ILO Home
  

ICSC index [List of Chemicals]  [Risk Notes]  [Risk Phrases]  [Safety Phrases]  [Danger Symbols] Bottom of page (Ctrl-End)
LACTIC ACID ICSC: 0501
April 1997
DL-Lactic acid
2-Hydroxypropanoic acid
alpha-Hydroxypropionic acid

PDF file for printing   Explanation of fields
CAS # 50-21-5 C 3H 6O 3 / CH 3CHOHCOOH
RTECS # OD2800000 Molecular mass: 90.1

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID /    FIRE FIGHTING   
FIRE Combustible.
NO open flames.
Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
STRICT HYGIENE!

Inhalation Burning sensation. Cough. Sore throat. Shortness of breath.
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Skin Redness. Pain.
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
Eyes Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.
Safety goggles, or face shield.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion Sore throat. Burning sensation. Abdominal pain. Abdominal cramps. Nausea. Vomiting.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give nothing to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Cautiously neutralize spilled liquid with weak alkaline solution, e.g. disodium carbonate. Then wash away with plenty of water.


EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE

Separated from strong bases.

IMPORTANT DATA
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
VISCOUS, COLOURLESS TO YELLOW LIQUID OR COLOURLESS TO YELLOW CRYSTALS.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance is a medium strong acid.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
No indication can be given about the rate in which a harmful concentration in the air is reached on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the skin and the respiratory tract, and is corrosive to the eyes. Corrosive on ingestion.


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Melting point: 17°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.2
Solubility in water: miscible
Flash point: 110°C c.c.
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.6

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA


NOTES


IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission

© IPCS 1999
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.


Updated by AS. Approved by EC. Last update: 10.10.2000.