Product Name: Phosphoric Acid
Chemical Formula: H₃PO₄
Synonyms: Orthophosphoric acid, Phosphoric(V) acid
CAS Number: 7664-38-2
Manufacturer/Supplier: Listed on packaging or safety label
Intended Use: Water treatment, fertilizers, rust removal, food additives, cleaning products
Contact Information: Found on product documentation, usually including address, emergency phone number, and website
GHS Classification: Corrosive to metals, Skin corrosion/irritation (Category 1B), Serious eye damage (Category 1)
Pictograms: Corrosive symbol (black test tube pouring on a hand and a metal bar; background white, border red)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; May be corrosive to metals.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing mist; Wash skin thoroughly; Wear face/eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Potential Health Effects: Can cause burns, damage to mucous membranes, respiratory distress if inhaled, possible systemic toxicity after significant exposure
Chemical Name: Phosphoric Acid
Concentration: Usually between 75% and 85% for industrial solutions, lower for food grade
CAS Number: 7664-38-2
Impurities/Additives: Trace metals (<0.02%), water
Mixture or Substance: Substance for most uses, diluted solution in consumer products
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids; call emergency help immediately
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush affected skin with copious water, seek medical attention for any burns or persistent irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink small amounts of water, get medical advice as soon as possible
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, keep comfortable for breathing, consult a doctor if symptoms like coughing or sore throat persist
Specific Treatments: Symptomatic care as advised by medical professionals, no known specific antidote
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide based on surrounding fire
Unsuitable Media: Avoid water jet on acid itself as vigorous reaction may occur
Hazards: Nonflammable, but reacts with metals forming hydrogen gas which can explode in the presence of flames
Protective Measures for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, acid-resistant suit, work from safe distance
Decomposition Products: Irritating phosphorus oxides, steam, hydrogen gas (on contact with reactive metals)
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, use acid-proof gloves and splash goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into sewers, ground water, soil
Containment: Dike with inert material such as sand or earth
Cleanup Methods: Neutralize with sodium bicarbonate or lime for small amounts, collect in sealed containers, wash area with water, ventilate
Disposal: According to local regulations, send to licensed waste disposal contractor
Handling: Avoid breathing vapor or mist, avoid contact with skin and eyes, use acid-resistant equipment, use only in well-ventilated areas
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area separated from incompatible materials (alkalis, metals, reducing agents); keep containers tightly closed; use non-metal shelves or secondary containment
Packaging Materials: Polyethylene, glass, certain stainless steels for industrial applications
Incompatibles: Strong bases, oxidizers, many metals (aluminum, magnesium, iron), cyanides, sulfides
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL 1 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA); ACGIH TLV 1 mg/m³ (TWA), 3 mg/m³ (STEL); higher exposure limits in some jurisdictions
Engineering Controls: Fume hoods, local exhausts, acid-proof surfaces
Personal Protective Equipment: Acid-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, PVC), goggles or full face shield, acid-resistant apron, long sleeves
Respiratory Protection: Mask or respirator if exposure may exceed limits
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing, do not eat or drink near material
Appearance: Clear, colorless, syrupy liquid
Odor: Odorless or very faintly acidic
pH: <1 (1% solution); highly acidic
Melting Point: 42.4°C (pure acid)
Boiling Point: 158°C (pure acid)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Solubility: Completely miscible with water
Density: About 1.68 g/cm³ (85%)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Viscosity: Viscous at higher concentrations
Other: Corrosive to metals, may ignite in contact with certain reactive substances
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage, decomposes above 213°C releasing toxic fumes
Reactivity: Attacks many metals, releasing flammable hydrogen
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, alkali metals, many organic materials, sodium nitrite, aldehydes, cyanides, sulfides
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Phosphorus oxides, hydrogen
Polymerization: Not reported to occur
Acute Toxicity: LD₅₀ (oral, rat): 1530 mg/kg; inhalation and dermal routes cause serious irritation and burning
Local Effects: Severe burns to eyes, skin, respiratory tract
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged or repeated exposure may lead to dermatitis, dental erosion, chronic respiratory issues
Symptoms: Burning pain, redness, blistering, watery eyes, cough, tight chest
Carcinogenicity: Not classed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Effects: May aggravate existing skin or lung conditions
Aquatic Toxicity: Low to moderate concern for aquatic life; highly acidic solutions will damage aquatic organisms and vegetation
Persistence and Degradability: Dissociates, neutralizes rapidly in soil and water to harmless phosphate ions
Bioaccumulation: Not expected in aquatic food chains
Soil Impact: Increases soil acidity, may harm plants if spilled undiluted
Water Impact: Can kill aquatic life by lowering pH in unbuffered environments
Waste Disposal Methods: Always neutralize acid before draining small quantities using sodium carbonate or lime; avoid direct discharge to environment; collect for processing via hazardous waste contractor for significant volumes
Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly, treat as hazardous material until decontaminated; follow local, state, or national regulation
Precautions: Prevent spills from entering waterways or storm drains
UN Number: UN1805
UN Proper Shipping Name: Phosphoric Acid Solution
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)
Packing Group: III (medium danger)
Labels Required: Corrosive
Land/Road (ADR/RID): Regulated
Sea (IMDG): Regulated, marine pollutant category none
Air (IATA): Regulated, accept in limited package size only
TSCA (US): Listed
REACH (EU): Registered, subject to restrictions
EINECS Number: 231-633-2
OSHA Regulation: Hazardous substance (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
SARA 313: Not subject to reporting
Other: Workplace labeling and hazard communication rules apply; often part of local chemical safety compliance programs
Labeling Requirements: Proper hazard pictograms, signal words, safety statements; container labeling matching SDS data
