Acetic Acid Hazards & Safety Information. (2017, September 16).

Retrieved from
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Nov 19, 2014

Acetic Acid Safety Tips

Acetic acid may not be a household name to many, but it’s
actually a relatively common chemical. As a vital chemical in
the industrial industry, acetic acid is used for a variety of
purposes in many countries around the world. You may even
encounter acetic acid in a diluted form in your own house, or it
might be a chemical you handle at work. In either case, it’s
important to handle this potentially hazardous
and corrosive acid with appropriate care by following these
safety tips from our MSDS experts.

Common Uses for Acetic Acid

Acetic acid is a colorless liquid with a pungent, vinegary odor.
This chemical was used in alchemy as early as the 3rd century
BC, often as glacial (waterless or anhydrous) acetic acid. In
modern times, acetic acid is used for many purposes across
several industries, including:

 Vinyl acetate monomer (for the production of paint and

adhesives)
 Vinegar (4-18 percent acetic acid)
 Inks, paints, and dyes
 Solvent
 Iontophoresis for physical therapy
Acetic acid is also used in the production of several other
chemicals, which are then used to make preservatives,
fungicides and pesticides, coatings and pigments.
Acetic Acid Hazards
Acetic acid can be a hazardous chemical if not used in a safe
and appropriate manner. This liquid is highly corrosive to the
skin and eyes and, because of this, must be handled with
extreme care. Acetic acid can also be damaging to the internal
organs if ingested or in the case of vapor inhalation. The use
of PPE (personal protective equipment) is essential when
handling this chemical in an undiluted state.

How to Handle Acetic Acid

Safely
When handling acetic acid, it is essential to keep a few critical
safety tips in mind. Never add water to this chemical, and
always keep acetic acid away from sources of heat, sparks or
flame. Wear suitable respiratory equipment if handling acetic
acid in an area that isn’t well-ventilated. It is recommended
that you wear the following protective gear when using acetic
acid:

 Gloves
 Splash goggles
 Synthetic apron
 Vapor respirator (if needed)
Ensure that eye-wash stations are nearby if handling acetic
acid. In the event of a large spill in either the workplace or at
home, a self-contained breathing apparatus should be
equipped, and you should also wear a full protective suit for
additional safety. If you do not have this equipment readily at
hand, do not attempt to clean up the acetic acid without it.
Proper Health Care for Acetic
Acid Exposure
Exposure to acetic acid can pose serious hazards to your
health. This chemical is especially dangerous when it comes in
contact with either the skin or eyes. In any instance of acetic
acid exposure, it is important to seek help from a medical
professional right away to help prevent damaging health
effects.

Skin Contact – Immediately flush skin with water for at least

15 minutes and remove contaminated clothing. Cover the
irritated skin with an emollient. In case of serious skin
contact, wash using a disinfectant soap. Seek out medical
attention as soon as possible.

Eye Contact – Remove contact lenses right away if present.

Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for no less than 15
minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.

Ingestion – If acetic acid is ingested, do not induce vomiting.

If victim is unconscious, do not administer any mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation. Loosen any tight clothing. Seek medical
attention immediately if any symptoms appear.

Inhalation – If inhaled, seek fresh air and medical attention

immediately. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If
breathing is absent, give artificial respiration.

Safe Acetic Acid Storage &

Disposal
Acetic acid should be stored in an approved area away from
heat or other sources of ignition. Keep away from incompatible
materials including oxidizing agents, reducing agents,
metals, acids and alkalis. Store acetic acid in a cool, well-
ventilated area in a tightly sealed container.

This chemical must be disposed of in accordance with federal,

state, and local environmental regulations. Here’s a great
resource for safety compliance information.

Safety is of the utmost importance when handling potentially

dangerous chemicals such as acetic acid. This corrosive liquid
should be used with care, both in the workplace and in
household products. For more information about acetic acid
uses, safety, or disposal, search our database of MSDS
information.