International Chemical Safety Cards

NITRIC ACID ICSC: 0183

Concentrated Nitric Acid (70%)
HNO3
Molecular mass: 63.0
ICSC #    0183
CAS #     7697-37-2
RTECS # QU5775000
UN #        2031
EC #         007-004-00-1
April 22, 1994 Peer reviewed
TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO contact with flammable substances. NO contact with combustibles or organic chemicals.
In case of fire in the surroundings: NO foam .
EXPLOSION Risk of fire and explosion on contact with many common organic compounds.

In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!

 •INHALATION Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Unconsciousness. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
 •SKIN Corrosive. Serious skin burns. Pain. Yellow discolouration.
Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
 •EYES Corrosive. Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.
Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
 •INGESTION Corrosive. Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Shock.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Do NOT induce vomiting. Give plenty of water to drink. Rest. Refer for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Cautiously neutralize remainder with sodium carbonate. Then wash away with plenty of water. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Separated from combustible and reducing substances, bases , food and feedstuffs , organic chemicals. Cool. Dry. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Note: B
O symbol
C symbol
R: 8-35
S: 1/2-23-26-36-45
UN Hazard Class: 8
UN Packing Group: II
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
ICSC: 0183 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

NITRIC ACID ICSC: 0183
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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS TO YELLOW LIQUID , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on warming producing nitrogen oxides. The substance is a strong oxidant and reacts violently with combustible and reducing materials, e.g., turpentine, charcoal, alcohol. The substance is a strong acid, it reacts violently with bases and is corrosive to metals. Reacts very violently with organic chemicals (e.g., acetone, acetic acid, acetic anhydride), causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks some plastics.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 2 ppm as TWA, 4 ppm as STEL; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 2 ppm, 5.2 mg/m³;
Peak limitation category: I(1); Pregnancy risk group: IIc;
(DFG 2004).
OSHA PEL: TWA 2 ppm (5 mg/m3)
NIOSH REL: TWA 2 ppm (5 mg/m3) ST 4 ppm (10 mg/m3)
NIOSH IDLH: 25 ppm


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is very corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion as well. Inhalation of vapour may cause lung oedema (see Notes).

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
Boiling point: 121°C
Melting point: -41.6°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.4
Solubility in water: miscible
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 6.4
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.2
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.07
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Rinse contaminated clothes (fire hazard) with plenty of water. Other UN 2031 classification with more than 70% nitric acid, hazard class 8, subsidiary hazard 5.1, packing group I. Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, Emergency Response, Notes.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-80S2031-II or 80GO1-I
NFPA Code: H 3; F 0; R 0; OX
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 0183 NITRIC ACID
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.