MSDS for Acetic Acid

Identification

Chemical Name: Acetic Acid
Synonyms: Ethanoic Acid, Glacial Acetic Acid, Vinegar Acid, Methanecarboxylic Acid
CAS Number: 64-19-7
Recommended Use: Food additive, solvent in laboratories, chemical synthesis, cleaning agent, textile industry applications
Manufacturer/Supplier Info: Major chemical suppliers – Sigma-Aldrich, Fisher Scientific, Dow
Emergency Contact: Local Poison Control Center, corporate safety office, or 911 in case of large spill or exposure

Classification: Flammable Liquid (Category 3), Skin Corrosive (Category 1A), Eye Damage (Category 1)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may cause respiratory irritation, flammable liquid and vapor
Pictograms: Corrosion, Flame, Exclamation Mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation, wear protective gear, keep away from heat, handle with care in ventilated areas

Substance: Acetic Acid
Chemical Formula: C2H4O2
Concentration: 99-100% (for glacial; dilute solutions available in lower percentages for specific uses)
Impurities: Water in diluted forms, trace organics depending on supplier grade

Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air, assist breathing if necessary, seek immediate medical attention
Skin Contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing, consult a physician for burns or irritation
Eye Contact: Immediately flush with plenty of water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if possible, continue rinsing and get medical help
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, contact medical services right away

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Hazards from Fire: Flammable vapors can form explosive mixtures with air, poisons released include carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Protective Gear: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, fight fire from a safe distance away from containers, prevent runoff from contaminating waterways

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unprotected personnel, ventilate area, wear gloves and chemical splash goggles, use respirator if necessary
Environmental Precautions: Keep out of drains, prevent soil and waterway contamination, avoid release into the environment
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spill with inert material (sand, earth), scoop into chemical waste container, clean contaminated surface thoroughly, ventilate area afterward

Handling: Use in well-ventilated spaces, keep containers tightly closed, wear acid-resistant gloves and goggles, avoid breathing vapor
Storage: Store in cool, dry, ventilated area, separate from incompatible materials like oxidizers and strong bases, use corrosion-resistant containers
Special Instructions: Label all containers, do not return unused product to storage bottle, avoid open flames and heat sources nearby

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 10 ppm (25 mg/m³); ACGIH TLV: 10 ppm (25 mg/m³); STEL: 15 ppm (37 mg/m³)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust, eye wash stations, safety showers
Personal Protection: Nitrile or butyl gloves, chemical-resistant apron, splash goggles, face shield, vapor respirator for high concentrations
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing promptly, keep work and break areas separate

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal use and storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers, strong bases, and reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Acetaldehyde, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide under fire conditions
Polymerization: Not expected under normal storage and handling
Incompatible Materials: Peroxides, potassium permanganate, chromic acid, sodium peroxide, nitric acid

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 3,310 mg/kg; Inhalation LC50 (rat, 4 h): 11.4 mg/L; causes burns to digestive and respiratory tracts
Skin Corrosion: Causes severe irritation, burns with possible necrosis after prolonged contact
Eye Damage: Vapors or liquid may cause blindness and severe burns
Chronic Effects: Chronic exposure can irritate lungs, worsen bronchitis or asthma, cause tooth erosion, and damage mucous membranes
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Other Information: May aggravate pre-existing skin or lung conditions

Toxicity to Fish: LC50 (Lepomis macrochirus, 96h): 75 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under aerobic and anaerobic conditions; breaks down in soil and water naturally
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate in aquatic or terrestrial organisms
Mobility in Soil: High mobility due to solubility in water
Other Harmful Effects: Lowering of water pH may threaten aquatic life if released in quantity

Waste Disposal: Small amounts may be neutralized and flushed with water (local rules apply); larger quantities should be collected in sealed containers and sent to licensed chemical disposal centers
Container Disposal: Rinse containers thoroughly, remove or deface labels, follow local or federal regulations for chemical waste disposal
Environmental Precautions: Avoid uncontrolled releases, do not pour into natural waterways or sewers

UN Number: UN2789 (Acetic Acid, Glacial); UN2790 (Acetic Acid Solution)
Proper Shipping Name: Acetic Acid, Glacial or Acetic Acid Solution
Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive), 3 (Flammable Liquids)
Packing Group: II
Labels Required: Corrosive and Flammable
Special Precautions: Ensure proper ventilation and handling to prevent leakage and accidental contact during transport

OSHA: Listed as hazardous due to corrosive and flammable properties
SARA 313: Not subject to reporting requirements
TSCA: Listed in the Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
WHMIS Classification: Canada – Class B3 (flammable) and E (corrosive)
REACH Registration: Registered substance in the European Union
Other Regulations: Subject to workplace labeling, storage, and inspection standards worldwide; users should check local and federal lists