International Chemical Safety Cards

METHANOL ICSC: 0057

Methyl alcohol
Carbinol
Wood alcohol
CH4O / CH3OH
Molecular mass: 32.0

ICSC # 0057
CAS # 67-56-1
RTECS # PC1400000
UN # 1230
EC # 603-001-00-X
April 11, 2000 Peer reviewed
TYPES OF
ACUTE HAZARDS/ FIRST AID/
HAZARD/ PREVENTION
SYMPTOMS FIRE FIGHTING
EXPOSURE
Highly flammable. See Notes. NO open flames, NO sparks, Powder, alcohol-resistant foam,
FIRE and NO smoking. NO contact water in large amounts, carbon
with oxidants. dioxide.
Vapour/air mixtures are Closed system, ventilation, In case of fire: keep drums,
explosive. explosion-proof electrical etc., cool by spraying with
equipment and lighting. Do water.
EXPLOSION NOT use compressed air for
filling, discharging, or
handling. Use non-sparking
handtools.
AVOID EXPOSURE OF
EXPOSURE ADOLESCENTS AND
CHILDREN!
Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Ventilation. Local exhaust or Fresh air, rest. Refer for
•INHALATION Nausea. Weakness. Visual breathing protection. medical attention.
disturbance.
MAY BE ABSORBED! Dry Protective gloves. Protective Remove contaminated clothes.
skin. Redness. clothing. Rinse skin with plenty of water
•SKIN
or shower. Refer for medical
attention.
Redness. Pain. Safety goggles or eye First rinse with plenty of water
•EYES protection in combination with for several minutes (remove
breathing protection. contact lenses if easily
 possible), then take to a doctor.
Abdominal pain. Shortness of Do not eat, drink, or smoke Induce vomiting (ONLY IN
breath. Vomiting. Convulsions. during work. Wash hands CONSCIOUS PERSONS!).
•INGESTION
Unconsciousness. (Further see before eating. Refer for medical attention.
Inhalation).
PACKAGING &
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE
LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Ventilation. Fireproof. Separated from strong Do not transport with food and
Collect leaking liquid in sealable oxidants, food and feedstuffs . Cool. feedstuffs.
containers. Wash away remainder F symbol
with plenty of water. Remove vapour T symbol
with fine water spray. Chemical R: 11-23/24/25-39/23/24/25
protection suit including self- S: 1/2-7-16-36/37-45
contained breathing apparatus. UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Subsidiary Risks: 6.1
UN Packing Group: II
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the
ICSC: 0057 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

METHANOL ICSC: 0057

I PHYSICAL STATE; ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:

APPEARANCE: The substance can be absorbed into the
M COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH body by inhalation and through the skin
CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. and by ingestion.
P
PHYSICAL DANGERS: INHALATION RISK:
O The vapour mixes well with air, A harmful contamination of the air can
explosive mixtures are easily formed. be reached rather quickly on
R evaporation of this substance at 20°C.
CHEMICAL DANGERS:
T Reacts violently with oxidants causing EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM
fire and explosion hazard. EXPOSURE:
A The substance is irritating to the eyes ,
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE the skin and the respiratory tract . The
N LIMITS: substance may cause effects on the
TLV: 200 ppm as TWA, 250 ppm as central nervous system , resulting in
T STEL; (skin); BEI issued; (ACGIH loss of consciousness.Exposure may
2004). result in blindness and death.The effects
MAK: 200 ppm, 270 mg/m³; may be delayed.Medical observation is
D Peak limitation category: II(4); indicated.
skin absorption (H);
A Pregnancy risk group: C EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR
(DFG 2004). REPEATED EXPOSURE:
T OSHA PEL: TWA 200 ppm (260 Repeated or prolonged contact with skin
mg/m3) may cause dermatitis. The substance
A NIOSH REL: TWA 200 ppm (260 may have effects on the central nervous
 mg/m3) ST 250 ppm (325 mg/m3) skin system , resulting in persistent or
NIOSH IDLH: 6000 ppm recurring headaches and impaired
vision.

