Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is a colorless liquid that has a distinct vinegar odor and taste. It is the second simplest carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH3COOH. Acetic acid is widely used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, plastics, rubber, textiles, and cleaning products. However, acetic acid can also pose hazards to human health if not handled properly.

Acetic acid is commonly found in white vinegar, which contains between 3-9% acetic acid. In the food industry, acetic acid is used as a food additive with the E number E260. It is added to various foods for its flavor and as an acidity regulator. Acetic acid is also used as a preservative for pickles, ketchup, and other condiments.

In the pharmaceutical industry, acetic acid is used in the production of various drugs, including acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetic acid is also used in the manufacture of dyes, insecticides, solvents, and photographic chemicals.

However, acetic acid can also be hazardous to human health if not handled properly. Exposure to acetic acid can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin and eye contact. Inhalation of acetic acid can cause respiratory tract irritation, spasm, and inflammation, which can lead to chemical pneumonitis and even death in extreme cases.

Ingestion of higher concentrations of acetic acid can cause burning of the mouth and throat, difficulty breathing and swallowing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and even a coma. Skin contact with acetic acid can cause severe irritation and inflammation, which may progress to blistering. Eye exposure to acetic acid can cause tearing, burns, and sensitivity to light, which can lead to permanent eye damage.

To prevent exposure to acetic acid, proper safety measures must be taken. Emergency eyewash fountains and safety showers should be accessible in the immediate area of the potential exposure to the chemical. Adequate ventilation is also necessary to remove or dilute any air contaminants, and local exhaust systems should be installed if necessary.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when handling acetic acid. This includes safety glasses with unperforated side shields, chemical goggles, gas masks, elbow-length PVC gloves, PVC aprons, PVC protective suits, overalls, and safety boots.

In case of exposure to acetic acid, it is important to follow proper safety procedures. If inhaled, the patient should be removed from the contaminated area to the nearest fresh air source, laid down, kept warm, and rested. If the patient is not breathing and qualified to do so, CPR should be performed with a bag-valve mask device, and the patient should be transported to the hospital immediately.

If swallowed, vomiting should not be induced, and urgent hospital treatment is likely necessary. If skin exposure occurs, contaminated clothing and footwear should be removed, and the affected area should be flushed with plenty of running water. If the chemical is exposed to the eyes, the eyes should be flushed immediately with fresh running water for at least 15 minutes. Transport to the hospital should be arranged without delay.

In conclusion, acetic acid is a versatile chemical used in various industries, but it can also pose hazards to human health if not handled properly. It is essential to take proper safety measures and wear appropriate PPE when handling acetic acid to prevent exposure and mitigate its potential hazards. In case of exposure, proper safety procedures should be followed, and medical attention should be sought immediately.

For more information on how to handle acetic acid safely, refer to your SDS. Click here for a trial of our SDS Management Software or contact us at sa***@ch*******.net for more information about our chemicals management solutions.