Sulfuric acid

Synonyms & Trade Names
Battery acid, Hydrogen sulfate, Oil of vitriol, Sulfuric acid (aqueous)
CAS No.
7664-93-9
RTECS No.
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
NA
Upper Explosive Limit
NA
Lower Explosive Limit
NA
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

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0362   MEDICAL TESTS: 0218
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019