# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
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 | 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
Personal Protection & Sanitation 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
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