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PHOSPHORIC ACID
ICSC: 1008
Peer-Review Status: 10.03.2000 Validated
Orthophosphoric acid 
CAS #: 7664-38-2 RTECS #: TB6300000
UN #: 1805
EC #: 015-011-00-6
EINECS #: 231-633-2
    Formula: H3O4P / H3PO4
Molecular mass: 98.0

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. See Notes.    In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media. 
EXPLOSION      
 
EXPOSURE   PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS!   
Inhalation Burning sensation. Cough. Shortness of breath. Sore throat.  Use ventilation.  Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Pain. Skin burns. Blisters.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Pain. Redness. Severe deep burns.  Wear safety goggles or eye protection 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. 
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.  Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
EC Classification
Symbol: C; R: 34; S: (1/2)-26-45; Note: B 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Pack Group: III 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-80S1805.
NFPA Code: H2; F0; R0. 
Separated from food and feedstuffs. See Chemical Dangers. Well closed. Dry. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
HYGROSCOPIC COLOURLESS CRYSTALS. 

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
The substance violently polymerizes under the influence of azo compounds and epoxides. On combustion, forms toxic fumes of phosphorus oxides. Decomposes on contact with alcohols, aldehydes, cyanides, ketones, phenols, esters, sulfides or halogenated organics. This produces toxic fumes. Attacks many metals. This produces flammable/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC 0001). The substance is a medium strong acid. Reacts violently with bases. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 1 mg/m³ as TWA; 3 mg/m³ as STEL; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK (inhalable fraction): 2 mg/m³; Peak limitation category: I(2); Pregnancy risk group: C; (DFG 2005). 

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air will not or will only very slowly be reached on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Decomposes at 213°C
Melting point: 42°C
Density: 1.9 g/cm³
Solubility in water: very good
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 4  
 

NOTES
NEVER pour water into this substance; when dissolving or diluting always add it slowly to the water.
Card has been partly updated in October 2005.
See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, Emergency Response. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.


    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Phosphoric acid (FAO Nutrition Meetings Report Series 38a)
       PHOSPHORIC ACID (JECFA Evaluation)
       Phosphoric acid (UKPID)