# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Picric acid | CAS 88-89-1
(NO2)3C6H2OH | RTECS TJ7875000
Synonyms & Trade Names Phenol trinitrate; 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol [Note: An OSHA Class A Explosive (1910.109).] | DOT ID & Guide 1344 113 (>10% water)
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: TWA 0.1 mg/m3 ST 0.3 mg/m3 [skin]
OSHA PEL: TWA 0.1 mg/m3 [skin]
IDLH 75 mg/m3 | Conversion 1 ppm = 9.37 mg/m3
Physical Description Yellow, odorless solid. [Note: Usually used as an aqueous solution.]
MW: 229.1 | BP: Explodes above 572°F | MLT: 252°F | Sol: 1%
VP(383°F): 1 mmHg | IP: ? |  | Sp.Gr: 1.76
Fl.P: 302°F | UEL: ? | LEL: ? |
Combustible Solid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Copper, lead, zinc & other metals; salts; plaster; concrete; ammonia [Note: Corrosive to metals. An explosive mixture results when the aqueous solution crystallizes.]
Measurement Methods NIOSH S228 (II-4)
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated/Daily Remove: When wet or contaminated Change: Daily | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Skin: Soap wash promptly Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH/OSHA Up to 0.5 mg/m3: (APF = 5) Any dust and mist respirator Up to 1 mg/m3: (APF = 10) Any dust and mist respirator except single-use and quarter-mask respirators/(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator Up to 2.5 mg/m3: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode/(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a dust and mist filter Up to 5 mg/m3: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode/(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and 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 Up to 75 mg/m3: (APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode 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 with a high-efficiency particulate filter/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, skin; sensitization dermatitis; yellow-stained hair, skin; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), myalgia, anuria, polyuria; bitter taste, gastrointestinal disturbance; hepatitis, hematuria (blood in the urine), albuminuria, nephritis
Target Organs Eyes, skin, kidneys, liver, blood
See also: INTRODUCTION