Nitric Acid
Nitric Acid
Nitric Acid
EC number 231-714-2
1.2. Relevant identified uses of the substance or mixture and uses advised against
Identified uses Etchant/cleaner. General chemical reagent Intermediate Manufacture of explosives
Manufacture of fertilisers
Uses advised against Processes involving incompatible materials. Processes that would lead to over-exposure of
the operators. Use in extreme heat. Misuse in the manufacture of explosives. Consumer use
for mixtures exceeding 5% nitric acid content.
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Human health Causes severe burns to skin and eyes. Ingestion will cause burns to the mouth, stomach and
gastrointestinal tract. Inhalation of spray mists or high concentrations of vapours will cause
burns to the respiratory system. Damage to mucous membranes.
Physicochemical Will corrode metal surfaces on prolonged or repeated contact. Attacks some plastics and
rubber. Violent reaction with alkalis.
Pictogram
Supplementary precautionary P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No
statements smoking.
P221 Take any precaution to avoid mixing with combustibles.
P234 Keep only in original container.
P264 Wash contaminated skin thoroughly after handling.
P301+P330+P331 IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with water/ shower.
P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P321 Specific treatment (see medical advice on this label).
P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
P370+P378 In case of fire: Use foam, carbon dioxide, dry powder or water fog to extinguish.
P390 Absorb spillage to prevent material damage.
P405 Store locked up.
P406 Store in corrosive resistant container with a resistant inner liner.
3.2. Mixtures
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The Full Text for all R-Phrases and Hazard Statements are Displayed in Section 16.
Inhalation Remove affected person from source of contamination. Move affected person to fresh air and
keep warm and at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Get medical attention if any
discomfort continues.
Ingestion Rinse mouth thoroughly with water DO NOT induce vomiting. Get medical attention
immediately.
Skin contact Immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash before re-use. Rinse immediately with
plenty of water. Get medical attention if any discomfort continues.
Eye contact Promptly wash eyes with plenty of water or eye wash solution while lifting the eyelids.If
possible remove any contact lenses and continue to wash. Get medical attention immediately.
4.2. Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
General information The severity of the symptoms described will vary dependent on the concentration and the
length of exposure.
Inhalation Acute: Irritation of the respiratory system. Coughing. Delayed: Burns to the respiratory system
may occur after exposure to high concentrations of vapours or mists. Damage to mucous
membranes.
Ingestion Acute: Burns in the mouth, throat, stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Nausea, vomiting.
Delayed: Scarring of the digestive system with possible blockages due to internal damage.
Risk of perforation. Large amounts may prove to be fatal.
Skin contact Acute: Burning pain and severe corrosive skin damage. Delayed: Scarring of the skin.
Eye contact Acute: Severe burns. Delayed: May cause damage to the eyes. Possible corneal damage.
Possible blindness.
4.3. Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed
Notes for the doctor Have facilities in place to wash skin and eyes in case of exposure. All cases of exposure
require immediate medical attention.
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Unsuitable extinguishing Do not use water jet as this can spread the fire. Chemical extinguishants or foams, sand. Do
media not use carbon dioxide in enclosed spaces with insufficient ventilation.
Hazardous combustion The product is not combustible but can decompose in the event of a fire to produce toxic and
products corrosive gases, fumes and vapours. Nitrous gases (NOx).
Special protective equipment Wear positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and appropriate protective
for firefighters clothing.
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Usage description Use product under conditions described in this datasheet. Avoid exposure of operators and
others who may be affected by its use. Avoid overuse of the product which would create
waste and potential spillages. Always use recommended personal protective equipment. Only
use the product for its intended use in a safe manner, do not use for other purposes.
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Hand protection Use full length gloves. Butyl rubber. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Viton rubber (fluoro rubber). For
gloves involving total immersion 1.0mm thickness (if available) are recommended, at least
0.5mm and breakthrough time of >480 minutes. For splash resistance use minimum 0.5mm
thickness and breakthrough time > 240 minutes. Gloves should conform to EN 374 (Chemical
and Micro-organisms hazards). The most suitable glove should be chosen in consultation with
the glove supplier/manufacturer, who can provide information about the breakthrough time of
the glove material. It should be noted that liquid may penetrate the gloves. Frequent changes
are recommended. Gloves showing signs of degradation should be changed to avoid skin
contamination. When removing used gloves apply proper technique by avoiding skin contact
with the outer surface. When packages of the product are being handled during storage or
transport it is advisable to wear protective gloves to prevent damage to the skin.
Other skin and body Wear suitable protective clothing during transport, handling and storage operations connected
protection with the product. Protective clothing should conform to the general requirements of EN
340:2003. Also consider EN 13034:2005; EN 14605:2005; EN 943:2002 dependent upon the
situation resulting in exposure. When treating spillages it is recommended to wear protective
boots. Safety footwear should conform to standards EN 344 - 347. Consult with the supplier
as to the compatibility of protective clothing and footwear. Wear rubber or plastic apron and
full length gauntlets if handling large amounts. Provide eyewash station and safety shower. If
there is a risk of splashing then wear a face shield.
Hygiene measures Wash at the end of each work shift and before eating, smoking and using the toilet. When
using do not eat, drink or smoke. Promptly remove contaminated clothing and wash before
reuse. Remove contaminated clothing when entering eating areas or other places that could
lead to contamination of others with the product.
