International Chemical Safety Cards

HYDROXYACETIC ACID

ICSC: 1537

Glycolic acid
Alpha-hydroxyacetic acid
Hydroxyethanoic acid
C₂H₄O₃ / HOCH₂COOH
Molecular mass: 76.1

ICSC #    1537
CAS #     79-14-1
RTECS # MC5250000
UN #        3261
October 28, 2004 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Combustible.	NO open flames.	Powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION

EXPOSURE
•INHALATION	Cough. Shortness of breath. Sore throat.	Avoid inhalation of fine dust and mist.	Half-upright position. Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	Redness. Pain. Serious skin burns.	Protective gloves.	First rinse with plenty of water, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again.
•EYES	Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.	Safety goggles, 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.	Do NOT induce vomiting. Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers.

Separated from strong oxidants, metals, sulfides, cyanides strong bases food and feedstuffs . Dry.

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
R:
S:
UN Hazard Class: 8
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 1537

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.

International Chemical Safety Cards

HYDROXYACETIC ACID

ICSC: 1537

I

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P

O

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T

A

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D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALS

PHYSICAL DANGERS:

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts with strong oxidants, cyanides and sulfides. Reacts violently with aluminium, zinc and tin causing fire and explosion hazard. The solution in water is a medium strong acid.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.
MAK not established.

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

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly on spraying or when dispersed, especially if powdered.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is corrosive to the skin and the eyes, and is irritating to the respiratory tract . Corrosive on ingestion. The substance may cause effects on the kidneys , resulting in kidney failure.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point (decomposes): 100°C
Melting point: 80°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.49
Solubility in water:
very good

Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.6
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -1.11

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

This substance is often available commercially as a 70% solution with UN number 3265, hazard class 8, packaging group II.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-80GC4-II+III

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 1537	HYDROXYACETIC 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.