Boiling point: 65°C Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.1

Melting point: -98°C Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at
Relative density (water = 1): 0.79 20°C (air = 1): 1.01
PHYSICAL Solubility in water: Flash point: 12°C c.c.
PROPERTIES miscible Auto-ignition temperature: 464°C
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 12.3 Explosive limits, vol% in air: 5.5-44
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log
Pow: -0.82/-0.66
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA
NOTES
Burns with nonluminous bluish flame. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is
suggested. Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See section Occupational Exposure Limits.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1230
NFPA Code: H 1; F 3; R 0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0057 METHANOL

(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

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
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:
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.
 International Chemical Safety Cards
FORMALDEHYDE ICSC: 0275

Methanal
Methyl aldehyde
Methylene oxide
H2CO
Molecular mass: 30.0
(cylinder)

ICSC # 0275
CAS # 50-00-0
RTECS # LP8925000
October 26, 2004 Peer reviewed
TYPES OF
ACUTE HAZARDS/ FIRST AID/
HAZARD/ PREVENTION
SYMPTOMS FIRE FIGHTING
EXPOSURE
Extremely flammable. NO open flames, NO sparks, Shut off supply; if not possible
and NO smoking. and no risk to surroundings, let
FIRE the fire burn itself out; in other
cases extinguish with powder,
carbon dioxide.
Gas/air mixtures are explosive. Closed system, ventilation, In case of fire: keep cylinder
EXPLOSION explosion-proof electrical cool by spraying with water.
equipment and lighting.
AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A
EXPOSURE DOCTOR!
Burning sensation. Cough. Ventilation, local exhaust, or Fresh air, rest. Half-upright
Headache. Nausea. Shortness breathing protection. position. Artificial respiration
•INHALATION
of breath. may be needed. Refer for
medical attention.
Cold-insulating gloves. Remove contaminated clothes.
Rinse skin with plenty of water
•SKIN
or shower. Refer for medical
attention.
Causes watering of the eyes. Safety goggles, or eye First rinse with plenty of water
Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. protection in combination with for several minutes (remove
•EYES
breathing protection. contact lenses if easily
possible), then take to a doctor.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke
•INGESTION
during work.
 PACKAGING &
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE
LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an Fireproof. Cool.
expert! Ventilation. Remove all R:
ignition sources. Remove gas with S:
fine water spray. Do NOT wash
away into sewer. Personal protection:
complete protective clothing
including self-contained breathing
apparatus.
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the
ICSC: 0275 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

FORMALDEHYDE ICSC: 0275

PHYSICAL STATE; ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:

APPEARANCE: The substance can be absorbed into
GAS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC the body by inhalation.
I ODOUR.
INHALATION RISK:
M PHYSICAL DANGERS: On loss of containment, a harmful
The gas mixes well with air, explosive concentration of this gas in the air will
P mixtures are formed easily. be reached very quickly.
O CHEMICAL DANGERS: EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM
The substance polymerizes due to EXPOSURE:
R warming. Reacts with oxidants. The substance is severely irritating to
the eyes and is irritating to the
T OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE respiratory tract . Inhalation of may
LIMITS: cause lung oedema (see Notes).
A TLV: 0.3 ppm (Ceiling value); A2;
SEN; (ACGIH 2004). EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR
N MAK: 0.3 ppm, 0.37 mg/m³; Sh; REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Peak limitation category: I(2); This substance is carcinogenic to
T Carcinogen category: 4; Germ cell humans.
mutagen group: 5; Pregnancy risk
group: C;
D (DFG 2004).
OSHA PEL: 1910.1048 TWA 0.75
A ppm ST 2 ppm
NIOSH REL: Ca TWA 0.016 ppm C
T 0.1 ppm 15-minute See Appendix A
NIOSH IDLH: Potential occupational
A carcinogen 20 ppm

PHYSICAL Boiling point: -20°C Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.08
 PROPERTIES Melting point: -92°C Flash point: Flammable Gas
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8 Auto-ignition temperature: 430°C
Solubility in water: Explosive limits, vol% in air: 7-73
very good
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA
NOTES
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 inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. The
occupational exposure limit value should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0275 FORMALDEHYDE

(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

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
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:
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.
 International Chemical Safety Cards
HYDROGEN SULFIDE ICSC: 0165

Sulfur hydride
H2S
Molecular mass: 34.1
(cylinder)

