Rhode Island RTK hazardous substances: Phosphoric acid

Pennsylvania RTK: Phosphoric acid Minnesota: Phosphoric acid

Massachusetts RTK: Phosphoric acid Massachusetts spill list: Phosphoric acid

New Jersey: Phosphoric acid New Jersey spill list: Phosphoric acid Louisiana spill reporting: Phosphoric acid

California Director's list of hazardous substances: Phosphoric acid TSCA 8(b) inventory: Phosphoric Acid; Water

SARA 313 toxic chemical notification and release reporting: Phosphoric acid CERCLA: Hazardous substances.: Phosphoric acid: 5000 lbs. (2268 kg)

Other Regulations:

OSHA: Hazardous by definition of Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

Other Classifications:

WHMIS (Canada):

CLASS E: Corrosive liquid.

DSCL (EEC):

R34- Causes burns.

S26- In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.

S45- In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label where possible).

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