Respiratory protection Wear suitable respiratory protection when vapours or mists are generated and there is
inadequate ventilation or extraction. Use respirator fitted with a cartridge suitable for inorganic
vapours, type B and E is recommended. Respiratory protection should conform to the
following standards. BS EN 136: Full face masks. BS EN 140: Half-face masks. When the
concentration of atmospheric vapours is sufficient to cause skin irritation it is advisable to
wear full face respiratory protection. CAUTION: Air purifying respirators do not protect the
user in oxygen deficient atmospheres, use air supplied system. Powered air respirators
should meet requirements of EN146 and EN12941. Airline fed respirators should meet the
requirements of EN 270 and EN1835. Consult with the supplier as to the compatibility of the
equipment with the chemical of concern. Respiratory protection should be maintained in a
proper condition and inspected at the frequency specified by current legislation.
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Odour threshold Not available. No supplied or registered information. Not available. No supplied or registered
information.
pH pH (concentrated solution): < 1 Not determined. The pH is dependent upon the dilution factor.
A change of 1 pH unit requires a 10:1 dilution.
Initial boiling point and range Anhydrous = approx. 83°C; 68% w/w = approx. 120°C.°C @ 760 mm Hg Nitric acid forms a
constant boiling azetrope at approx. 68%w/w and 120°C.
Solubility(ies) > 50g @ °C Miscible with water. Nitric acid is stated to have a solubility of > 1kg/L.
Viscosity Approx. 0.76 (Dynamic) mPa s @ 25°C Quoted values 0.761 and 0.746 mPas (dynamic) @
25°C.
Explosive properties Not available. More sensitive to shock than m-dinitrobenzene: No More sensitive to friction
than m-dinitrobenzene: No Not explosive
10.1. Reactivity
Reactivity Reactions characteristic of strong acids.
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Skin corrosion/irritation
Animal data Primary dermal irritation index: No information available Erythema/eschar score: No
information available Oedema score: No information available. No information available.
Corrosive to skin.
Genotoxicity - in vivo DNA damage and/or repair: Negative. Mouse; oral. Dose level: Sodium Nitrate at 600 and
1200 mg/kg/day No unscheduled DNA synthesis.
Carcinogenicity
Carcinogenicity Not available. No reliable information.
Reproductive toxicity
Reproductive toxicity - fertility Scientifically unjustified. Read across information gave negative results. OECD Guideline 422
Reproductive toxicity - Not available. Read across information gave negative results. OECD Guideline 422
development
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STOT - repeated exposure NOAEL 1500 mg/kg, Oral, Rat Read across data for potassium nitrate. No adverse effects.
Tests on rabbits: damaging to the respiratory system. Healthy athletes were tested at
500µg/m3 for 4 hours with no effects on the respiratory system. Tests on asthmatics did not
show any related effects to nitric acid vapours.
General information Effects will be dependent upon the concentration and length of time of exposure. Higher
concentrations will produce more pronounced effects.
Inhalation Irritation of the respiratory system. Coughing and difficulties in breathing. Acute exposure to
high concentrations may lead to pulmonary oedema, these can take 48 hours to develop.
Chronic exposure may cause bronchitis and dental erosion.
Ingestion Causes burns to the mouth,throat,oesophagus and gastrointestinal tract. Nausea, vomiting.
Diarrhoea. Internal pain. May result in internal scarring and blockages in the digestive system.
Skin contact Causes severe burns. Blistering. Delayed effects may be scarring of the skin.
Eye contact Causes severe burns. Risk of serious damage to eyes. Possible blindness.
12.1. Toxicity
Acute toxicity - fish , 96 hours: Median lethal pH 3-3.5 Industry - Dermal; Long term systemic effects 22
mg/kg/day, Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill)
Median lethal pH = 3.7, 96 hour, Oncorhynchus mykiss.
Chronic toxicity - aquatic , : pH 6.14 - 8.03 showed no adverse results on reproduction @ 25°C. ,
invertebrates Nitric acid: Outside pH 6-9 may cause adverse effects, freshwater, 5 week study,
Ceriodaphnia dubia.
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Disposal methods Neutralisation is recommended before disposal, this should be carried out by a reputable
waste disposal company. IF WASTE IS NEUTRALISED ON SITE BE AWARE THAT A
VIGOROUS AND EXOTHERMIC REACTION MAY OCCUR. Uncleaned empty containers
should be treated as hazardous waste. Avoid unauthorised disposal. Do not dump illegally
onto land or into water. When dealing with waste always consider the waste management
hierarchy of Prevention, Preparation for re-use, Recycling, Recovery and Disposal. It is
advisable to minimise waste at source if possible, then re-use, recover or recycle wherever
possible before considering waste disposal options.
14.1. UN number
UN No. (ADR/RID) 2031
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IMDG class 8
ICAO class/division 8
Transport labels
14.7. Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL and the IBC Code
Transport in bulk according to For packages of supplied material. Not relevant.
Annex II of MARPOL 73/78
and the IBC Code
15.1. Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture
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National regulations Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended).
The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009 (SI 2009
No. 716).
EU legislation Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18
December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of
Chemicals (REACH) (as amended).
Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16
December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (as
amended).
Regulation (EU) 453/2010.
General information This datasheet is not intended to be a replacement for a full risk assessment, these should
always be carried out by competent persons. Under REACH Material Safety Datasheets
(MSDS) are referred to as Safety Datasheets (SDS).
Key literature references and Raw material safety data sheets. ECHA website.
sources for data
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