Chemical of the Week Part 2 - Hydrochloric Acid

Hazard Profile

Chemical Name and Pseudonyms

Hydrochloric Acid, Muriatic Acid, Aqueous Hydrogen Chloride

UN Number

1789

Chemical Formula

HCl

Hazards

Corrosive (acidic) liquid

PPE Considerations

SFPC, Splash Protective Garment, or multi-threat ensemble with SCBA

Fire Fighting Considerations

Non-flammable, but heating may result in release of toxic gases.

Decontamination

Ventilation, soap and water, neutralization for equipment.

Detection and Monitoring

Colormetric, electrochemical sensor, PID IP = 11.62 ev

Chemical and Physical Properties

Physical State

Colorless liquid with pungent odor

Vapor Pressure

~93 mmHg

Boiling Point

~130^oF

Vapor Density

~1.27

Specific Gravity

~1.8

Miscibility

Soluble

Flash Point

-

LEL/UEL

-

Autoignition Temp

-

pH

<1

Toxicity

IDLH

~238 ppm

PEL/REL/STEL

5 ppm/5 ppm/-

LD50

~238 ppm

LC50

~1.68 mg/L

Radioactive (Yes/No)

No

Medical

Toxicological Considerations

Caustic by all routes. 

Signs/Symptoms of Exposure

Respiratory symptoms, skin burns, eye damage, chest tightness

Medical Treatment

Fresh air and treat symptomatically, flush areas of contact with water

Other Information

Incompatible with heat, Metals, Strong oxidizing agents, Bases, sodium hypochlorite, Amines, Fluorine, Cyanides, Alkaline materials.  Releases flammable hydrogen gas upon decomposition.

Chemical Structure