ICSC # 0165
CAS # 7783-06-4
RTECS # MX1225000
UN # 1053
EC # 016-001-00-4
October 04, 2002 Peer reviewed
TYPES OF
ACUTE HAZARDS/ FIRST AID/
HAZARD/ PREVENTION
SYMPTOMS FIRE FIGHTING
EXPOSURE
Extremely flammable. NO open flames, NO sparks, Shut off supply; if not possible
and NO smoking. and no risk to surroundings, let
FIRE the fire burn itself out; in other
cases extinguish with water
spray, powder, carbon dioxide.
Gas/air mixtures are explosive. Closed system, ventilation, In case of fire: keep cylinder
explosion-proof electrical cool by spraying with water.
equipment and lighting.
Prevent build-up of
EXPLOSION electrostatic charges (e.g., by
grounding) if in liquid state. Do
NOT use compressed air for
filling, discharging, or
handling.
AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A
EXPOSURE DOCTOR!
Headache. Dizziness. Cough. Ventilation, local exhaust, or Fresh air, rest. Half-upright
Sore throat. Nausea. Laboured breathing protection. position. Artificial respiration
•INHALATION breathing. Unconsciousness. may be needed. No mouth-to-
Symptoms may be delayed (see mouth artificial respiration.
Notes). Refer for medical attention.
ON CONTACT WITH Cold-insulating gloves. ON FROSTBITE: rinse with
LIQUID: FROSTBITE. plenty of water, do NOT
•SKIN
remove clothes. Refer for
medical attention.
 Redness. Pain. Severe deep Safety goggles, or eye First rinse with plenty of water
burns. protection in combination with for several minutes (remove
•EYES
breathing protection. contact lenses if easily
possible), then take to a doctor.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke
•INGESTION
during work.
PACKAGING &
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE
LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an Fireproof. Separated from strong
expert! Remove all ignition sources. oxidants. Cool. Keep in a well- F+ symbol
Ventilation. Remove gas with fine ventilated room. Install continous T+ symbol
water spray. Personal protection: gas- monitoring system with alarm. N symbol
tight chemical protection suit R: 12-26-50
including self-contained breathing S: 1/2-9-16-36-38-45-61
apparatus. UN Hazard Class: 2.3
UN Subsidiary Risks: 2.1
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the
ICSC: 0165 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

HYDROGEN SULFIDE ICSC: 0165

I PHYSICAL STATE; ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:

APPEARANCE: The substance can be absorbed into the
M COLOURLESS COMPRESSED body by inhalation.
LIQUEFIED GAS , WITH
P CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR OF INHALATION RISK:
ROTTEN EGGS. A harmful concentration of this gas in
O the air will be reached very quickly on
PHYSICAL DANGERS: loss of containment.
R The gas is heavier than air and may
travel along the ground; distant ignition
EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM
T possible. As a result of flow, agitation,
EXPOSURE:
etc., electrostatic charges can be The substance is irritating to the eyes
A generated. and the respiratory tract . The substance
may cause effects on the central nervous
N CHEMICAL DANGERS: system . Exposure may result in
Heating may cause violent combustion unconsciousness. Exposure may result
T or explosion. The substance in death. Inhalation of gas may cause
decomposes on burning producing toxic lung oedema (see Notes). The effects
gases (sulfur oxides). Reacts violently may be delayed. Medical observation is
D with strong oxidants, causing fire and indicated. Rapid evaporation of the
explosion hazard. Attacks many metals liquid may cause frostbite.
A and some plastics.
EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR
T OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE REPEATED EXPOSURE:
LIMITS:
A TLV: 10 ppm as TWA; 15 ppm as
 STEL; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 10 ppm, 14 mg/m³;
Peak limitation category: II(2);
Pregnancy risk group: IIc;
(DFG 2004).
OSHA PEL: C 20 ppm 50 ppm 10-
minute maximum peak
NIOSH REL: C 10 ppm (15 mg/m3) 10-
minute
NIOSH IDLH: 100 ppm

Boiling point: -60°C Flash point: Flammable Gas

PHYSICAL Melting point: -85°C Auto-ignition temperature: 260°C
PROPERTIES Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 0.5 Explosive limits, vol% in air: 4.3-46
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.19
The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

NOTES
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 are therefore essential. Specific treatment is necessary
in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. The substance
blocks the sense of smell. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Card has
been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency
Response.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20G2TF or 20S1053

NFPA Code: H4; F4; R0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0165 HYDROGEN SULFIDE

(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

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
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:
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.
 International Chemical Safety Cards
SULFURIC ACID ICSC: 0362

