Acetic acid
Synonyms & Trade Names
Acetic acid (aqueous), Ethanoic acid, Glacial acetic acid, Methanecarboxylic acid [Note: Can be found in concentrations of 5-8% in vinegar.]Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 10 ppm (25 mg/m3) ST 15 ppm (37 mg/m3)OSHA PEL
TWA 10 ppm (25 mg/m3)Physical Description
Colorless liquid or crystals with a sour, vinegar-like odor. [Note: Pure compound is a solid below 62°F. Often used in an aqueous solution.]Molecular Weight
60.1Boiling Point
244°FFreezing Point
62°FSolubility
MiscibleVapor Pressure
11 mmHgIonization Potential
10.66 eVSpecific Gravity
1.05Flash Point
103°FUpper Exposive Limit
(200°F): 19.9%Lower Explosive Limit
4.0%Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers (especially chromic acid, sodium peroxide & nitric acid), strong caustics [Note: Corrosive to metals.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; eye, skin burns; skin sensitization; dental erosion; black skin, hyperkeratosis; conjunctivitis, lacrimation (discharge of tears); pharyngeal edema, chronic bronchitisTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, teethPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact (>10%)
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated (>10%)
Remove:When wet or contaminated (>10%)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash (>5%), Quick drench (>50%)
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 50 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode£
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)£
(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
(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 organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division