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OXALIC ACIDICSC: 0529 (November 2009)
Ethanedioic acid
CAS #: 144-62-7
UN #: 3261
EC Number: 205-634-3

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.    NO open flames.    Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 

 PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!  
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Cough. Sore throat. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Headache.  Use ventilation (not if powder), local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Pain. Skin burns.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower for at least 15 minutes. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Burns.  Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Ingestion Sore throat. Burning sensation. Abdominal pain. Laboured breathing. Convulsions. Paralysis. Cardiac dysrhythmia. Shock or collapse.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention. 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance, protective gloves and safety goggles. Sweep spilled substance into covered plastic containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

correxcl mark;warn
DANGER
Harmful if swallowed
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
May cause respiratory irritation 

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

STORAGE
Separated from strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Dry. Well closed. 
PACKAGING
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
OXALIC ACID ICSC: 0529
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
HYGROSCOPIC COLOURLESS CRYSTALS OR WHITE POWDER. 

Physical dangers
No data. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on contact with hot surfaces or flames. This produces formic acid and carbon monoxide. The solution in water is a medium strong acid. Reacts violently with strong oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with some silver compounds. This produces explosive silver oxalate. Attacks some forms of plastic. 

Formula: C2H2O4 / (COOH)2
Molecular mass: 90.0
Decomposes: see Notes.
Melting point: 189.5°C
Density: 1.9 g/cm³
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 9-10 (moderate)
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.81  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion. Serious local effects by all routes of exposure. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. The substance may cause effects on the calcium balance after ingestion. Exposure at high levels could cause death. 

Inhalation risk
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Exposure may result in kidney stones, slow-healing ulcers and black finger nails. 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 1 mg/m3, as TWA; 2 mg/m3 as STEL.
EU-OEL: 1 mg/m3 as TWA 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
Oxalic acid may sublime at temperatures >100 °C at reduced pressure. Optimal sublimation temperature is 157 °C. At higher temperatures it partly decomposes.
Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available.
Some producers do not classify this substance under UN 3261. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: Xn; R: 21/22; S: (2)-24/25 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations