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OXALIC ACID

ICSC: 0529

Ethanedioic acid
C2H2O4 / (COOH)2
Molecular mass: 90.04
ICSC # 0529 		CAS # 144-62-7
RTECS # RO2450000
EC # 607-006-00-8
March 28, 1996 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO open flames.
Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION

In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Blisters.
Protective clothing.
First rinse with plenty of water, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Redness. Pain. Loss of vision. Severe deep burns.
Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Sore throat. Burning sensation. Abdominal pain. Vomiting. Drowsiness. Shock or collapse. Convulsions.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Rest. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into plastic containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. (Extra personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles).
Separated from strong oxidants, food and feedstuffs. Dry.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Xn symbol
R: 21/22
S: 2-24/25
ICSC: 0529 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

OXALIC ACID

ICSC: 0529

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS CRYSTALS OR WHITE POWDER.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
On contact with hot surfaces or flames this substance decomposes forming formic acid and carbon monoxide. The solution in water is a medium strong acid. Reacts violently with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with some silver compounds to form explosive silver oxalate.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 1 mg/m3; 2 mg/m3 (STEL) (ACGIH 1995-1996).
EU OEL: 1 mg/m3 as TWA (EU 2006).
OSHA PEL†: TWA 1 mg/m3
NIOSH REL: TWA 1 mg/m3 ST 2 mg/m3
NIOSH IDLH: 500 mg/m3 See: 144627


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

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly if powdered.

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

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the kidneys , resulting in stones.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Sublimation point: 157°C
Melting point (decomposes): 189.5°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.9
Solubility in water: moderate
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.7 (estimated)

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

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 inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Do NOT use in the vicinity of a fire or a hot surface, or during welding. Card has been partly updated in October 2006. See section Occupational Exposure Limits.
NFPA Code: H3; F1; R0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0529 OXALIC ACID
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
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 NIOSH IDLH values.
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