Material Safety Data Sheet: Acrylic Acid

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals
Page: 1
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

CHEMICAL NAME
CRC PRESS/LEWIS PUBLISHERS DISCLAIMER:
THE INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

PRESENTED HEREIN ARE BASED ON SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE. CRC MAKES NO REPRESENTATION ON
ITS COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO DETERMINE THE CHEMICAL'S
SUITABILITY FOR ITS INTENDED USE, THE CHEMICAL'S SAFE USE, AND THE CHEMICAL'S PROPER DISPOSAL. NO
REPRESENTATIONS AND/OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OF THE MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE, ARE MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS MSDS OR TO THE CHEMICAL TO WHICH INFORMATION MAY REFER. CRC NEITHER
ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT, ANY OTHER ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OR
LIABILITY FOR THE USE OF, OR RELIANCE UPON, THIS INFORMATION.
ACRYLIC ACID
HAZARD WARNING INFORMATION

HEALTH
FIRE
REACTIVE
OTHER
ACID
DEGREE OF HAZARD
0 = Minimum Hazard
1 = Slight Hazard
2 = Moderate Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
4 = Severe Hazard
COLOR CODING
HEALTH = BLUE
FIRE = RED
REACTIVITY = YELLOW
OTHER = WHITE
OTHER CODES
OX = Oxidizer
ACID = Acid
ALK = Alkali
COR = Corrosive
W = Use No Water
SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION

Characterization
RCRA Number
Acid, Carboxylic
EPA Class
U008
DOT Proper Shipping Name
Toxic Waste
Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Number
Acrylic Acid
79-10-7
DOT Hazard Class and Label Requirements
DOT Emergency Guide Code
Corrosive; Corrosive, Flammable Liquid

DOT Identification Number
29
Chemical Formula
UN 2218
C 3H4O2
Synonyms
Acroleic acid; propenpoic acid; glacial acrylic acid; ethylenecarboxylic acid; vinylformic acid.
SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS AND IDENTITY INFORMATION

Hazardous Components (specific identity)
Acrylic acid
(derivation: Through
condensation of ethylene oxide with
drocyanic acid followed by reaction
sulfuric acid at 320F; acetylene, CO,
water, with nickel catalyst).
OSHA Exposure Criteria
the
hywith
and
1 ppm = 3.00 mg/m3
NIOSH Exposure Criteria
PEL (skin):
10 ppm
30 mg/m3
REL (skin):
2 ppm
6 mg/m3
STEL:
Not
Established
STEL:
Not
Established
Immediately Dangerous to
Life and Health (IDLH)
ACGIH Exposure Criteria
TLV (skin):
2 ppm
6 mg/m3
Not
Established
STEL:
Not
Established
SECTION III - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Boiling Point
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg)
Specific Gravity (H2O = 1)
286F (141C)
1.05
Molecular Weight
3 at 69F (20C)
72.10
Vapor Density (Air = 1)
Melting Point
2.45
55F (13C)
Solubility
Very miscible. Also miscible with benzene, chloroform, alcohol, ether, acetone, and organic solvents.
Appearance and Odor
Colorless liquid with an acrid odor. Odor threshold = <1 ppm.
SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point (method used)
130F (54C) closed cup
NFPA Classification
Explosive Limits in Air % by Volume
LEL: 2.4%
UEL: 8%
Autoignition Temperature
Class II Combustible Liquid
774F (360C)
Extinguishing Media
Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, water spray or foam.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures
Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Use water spray to flush
and dilute a spill and to disperse the vapors. Also, use a water spray to keep fire-exposed containers
cool. Poisonous gases are produced in fire.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards
Potentially explosive reaction with strong oxidizing compounds, especially at elevated temperatures.
Containers may explode in fire. Firefighters should avoid contact with vapors produced during fire.
1996 by CRC Press, Inc.
Page: 2
SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA

