# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Sulfuric acid | CAS 7664-93-9
H2SO4 | RTECS WS5600000
Synonyms & Trade Names Battery acid, Hydrogen sulfate, Oil of vitriol, Sulfuric acid (aqueous) | DOT ID & Guide 1830 137 1831 137 (fuming) 1832 137 (spent)
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: TWA 1 mg/m3
OSHA PEL: TWA 1 mg/m3
IDLH 15 mg/m3 | Conversion
Physical Description Colorless to dark-brown, oily, odorless liquid. [Note: Pure compound is a solid below 51°F. Often used in an aqueous solution.]
MW: 98.1 | BP: 554°F | FRZ: 51°F | Sol: Miscible
VP: 0.001 mmHg | IP: ? |  | Sp.Gr: 1.84 (96-98% acid)
Fl.P: NA | UEL: NA | LEL: NA |
Noncombustible Liquid, but capable of igniting finely divided combustible materials.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Organic materials, chlorates, carbides, fulminates, water, powdered metals [Note: Reacts violently with water with evolution of heat. Corrosive to metals.]
Measurement Methods NIOSH 7903; OSHA ID165SG
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated Remove: When wet or contaminated Change: No recommendation Provide: Eyewash (>1%), Quick drench (>1%) | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Skin: Water flush immediately Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH/OSHA Up to 15 mg/m3: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode£/(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with acid gas cartridge(s) in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter£ (APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and acid gas cartridge(s) in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter/(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted acid gas canister having a high-efficiency particulate filter/(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 acid gas canister having a high-efficiency particulate filter/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; pulmonary edema, bronchitis; emphysema; conjunctivitis; stomatis; dental erosion; eye, skin burns; dermatitis
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, teeth
See also: INTRODUCTION