NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

Sulfuric acid

CAS 7664-93-9

H2SO4

RTECS WS5600000
Synonyms & Trade Names
Battery acid, Hydrogen sulfate, Oil of vitriol, Sulfuric acid (aqueous)
DOT ID & Guide
1830 137
1831 137 (fuming)
1832 137 (spent)

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: TWA 1 mg/m3
OSHA PEL: TWA 1 mg/m3
IDLH 15 mg/m3 See: 7664939 Conversion
Physical Description
Colorless to dark-brown, oily, odorless liquid. [Note: Pure compound is a solid below 51°F. Often used in an aqueous solution.]
MW: 98.1
BP: 554°F
FRZ: 51°F
Sol: Miscible
VP: 0.001 mmHg
IP: ?

Sp.Gr: 1.84 (96-98% acid)
Fl.P: NA
UEL: NA
LEL: NA

Noncombustible Liquid, but capable of igniting finely divided combustible materials.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Organic materials, chlorates, carbides, fulminates, water, powdered metals [Note: Reacts violently with water with evolution of heat. Corrosive to metals.]
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 7903; OSHA ID113, ID165SG
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation (See protection)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet or contaminated
Change: No recommendation
Provide: Eyewash (>1%), Quick drench (>1%)
First Aid (See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Water flush immediately
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Important additional information about respirator selection
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 15 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode£
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with acid gas cartridge(s) in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter£

(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and acid gas cartridge(s) in combination with an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted acid gas canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(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 acid gas canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters./Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; pulmonary edema, bronchitis; emphysema; conjunctivitis; stomatis; dental erosion; eye, skin burns; dermatitis
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, teeth
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0362   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0218