FORMIC ACID 0485
September 1997
CAS No: 64-18-6 Hydrogen carboxylic acid
RTECS No: LQ4900000 Methanoic acid
UN No: 1779 Aminic acid
EC No: 607-001-00-0 Formylic acid
HCOOH
Molecular mass: 46
TYPES OF
ACUTE HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID/FIRE FIGHTING
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE
FIRE Combustible. NO open flames. Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water
spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Above 69/C explosive vapour/air Above 69/C use a closed system, In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by
mixtures may be formed. ventilation. spraying with water.
EXPOSURE AVOID ALL CONTACT!
Inhalation Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer
Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. protection. for medical attention.
Unconsciousness. Symptoms may be
delayed (see Notes).
Skin MAY BE ABSORBED! Pain. Blisters. Protective gloves. Protective clothing. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse
Serious skin burns. skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer
for medical attention.
Eyes Pain. Redness. Severe deep burns. Face shield, or eye protection in First rinse with plenty of water for several
Blurred vision. combination with breathing protection. minutes (remove contact lenses if easily
possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion Sore throat. Burning sensation. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
Abdominal pain. Abdominal cramps. Refer for medical attention.
Vomiting. Diarrhoea.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Cautiously EU classification Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
neutralize spilled liquid with weak alkaline solution (e.g., C Symbol
disodium carbonate). Then wash away with plenty of water. R: 35
Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. (Extra S: (1/2-)23-26-45
personal protection: complete protective clothing including Note: B
self-contained breathing apparatus). UN classification
UN Hazard Class: 8
UN Pack Group: II
EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-89 Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, strong acids, and food and feedstuffs.
NFPA Code: H3; F2; R0 Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International
IPCS Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission 漏
IPCS 2006
International
Programme on
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON THE BACK.
Chemical Safety
0485 FORMIC ACID
IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance Routes of exposure
COLOURLESS, FUMING LIQUID, WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour,
through the skin and by ingestion.
Chemical dangers
The substance decomposes on heating and on contact with strong acids Inhalation risk
(sulfuric acid) producing carbon monoxide. The substance is a medium A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on
strong acid. Reacts violently with oxidants. Reacts violently with strong evaporation of this substance at 20/C.
bases causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks many plastics and
metals. Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is very corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory
Occupational exposure limits tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung
TLV: 5 ppm, 9.4 mg/m3 as TWA; 10 ppm, 19 mg/m3 as STEL (ACGIH oedema (see Notes). The substance may cause effects on the energy
1996). metabolism, resulting in acidosis.
EU OEL: 5 ppm, 9 mg/m3 as TWA (EU 2006).
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Boiling point: 101/C Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20/C (air = 1): 1.03
Melting point: 8/C Flash point: 69/C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.2 Auto-ignition temperature: 520/C
Solubility in water: miscible Explosive limits, vol% in air: 18-51
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20/C: 4.6 Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.54
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.6
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.
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 inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.
The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.
Card has been partially updated in January 2008: see Occupational Exposure Limits.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible
LEGAL NOTICE for the use which might be made of this information
漏IPCS 2006
|