NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

Acetic acid

CAS
64-19-7

CH3COOH

RTECS
AF1225000
Synonyms & Trade Names

Acetic acid (aqueous), Ethanoic acid, Glacial acetic acid (pure compound), Methanecarboxylic acid [Note: Can be found in concentrations of 5-8% in vinegar.]
DOT ID & Guide
2790 / 153 (10-80% acid)
2789 / 132 (>80% acid)

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: TWA 10 ppm (25 mg/m3) ST 15 ppm (37 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL: TWA 10 ppm (25 mg/m3)
IDLH
50 ppm See: 64197
Conversion
1 ppm = 2.46 mg/m3
Physical Description
Colorless liquid or crystals with a sour, vinegar-like odor. [Note: Pure compound is a solid below 62°F. Often used in an aqueous solution.]
MW: 60.1
BP: 244°F
FRZ: 62°F
Sol: Miscible
VP: 11 mmHg
IP: 10.66 eV

Sp.Gr: 1.05
Fl.P: 103°F
UEL(200°F): 19.9%
LEL: 4.0%

Class II Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 100°F and below 140°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers (especially chromic acid, sodium peroxide & nitric acid), strong caustics [Note: Corrosive to metals.]
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1603; OSHA ID186SG
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
Skin: Prevent skin contact (>10%)
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated (>10%)
Remove: When wet or contaminated (>10%)
Change: No recommendation
Provide: Eyewash (>5%), Quick drench (>50%)
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Water flush immediately
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 50 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode£
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)£
(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; eye, skin burns; skin sensitization; dental erosion; black skin, hyperkeratosis; conjunctivitis, lacrimation (discharge of tears); pharyngeal edema, chronic bronchitis
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, teeth
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0363