Sulfuric acid 100%

Oil of vitriol
H2SO4
Molecular mass: 98.1

ICSC # 0362
CAS # 7664-93-9
RTECS # WS5600000
UN # 1830
EC # 016-020-00-8
October 02, 2000 Peer reviewed
TYPES OF
ACUTE HAZARDS/ FIRST AID/
HAZARD/ PREVENTION
SYMPTOMS FIRE FIGHTING
EXPOSURE
Not combustible. Many NO contact with flammable NO water. In case of fire in the
reactions may cause fire or substances. NO contact with surroundings: powder, AFFF,
FIRE explosion. Gives off irritating combustibles . foam, carbon dioxide .
or toxic fumes (or gases) in a
fire.
Risk of fire and explosion on In case of fire: keep drums,
contact with base(s) , etc., cool by spraying with
EXPLOSION combustible substances , water but NO direct contact
oxidants , reducing agents or with water.
water .
PREVENT GENERATION OF IN ALL CASES CONSULT A
EXPOSURE MISTS! AVOID ALL DOCTOR!
CONTACT!
Corrosive. Burning sensation. Ventilation, local exhaust, or Fresh air, rest. Half-upright
Sore throat. Cough. Laboured breathing protection. position. Artificial respiration
•INHALATION breathing. Shortness of breath. if indicated. Refer for medical
Symptoms may be delayed (see attention.
Notes).
Corrosive. Redness. Pain. Protective gloves. Protective Remove contaminated clothes.
Blisters. Serious skin burns. clothing. Rinse skin with plenty of water
•SKIN
or shower. Refer for medical
attention.
Corrosive. Redness. Pain. Face shield, or eye protection First rinse with plenty of water
•EYES
Severe deep burns. in combination with breathing for several minutes (remove
 protection. contact lenses if easily
possible), then take to a doctor.
Corrosive. Abdominal pain. Do not eat, drink, or smoke Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce
•INGESTION Burning sensation. Shock or during work. vomiting. Refer for medical
collapse. attention.
PACKAGING &
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE
LABELLING
Consult an expert! Evacuate danger Separated from combustible and Unbreakable packaging; put
area! Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or reducing substances, strong oxidants, breakable packaging into closed
other combustible absorbents. (Extra strong bases, food and feedstuffs , unbreakable container. Do not
personal protection: complete incompatible materials . See transport with food and feedstuffs.
protective clothing including self- Chemical Dangers. May be stored in Note: B
contained breathing apparatus). Do stainless steel containers. Store in an C symbol
NOT let this chemical enter the area having corrosion resistant R: 35
environment. concrete floor. S: 1/2-26-30-45
UN Hazard Class: 8
UN Packing Group: II
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the
ICSC: 0362 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

SULFURIC ACID ICSC: 0362

I PHYSICAL STATE; ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:

APPEARANCE:
M COLOURLESS , OILY ,
HYGROSCOPIC LIQUID , WITH NO
P ODOUR.
O PHYSICAL DANGERS:
R particles can, however, be reached
CHEMICAL DANGERS:
T The substance is a strong oxidant and
reacts violently with combustible and
A reducing materials. The substance is a
strong acid, it reacts violently with
N bases and is corrosive to most common
metals forming a flammable/explosive
T gas (hydrogen - see ICSC 0001). Reacts
violently with water and organic
materials with evolution of heat (see
D Notes). Upon heating, irritating or toxic
fumes (or gases) (sulfur oxides) are
A formed.
T OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
LIMITS:
The substance can be absorbed into the
body by inhalation of its aerosol and by
ingestion.
INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a
harmful concentration of airborne
quickly on spraying .
EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM
EXPOSURE:
Corrosive. The substance is very
corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the
respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion.
Inhalation of an aerosol of this
substance may cause lung oedema (see
Notes).
EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR
REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Lungs may be affected by repeated or
prolonged exposure to an aerosol of this
substance. Risk of tooth erosion upon
 A TLV: 1 mg/m3 (as TWA); 3 mg/m3 (as repeated or prolonged exposure to an
STEL) A2 sulfuric acid contained in aerosol of this substance. Strong
strong inorganic acid mists (ACGIH inorganic acid mists containing this
2000). substance are carcinogenic to humans.
MAK: 1 mg/m3; inhalable fraction of
aerosol (1999).
OSHA PEL: TWA 1 mg/m3
NIOSH REL: TWA 1 mg/m3
NIOSH IDLH: 15 mg/m3

Boiling point (decomposes): 340°C Vapour pressure, kPa at 146°C: 0.13

Melting point: 10°C Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.4
PHYSICAL
Relative density (water = 1): 1.8
PROPERTIES
Solubility in water:
miscible
The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

NOTES
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 are therefore essential. NEVER pour water into this
substance; when dissolving or diluting always add it slowly to the water. Other UN numbers: UN1831 Sulfuric
acid, fuming, hazard class 8, subsidiary hazard 6.1, pack group I; UN1832 Sulfuric acid, spent, Hazard class 8,
Pack group II.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-10B

NFPA Code: H 3; F 0; R 2; W

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0362 SULFURIC ACID

(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

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
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:
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.
 International Chemical Safety Cards
NITRIC ACID ICSC: 0183

Concentrated Nitric Acid (70%)

