Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to page options Skip directly to site content
NIOSH

TRICHLOROACETIC ACID

ICSC: 0586

Trichloroethanoic acid
Aceto-caustin
TCA
C2HCl3O2 / CCl3COOH
Molecular mass: 163.4
ICSC # 0586 		CAS # 76-03-9
RTECS # AJ7875000
UN # 1839
EC # 607-004-00-7
November 24, 1998 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Ventilation (not if powder), local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Pain. Redness. Blisters. Skin burns.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Pain. Redness. 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 Burning sensation. Abdominal pain. Shock or collapse.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give plenty of water to drink. Rest. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into water filled containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Cautiously neutralize remainder with alkali such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide. Then wash away with plenty of water. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Separated from food and feedstuffs . See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Dry. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
C symbol
N symbol
R: 35-50/53
S: 1/2-26-36/37/39-45-60-61
UN Hazard Class: 8
UN Packing Group: II
ICSC: 0586 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.

TRICHLOROACETIC ACID

ICSC: 0586

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALS , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating producing toxic and corrosive fumes including hydrogen chloride and chloroform. The solution in water is a strong acid, it reacts violently with bases and is corrosive to many metals.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 1 ppm as TWA; A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); (ACGIH 2005).
MAK: IIb (not established but data is available); (DFG 2005).
OSHA PEL†: none
NIOSH REL: TWA 1 ppm (7 mg/m3)
NIOSH IDLH: N.D. See: IDLH INDEX


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 will be reached rather slowly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of vapour may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 198°C
Melting point: 58°C
Density: 1.6
g/cm3
Solubility in water:
very good
Vapour pressure, Pa at 51°C: 133
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 5.6
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.7

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

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 is therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Card has been partly updated in October 2005. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-80GC4-II+III

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0586 TRICHLOROACETIC 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.
Top