ICSC 0529 - OXALIC ACID

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OXALIC ACID	ICSC: 0529 (November 2009)
Ethanedioic acid

CAS #: 144-62-7

UN #: 3261

EC Number: 205-634-3

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames.	Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!
	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Cough. Sore throat. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Headache.	Use ventilation (not if powder), local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer immediately for medical attention.
Skin	Redness. Pain. Skin burns.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower for at least 15 minutes. Refer for medical attention .
Eyes	Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Burns.	Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention.
Ingestion	Sore throat. Burning sensation. Abdominal pain. Laboured breathing. Convulsions. Paralysis. Cardiac dysrhythmia. Shock or collapse.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance, protective gloves and safety goggles. Sweep spilled substance into covered plastic containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.	According to UN GHS Criteria DANGER Harmful if swallowed Causes severe skin burns and eye damage May cause respiratory irritation Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Pack Group: III
STORAGE
Separated from strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Dry. Well closed.
PACKAGING
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

OXALIC ACID

ICSC: 0529

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
Physical State; Appearance HYGROSCOPIC COLOURLESS CRYSTALS OR WHITE POWDER. Physical dangers No data. Chemical dangers Decomposes on contact with hot surfaces or flames. This produces formic acid and carbon monoxide. The solution in water is a medium strong acid. Reacts violently with strong oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with some silver compounds. This produces explosive silver oxalate. Attacks some forms of plastic.	Formula: C₂H₂O₄ / (COOH)₂ Molecular mass: 90.0 Decomposes: see Notes. Melting point: 189.5°C Density: 1.9 g/cm³ Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 9-10 (moderate) Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.81

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
HYGROSCOPIC COLOURLESS CRYSTALS OR WHITE POWDER.

Physical dangers
No data.

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on contact with hot surfaces or flames. This produces formic acid and carbon monoxide. The solution in water is a medium strong acid. Reacts violently with strong oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with some silver compounds. This produces explosive silver oxalate. Attacks some forms of plastic.

Formula: C₂H₂O₄ / (COOH)₂
Molecular mass: 90.0
Decomposes: see Notes.
Melting point: 189.5°C
Density: 1.9 g/cm³
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 9-10 (moderate)
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.81

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion. Serious local effects by all routes of exposure. Effects of short-term exposure The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. The substance may cause effects on the calcium balance after ingestion. Exposure at high levels could cause death.	Inhalation risk Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Exposure may result in kidney stones, slow-healing ulcers and black finger nails.

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion. Serious local effects by all routes of exposure.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. The substance may cause effects on the calcium balance after ingestion. Exposure at high levels could cause death.

Inhalation risk
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Exposure may result in kidney stones, slow-healing ulcers and black finger nails.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 1 mg/m³, as TWA; 2 mg/m³ as STEL. EU-OEL: 1 mg/m³ as TWA

ENVIRONMENT

NOTES
Oxalic acid may sublime at temperatures >100 °C at reduced pressure. Optimal sublimation temperature is 157 °C. At higher temperatures it partly decomposes. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. Some producers do not classify this substance under UN 3261.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification
Symbol: Xn; R: 21/22; S: (2)-24/25

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