Conditions to Avoid
Reacts with strong oxidizers. Contact in a closed container can cause rupture of the container. A serious
fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame. It is corrosive to many materials.
Stability
Stable
Unstable
Incompatibility (materials to avoid)
Strong oxidizers, amines, alkalis, ammonium hydroxide, chlorosulfonic acid, oleum, ethylene diamine,
ethyleneimine, 2-aminoethanol. Reactions to amines, imines, and oleum are exothermic, not violent.
Conditions to Avoid
Hazardous
Polymerization
May Occur
In the presence of a catalyst or at an elevated temperature, polymerization rate may accelerate, causing an
explosion. Acrylic acid may readily polymerize at room temperatures.
Will Not Occur
Hazardous Decomposition or By-products
When heated to decomposition, acrylic acid can emit highly toxic/poisonous gases.
SECTION VI - HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Primary Route(s) of Entry:
Inhalation?
Absorption (skin)?
Ingestion?
Health Hazards
INHALATION: Extremely irritating to the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system. Inhaled vapors
may be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
ABSORPTION: Skin contact can result in burns. Can cause severe eye burns and/or irritation.
Absorbed acrylic acid is rapidly metabolized as a short chain fatty acid. Possible skin
sensitizer.
INGESTION:
Poisonous by ingestion. An experimental teratogen. Questionable carcinogenic effects.
Carcinogenicity
NTP Listed?
Questioned Human
Suspected Animal
No
IARC Cancer Review Group?
Group 3
OSHA Regulated?
Target Organs?
No Specific Listing
Respiratory system, eyes,

skin, kidneys, liver.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure
Respiratory impairments (bronchitis, asthma); Skin conditions (dermatitis); Renal or liver disorders.
Emergency and First-aid Procedures
Eye contact: Flush immediately with water for 15 minutes (minimum), seek medical attention. Skin contact: Remove all contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of soap and water.
Seek medical assistance. For inhalation: Remove the person from exposure. Provide respiratory assistance and CPR. Transfer to medical facility. If swallowed, seek medical attention.
SECTION VII - PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled
Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or similar material and deposit in sealed containers.
Ventilate area of spill or leak. Restrict those not involved in cleanup from entering area. Notify appropriate authorities, as required by SARA III, if applicable.
Preferred Waste Disposal Method
Incineration (with after burner and scrubber).

Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storage
Acrylic acid is a combustible liquid. Avoid contact with strong oxidizers such as chlorine since violent
reactions occur. Store in tightly closed containers in cool, well-ventilated area away from heat.
Other Precautions and Warnings
Sources of ignition are prohibited where acrylic acid is used, handled, or stored. Storing acrylic acid at
temperatures at or below 57F (13.9C), the explosion hazard is significantly reduced.
SECTION VIII - CONTROL MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Respiratory Protection (specify type)
When potential for exposures above 10 ppm exist, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator
with full facepiece, hood, or helmet in continuous flow mode, or use a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. Use half-mask respirator with acid cartridge for low or
transient exposures (cartridge should be designed to protect against acid vapor or mist).
Ventilation
Local exhaust or general mechanical systems recommended.

Protective Gloves
Acid resistant synthetic rubber
Eye Protection
Chemical Goggles or Face Mask
Other Protective Clothing
Rubber Apron
Work/Hygiene Practices
Always wash hands thoroughly after using chemical; never bring food, drink, or smoking materials into
vicinity of chemicals.
Page: 3
ACRYLIC ACID
C3H4O2
CH2
CAS: 79-10-7
CH
OH
3
ACID
IDENTIFICATION AND TYPICAL USES

Acrylic acid is a colorless liquid with an acrid odor. It
serves as a building block for the synthesis of other
chemicals. It is produced by oxidation of acrolein or
hydrolysis of acrylonitrile. It is used in the manufacture
of plastics; in paints, polishes, and adhesives; and as
coatings on leather.
1 Acute Health Effects

The following acute (short-term) health effects may
occur immediately or shortly after exposure to acrylic
acid:
Skin:
Irritation/rash or burning feeling on contact.
Eye:
Severe irritation; may cause burns and damage.
Lung: Irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs following exposure.
RISK ASSESSMENT: HEALTH

