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NIOSH

MERCAPTOACETIC ACID

ICSC: 0915

Thioglycolic acid
Ethanethiol-2-acid-1
2-Mercaptoethanoic acid
C2H4O2S / HSCH2COOH
Molecular mass: 92.1
ICSC # 0915 		CAS # 68-11-1
RTECS # AI5950000
UN # 1940
EC # 607-090-00-6
November 26, 1998 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


EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Abdominal cramps. Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
•SKIN MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Blisters. (See Inhalation).
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Redness. Pain. Loss of vision. Severe deep burns.
Face shield, 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 pain. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, food and feedstuffs and combustible substances. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
T symbol
R: 23/24/25-34
S: 1/2-25-27-28-45
UN Hazard Class: 8
UN Packing Group: II
ICSC: 0915 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.

MERCAPTOACETIC ACID

ICSC: 0915

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
VISCOUS COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic fumes of sulfur oxides and hydrogen sulfide. The substance is a medium strong acid. Reacts with strong oxidants, alkalis and organic compounds. Attacks steel, stainless steel and aluminium.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 1 ppm; 3.8 mg/m3 (as TWA) (skin) (ACGIH 1997).
MAK not established.
OSHA PEL†: none
NIOSH REL: TWA 1 ppm (4 mg/m3) skin
NIOSH IDLH: N.D. See: IDLH INDEX


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

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

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 120°C
Melting point: -16.5°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.3
Solubility in water: miscible
Vapour pressure, kPa at 18°C: 1.3
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.2
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.00
Flash point: 126°C o.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 350°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 5.9-?
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.05

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 is therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-80G20

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0915 MERCAPTOACETIC 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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