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NIOSH

CITRIC ACID

ICSC: 0855

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
beta-Hydroxytricarballylic acid
Anhydrous citric acid
C6H8O7 / CH2COOHC(OH)COOHCH2COOH
Molecular mass: 192.1
ICSC # 0855 		CAS # 77-92-9
RTECS # GE7350000
March 26, 1998 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Combustible.
NO open flames.
Powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!

•INHALATION Cough. Shortness of breath. Sore throat.
Ventilation (not if powder).
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Redness.
Protective gloves.
Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Redness. Pain.
Safety goggles.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Abdominal pain. Sore throat.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. (Extra personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles).
Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, metal nitrates and metals. Dry.

ICSC: 0855 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.

CITRIC ACID

ICSC: 0855

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS CRYSTALS

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating above 175°C. The solution in water is a medium strong acid. Reacts with oxidants and bases. Attacks metal.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.
MAK: IIb (not established but data is available) (DFG 2008).


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

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes , the skin and the respiratory tract .

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the teeth , resulting in erosion.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Decomposes below boiling point at 175°C
Melting point: 153°C
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 59
Flash point: 100°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 0.28-2.29
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -1.7

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

Card has been partially updated in November 2008: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0855 CITRIC 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.
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