Chemical of the Week Part 2 - Sulfuric Acid

Hazard Profile

Chemical Name and Pseudonyms

Sulfuric Acid, Oil of Vitriol, Hydrogen Sulfate,

UN Number

1830, 1831 (fuming), 1832 (spent)

Chemical Formula

H₂SO₄

Hazards

Strong acid that may ignite finely divided combustible materials

PPE Considerations

CPC with SCBA.  Butyl rubber or PVC.

Fire Fighting Considerations

Water, ATC-AFFF, CO2, or dry chemical extinguisher.  Control and dispose of runoff as hazardous waste.  Fight fires based on material burning. 

Decontamination

Soap and water with adequate ventilation.

Detection and Monitoring

Colormetric, chemical reactivity assessment (i.e. HazCat), FTIR, GCMS,

Chemical and Physical Properties

Physical State

Light yellow liquid

Vapor Pressure

0.01 mm/Hg

Boiling Point

554^oF

Vapor Density

3.39

Specific Gravity

1.84

Miscibility

Soluble

Flash Point

-

LEL/UEL

-

Autoignition Temp

-

pH

1 – 1.2

Toxicity

IDLH

15 mg/m³

PEL/REL/STEL

1/1/- mg/m³

LD50

2.14 mg/kg

LC50

-

Radioactive (Yes/No)

No

Medical

Toxicological Considerations

Strong acid 

Signs/Symptoms of Exposure

Irritates skin and mucous membranes, respiratory irritation

Medical Treatment

Flush with water and treat symptomatically

Other Information

Avoid close proximity to water, organic materials, most common metals, strong reducing agents, combustible materials, strong bases, carbonates, sulfides, cyanides, strong oxidizing agents, and carbides

Chemical Structure

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sulfuric-Acid