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HYDROXYACETIC ACIDICSC: 1537 (October 2004)
Glycolic acid
Alpha-hydroxyacetic acid
Hydroxyethanoic acid
CAS #: 79-14-1
UN #: 3261
EC Number: 201-180-5

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Combustible.    NO open flames.    Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide.   

   
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Cough. Shortness of breath. Sore throat.  Avoid inhalation of dust and mist.  Half-upright position. Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Pain. Serious skin burns.  Protective gloves.  First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. 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.  Do NOT induce vomiting. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

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

STORAGE
Separated from strong oxidants, metals, sulfides, cyanides, strong bases and food and feedstuffs. Dry. 
PACKAGING
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
HYDROXYACETIC ACID ICSC: 1537
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALS. 

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
Reacts with strong oxidants, cyanides and sulfides. Reacts violently with aluminium, zinc and tin. This generates fire and explosion hazard. The solution in water is a medium strong acid. 

Formula: C2H4O3 / HOCH2COOH
Molecular mass: 76.1
Decomposes at 100°C
Melting point: 80°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.49
Solubility in water: very good
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.6
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -1.11  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

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

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the skin and eyes. The substance is irritating to the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. The substance may cause effects on the kidneys. This may result in kidney failure. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly on spraying or when dispersed, especially if powdered. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
This substance is often available commercially as a 70% solution with UN number 3265, hazard class 8, packaging group II. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations