| Agent Name |
Acetic acid |
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| CAS Number |
64-19-7 |
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| Formula |
C2-H4-O2 |
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| Major Category |
Other Classes |
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| Synonyms |
Acetasol; Acetic acid; Acetic acid (natural); Acetic acid, glacial; Aci-Jel; Acide acetique [French]; Acido acetico [Italian]; Azijnzuur [Dutch]; Essigsaeure [German]; Ethanoic acid; Ethanoic acid monomer; Ethylic acid; Glacial acetic acid; Kyselina octova [Czech]; Methanecarboxylic acid; Octowy kwas [Polish]; Pyroligneous acid; Vinegar acid; [ChemIDplus] UN2789 UN2790 |
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| Category |
Organic Acids |
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| Description |
Colorless liquid or crystals with a sour, vinegar-like odor; Note: Pure compound is a solid below 62 degrees F. Often used in an aqueous solution; [NIOSH] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Used to manufacture acetic anhydride and other organic chemicals used in the plastic, pharmaceutical, dye, insecticide, textile, rubber, and photographic industries; [ACGIH] Used in photography (stop bath); [www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/medium.html] |
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| Comments |
Liquid causes second degree burns after contact for a few minutes; [CHRIS] Highly corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] Can cause contact urticaria; [Kanerva 2004, p. 103] Glacial refers to "a number of acids, e.g., acetic and phosphoric, which have a freezing point slightly below room temperature when in a highly pure state. For example, glacial acetic acid is 99.8% pure and crystallizes at 16.6 C." [Hawley] Household vinegar is usually a 5% solution. Use skin protection if >10% solution of acetic acid. The vapor can cause lacrimation. [HSDB] A case of RADS and a case of asthma caused by glacial acetic acid have been reported in the medical literature. [Rajan, 1989; Kivity, 1994] Pulmonary edema may result from inhalation of high concentrations. [NJ-HSFS] |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
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| TLV (ACGIH) |
10 ppm |
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| STEL (ACGIH) |
15 ppm |
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| PEL (OSHA) |
10 ppm |
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| MAK |
10 ppm |
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| IDLH (NIOSH) |
50 ppm |
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| Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Human data: Marked irritation of the eyes, nose, and upper respiratory tract which could not be tolerated for more than 3 minutes was noted at 816 to 1,226 ppm [von Oettingen 1960]. It has been reported that 50 ppm or more is intolerable to most persons due to intense lacrimation and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat [AIHA]. It has also been stated that repeated exposures to high concentrations may produce respiratory tract irritation with pharyngeal edema and chronic bronchitis [AIHA 1972]. |
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| Vapor Pressure |
15.7 mm Hg |
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| Odor Threshold Low |
0.03 ppm |
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| Odor Threshold High |
0.15 ppm |
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| RD50 |
163 ppm |
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| Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (mice) = 5,620 ppm/1 hr |
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| Explanatory Notes |
Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 0.074 ppm); The Guide from the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "acetic acid, glacial." Flash point = 39 deg C; |
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| Reference Link |
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
2: high ambient temperature required |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Asthma |
Yes |
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| Toxic Pneumonitis |
Yes |
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| Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
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| Lacrimator |
Yes |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: ACETIC ACID
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