General Assessment
CNS:
Exposure to acrylic acid is possible through inhalation

of its vapors and by ingestion. Also, the gastrointestinal tract appears to be the site of absorption of inhaled
acrylic acid vapors. In addition, acrylic acid is very
irritating to and readily penetrates the skin.
Inhalation of its vapors can irritate the nose and
throat as well as the lungs. It is a serious eye hazard.
Splashing into the eyes can cause damage and loss of
vision. Experimental animals (rats) have shown the
effects of exposure to include nasal discharge, weight
loss, lethargy, and kidney congestion. High exposures
(excess of 4000 ppm for 4 hours) has proven to be lethal in laboratory experiments with test animals.
Laboratory testing of oral exposures were inconclusive. Although no significant embryotoxicity or
teratogenicity could be documented, teratogenic studies
in animals are still suspected (animal testing is limited,
difficult to quantify, and lack conclusive evidence of
teratogenicity). It is still recommended that acrylic acid
be treated as a questionable teratogen until further
studies verify otherwise.
High, excessive, or long-term exposures may damage the kidneys and lungs. Repeated or high exposure
to the skin may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals (sensitization). Once sensitized, even very
small future exposures to acrylic acid liquid on the
skin's surface can result in a recurrence of symptoms,
which include rash and inflammation.
Inconclusive (possible lethargy, weight loss).
0 Chronic Health Effects

The following chronic (long-term) health effects may
occur at some time after exposure to acrylic acid and
can last for months or even years:
Cancer Hazards: Acrylic acid is a questionable carcinogen in experimental animals. Its carcinogenicity in
humans may be suspect, but the data are inconclusive.
Reproductive Hazard: There is limited evidence to
show that exposure to acrylic acid causes teratogenic
effects in laboratory animals.
Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Personnel should avoid direct contact with acrylic acid.
If a less toxic chemical cannot be substituted for a hazardous substance, then engineering controls are the
most effective method of reducing exposures.
The best protection is to enclose operations and/or
provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical
release. While not always operationally feasible, isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respiratory protection is less effective than the controls
mentioned above, but is still advisable whenever working with or around acrylic acid. A self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full facepiece and
pressure demand is the recommended respiratory protection of choice. If a full facepiece is not available,
Page: 4
then chemical goggles should be worn to protect the

eyes. For low concentrations (below 10 ppm), an acid
gas cartridge respirator (equipped with a mist/vapor
filter) is acceptable protection. Whenever a chemical
splash hazard exists, a face shield and a rubber apron
should be worn. To prevent hand and skin exposures,
acid resistant gloves should be worn.
Administrative controls should also be in place to
minimize the potential for human exposures. These
may include written procedures or policies which specify the methods and techniques that will be practiced
whenever personnel are to work with acrylic acid.
All personnel should receive training on the use,
hazards, protective measures, emergency actions, and
other precautions per 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard
Communication), prior to the first assignment in an
area where acrylic acid is used or stored. Other methods to reduce exposure include:
with oxidizing agents and contact can cause fire or explosion. These characteristics require special consideration during any emergency situation involving a leak
or spill of acrylic acid.
Should acrylic acid ever come into contact with
incompatible substances such as oxidizers, amines, alkalis, ammonium hydroxide, chlorosulfonic acid,
oleum, ethylene diamine, or ethyleneimine either during
use, transportation, or storage, the formation of highly
toxic and/or highly explosive commodities is extremely
possible.
The proper disposal/destruction method for acrylic
acid waste is to burn it in a chemical incinerator
equipped with an afterburner and air scrubber.
Acrylic acid can enter the environment mainly industrial discharges or spills.
Where possible, enclose operations and use local

exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release.
If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not
used, respiratory protection should be mandatory.
Acute (short-term) toxic effects may include the death

of animals, birds, or fish and death or low growth rate
in plants. Acute effects are seen 2 to 4 days after animals or plants are exposed to acrylic acid.
This chemical has slight acute toxicity to aquatic
life and high toxicity to birds. Insufficient data are
available on the short-term effects of acrylic acid exposure to plants or land animals.
;
;
;
;
Always ensure that proper protective clothing is

worn when using chemical substances and that
personnel are trained in its use, care, and maintenance.
Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to
acrylic acid and at the end of the work shift or before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Hazard warning information should be posted in
the work area. In addition, as part of an on-going
education and training program, all information on
the health and safety hazards of acrylic acid
should be communicated to all exposed and potentially exposed workers.
RISK ASSESSMENT: ENVIRONMENT

