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TRICHLOROACETIC ACIDICSC: 0586 (November 1998)
Trichloroethanoic acid
Aceto-caustin
TCA
CAS #: 76-03-9
UN #: 1839
EC Number: 200-927-2

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.        In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.   

 AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Symptoms may be delayed. See Notes.  Use ventilation (not if powder), local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Pain. Redness. Blisters. Skin burns.  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 face shield 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 Burning sensation. Abdominal pain. Shock or collapse.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Rest. Refer for medical attention . See Notes. 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Sweep spilled substance into covered water-filled containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Cautiously neutralize remainder with alkaline materials. Then wash away with plenty of water. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Pack Group: II 

STORAGE
Separated from food and feedstuffs. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Dry. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room. 
PACKAGING
Unbreakable packaging.
Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. 
TRICHLOROACETIC ACID ICSC: 0586
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALS WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on heating. This produces toxic and corrosive fumes including hydrogen chloride and chloroform. The solution in water is a strong acid. It reacts violently with bases and is corrosive to many metals. 

Formula: C2HCl3O2 / CCl3COOH
Molecular mass: 163.4
Boiling point: 198°C
Melting point: 58°C
Density: 1.6 g/cm³
Solubility in water: very good
Vapour pressure, Pa at 51°C: 133
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 5.6
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.7  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

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

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

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

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 0.5 ppm as TWA; A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans).
MAK: 1.4 mg/m3, 0.2 ppm; peak limitation category: I(1); pregnancy risk group: C 

ENVIRONMENT
 

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. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: C, N; R: 35-50/53; S: (1/2)-26-36/37/39-45-60-61 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Trichloroacetic Acid (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 63, 1995)
       Trichloroacetic acid (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 84, 2004)