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OXALIC ACID ICSC: 0529
March 1996
Ethanedioic acid
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CAS # 144-62-7 C 2H 2O 4/(COOH) 2
RTECS # RO2450000 Molecular mass: 90.04
EC # 607-006-00-8

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID /    FIRE FIGHTING   
FIRE Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO open flames.
Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION

In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Inhalation Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
Skin Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Blisters.
Protective clothing.
First rinse with plenty of water, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes Redness. Pain. Loss of vision. Severe deep burns.
Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.
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. Vomiting. Drowsiness. Shock or collapse. Convulsions.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Rest. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into plastic containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. (Extra personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles).
Xn Symbol
R: 21/22
S: 2-24/25
UN Hazard Class
UN Subsidiary Risks
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE
NFPA Code: H3; F1; R0;
Separated from strong oxidants, food and feedstuffs. Dry.

IMPORTANT DATA
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS CRYSTALS OR WHITE POWDER.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
On contact with hot surfaces or flames this substance decomposes forming formic acid and carbon monoxide. The solution in water is a medium strong acid. Reacts violently with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with some silver compounds to form explosive silver oxalate.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: ppm; 1 mg/m 3; 2 mg/m 3 (STEL) (ACGIH 1995-1996).
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
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 particles can, however, be reached quickly if powdered.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Corrosive. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of aerosol may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The substance may cause effects on the kidneys. Exposure far above the OEL may result in death. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the kidneys , resulting in stones.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Sublimation point: 157°C
Melting point (decomposes): 189.5°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.9
Solubility in water: moderate
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.7 (estimated)

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. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Do NOT use in the vicinity of a fire or a hot surface, or during welding.

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.