General Assessment
The environment is at risk of exposure during transportation, storage, disposal, or destruction of acrylic
acid. In almost every scenario, the threat of environmental exposure is contingent upon the proper handling
of the chemical substance. Accidental spills, large or
small, can result in fire, explosion, and possible contamination of the surrounding environmental mediums
(water, soil, and, to a lesser degree, air).
Acrylic acid is considered a combustible liquid. It
is also corrosive to many materials. It is incompatible
1 Acute Ecological Effects
0 Chronic Ecological Effects

Chronic (long-term) toxic effects may include shortened
life span, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and
changes in appearance or behavior in exposed animals.
These effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to
toxic chemicals. Acrylic acid has slight chronic toxicity in aquatic life. Insufficient data are available on the
long-term effects of acrylic acid to plants, birds, or land
animals.
6 Water Solubility
Acrylic acid is highly soluble in water. Concentrations
of 1000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of
water.
Persistence in the Environment

Acrylic acid is slightly persistent in the aquatic environment, with a half-life of between 2 to 20 days. The
half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for
one half of the chemical to be degraded.
Approximately 90% of acrylic acid will eventually
end up in water; the remainder will end up in air.
Page: 5
O Bioaccumulation in Aquatic Organisms
Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated
in the tissues and internal organs of animals as well as
humans.
The concentration of acrylic acid found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average
concentration of acrylic acid in the water from which
the fish was taken.
Accidents or mishaps involving acrylic acid can present

a significant threat to business operations. The loss or
damage of equipment or facilities can significantly effect fiscal viability. Lawsuits that may result from personnel injury/death, public exposures, and/or environmental contamination will also require a serious expenditure of resources. Media attention surrounding an
injury, death, or environmental damage can also result
in a loss of profits and loss of current as well as future
business.
Proper training of all transporters will reduce the likelihood of a mishap or accident resulting in a leak or spill
to the environment. The correct use of DOT labeling
(per the MSDS) on all containers, trucks, and rail cars
will enable emergency responders to react properly and
quickly to any disaster thereby reducing the potential
risk to the environment and to personnel.
Storage of acrylic acid should be segregated from
incompatible chemicals to minimize the risk of crosscontamination or contact. Buildings designated for
storage should be equipped with appropriate fire protection systems (alarms, sprinklers, emergency lighting,
portable extinguishers).
If a spill or leak to the environment has occurred,
fire department, emergency response and/or hazardous
materials spill personnel should be notified immediately. Clean-up should be attempted only by those
trained in proper spill containment procedures. Contaminated soils should be removed for incineration and
replaced with clean soil. If acrylic acid should contact
the water table, aquifer, or navigable waterway, time is
of the essence. It is highly miscible in water and, therefore, total containment and remediation may not be entirely possible. When such spills occur, the local
and/or state emergency response authorities must be
notified. A comprehensive emergency response or disaster preparedness/recovery plan should be in place
prior to any operations involving the use, transportation, storage, or disposal of acrylic acid. If acrylic acid
is spilled or leaked, the following specific steps are recommended:
;
;
Restrict persons not wearing protective clothing

from area of spill or leak until clean-up is complete.
Remove all ignition sources.
Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or

similar material and deposit in sealed containers.
It may be necessary to dispose of acrylic acid as a
hazardous waste. The responsible state agency or
the regional office of the federal Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) should be contacted for
specific recommendations.
RISK ASSESSMENT: BUSINESS

General Assessment

Company attorneys, safety and health professionals,
and environmental specialists should be involved in the
development of any procedures dealing with safety or
emergency response. A company official should be
pre-designated as a public relations officer with specific
training in dealing with the press. Corporate plans and
policies should be developed, approved, and implemented long before any need for such arises.
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Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals