ICSC 0485 - FORMIC ACID

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FORMIC ACID	ICSC: 0485 (April 2024)
Formylic acid Hydrogen carboxylic acid Methanoic acid Aminic acid

CAS #: 64-18-6

UN #: 1779

EC Number: 200-579-1

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Flammable. Above 45°C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with incompatible substances. See Chemical Dangers.	NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. Above 45°C use a closed system, ventilation and explosion-proof electrical equipment. NO contact with incompatible materials: See Chemical Dangers	Use water spray, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

See Notes. AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Unconsciousness. Symptoms may be delayed. See Notes.	Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer immediately for medical attention.
Skin	Pain. Blisters. Serious skin burns.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer immediately for medical attention.
Eyes	Redness. Blurred vision. Pain. Severe burns.	Wear face shield, eye protection or safety goggles in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. Refer immediately for medical attention.
Ingestion	Burns in mouth and throat. Sore throat. Abdominal cramps. Ulceration in the mouth.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Give nothing to drink. Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Remove all ignition sources. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Cautiously neutralize spilled liquid with weak alkaline solution such as disodium carbonate. Collect leaking liquid in covered containers. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.	According to UN GHS Criteria DANGER Flammable liquid and vapour Toxic if inhaled Harmful if swallowed Causes severe skin burns and eye damage Harmful to aquatic life Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Pack Group: II
STORAGE
Fireproof. Store only in original container. Well closed. Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, strong acids and food and feedstuffs. See Chemical Dangers. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
PACKAGING
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs and combustible materials.

FORMIC ACID

ICSC: 0485

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
Physical State; Appearance COLOURLESS FUMING LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. Physical dangers Chemical dangers The substance is a medium strong acid. Decomposes on heating. This produces toxic and flammable gases and formaldehyde (see ICSC 0275). Reacts violently with strong oxidants, isocyanates and strong bases. This generates fire and explosion hazard. This produces toxic gas. Reacts with amines. Attacks many plastics and metals.	Formula: HCOOH ,CH2O2 Molecular mass: 46 Melting point: 8°C Relative density (water = 1): 1.2 (20°C) Solubility in water: miscible Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 4.6 Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.6 Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.01 Flash point: 45°C Auto-ignition temperature: 520°C Explosive limits, vol% in air: 18-51 Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.54 Viscosity: 1.5 mm²/s

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS FUMING LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

Physical dangers

Chemical dangers
The substance is a medium strong acid. Decomposes on heating. This produces toxic and flammable gases and formaldehyde (see ICSC 0275). Reacts violently with strong oxidants, isocyanates and strong bases. This generates fire and explosion hazard. This produces toxic gas. Reacts with amines. Attacks many plastics and metals.

Formula: HCOOH ,CH2O2
Molecular mass: 46
Melting point: 8°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.2 (20°C)
Solubility in water: miscible
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 4.6
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.6
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.01
Flash point: 45°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 520°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 18-51
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.54
Viscosity: 1.5 mm²/s

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion. Effects of short-term exposure The substance is very corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema. See Notes.	Inhalation risk A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is very corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema. See Notes.

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 5 ppm as TWA; 10 ppm as STEL. EU-OEL: 9 mg/m³, 5 ppm as TWA

ENVIRONMENT
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 by an authorized person, should be considered. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification

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