HNO3
Molecular mass: 63.0

ICSC # 0183
CAS # 7697-37-2
RTECS # QU5775000
UN # 2031
EC # 007-004-00-1
April 22, 1994 Peer reviewed
TYPES OF
ACUTE HAZARDS/ FIRST AID/
HAZARD/ PREVENTION
SYMPTOMS FIRE FIGHTING
EXPOSURE
Not combustible but enhances NO contact with flammable In case of fire in the
combustion of other substances. NO contact with surroundings: NO foam .
FIRE substances. Gives off irritating combustibles or organic
or toxic fumes (or gases) in a chemicals.
fire.
Risk of fire and explosion on In case of fire: keep drums,
EXPLOSION contact with many common etc., cool by spraying with
organic compounds. water.
EXPOSURE AVOID ALL CONTACT!
Burning sensation. Cough. Ventilation, local exhaust, or Fresh air, rest. Half-upright
Laboured breathing. breathing protection. position. Artificial respiration
•INHALATION
Unconsciousness. Symptoms may be needed. Refer for
may be delayed (see Notes). medical attention.
Corrosive. Serious skin burns. Protective clothing. Remove contaminated clothes.
Pain. Yellow discolouration. Rinse skin with plenty of water
•SKIN
or shower. Refer for medical
attention.
Corrosive. Redness. Pain. Face shield or eye protection in First rinse with plenty of water
Severe deep burns. combination with breathing for several minutes (remove
•EYES
protection. contact lenses if easily
possible), then take to a doctor.
Corrosive. Abdominal pain. Do not eat, drink, or smoke Do NOT induce vomiting.
Burning sensation. Shock. during work. Wash hands Give plenty of water to drink.
•INGESTION
before eating. Rest. Refer for medical
attention.
 PACKAGING &
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE
LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an Separated from combustible and Unbreakable packaging; put
expert! Ventilation. Collect leaking reducing substances, bases , food and breakable packaging into closed
liquid in sealable containers. feedstuffs , organic chemicals. Cool. unbreakable container. Do not
Cautiously neutralize remainder with Dry. Keep in a well-ventilated room. transport with food and feedstuffs.
sodium carbonate. Then wash away Note: B
with plenty of water. Do NOT absorb O symbol
in saw-dust or other combustible C symbol
absorbents. Personal protection: R: 8-35
complete protective clothing S: 1/2-23-26-36-45
including self-contained breathing UN Hazard Class: 8
apparatus. UN Packing Group: II
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the
ICSC: 0183 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

NITRIC ACID ICSC: 0183

PHYSICAL STATE; ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:

APPEARANCE: The substance can be absorbed into the
I COLOURLESS TO YELLOW LIQUID body by inhalation of its vapour and by
, WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. ingestion.
M
PHYSICAL DANGERS: INHALATION RISK:
P A harmful contamination of the air can
be reached very quickly on evaporation
O CHEMICAL DANGERS: of this substance at 20°C.
The substance decomposes on warming
R producing nitrogen oxides. The EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM
substance is a strong oxidant and reacts EXPOSURE:
T violently with combustible and reducing The substance is very corrosive to the
materials, e.g., turpentine, charcoal, eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract.
A alcohol. The substance is a strong acid, Corrosive on ingestion as well.
it reacts violently with bases and is Inhalation of vapour may cause lung
N corrosive to metals. Reacts very oedema (see Notes).
violently with organic chemicals (e.g.,
T acetone, acetic acid, acetic anhydride), EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR
causing fire and explosion hazard. REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Attacks some plastics.
D
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
A LIMITS:
TLV: 2 ppm as TWA, 4 ppm as STEL;
T (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 2 ppm, 5.2 mg/m³;
A Peak limitation category: I(1);
Pregnancy risk group: IIc;
(DFG 2004).
 OSHA PEL: TWA 2 ppm (5 mg/m3)
NIOSH REL: TWA 2 ppm (5 mg/m3)
ST 4 ppm (10 mg/m3)
NIOSH IDLH: 25 ppm

Boiling point: 121°C Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 6.4

PHYSICAL Melting point: -41.6°C Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.2
PROPERTIES Relative density (water = 1): 1.4 Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at
Solubility in water: miscible 20°C (air = 1): 1.07
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA
NOTES
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. 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 are therefore essential. Rinse contaminated clothes (fire hazard) with plenty of water. Other
UN 2031 classification with more than 70% nitric acid, hazard class 8, subsidiary hazard 5.1, packing group I.
Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, Emergency Response,
Notes.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-80S2031-II or 80GO1-I
NFPA Code: H 3; F 0; R 0; OX

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0183 NITRIC ACID

(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

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
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:
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.