How does sulfuric acid work

Its strong reactivity may ignite organic material light paper, or other combustible materials if mixed together. Sulfuric acid is a corrosive chemical and can severely burn the skin and eyes. It may cause third degree burns and blindness on contact. Exposure to sulfuric acid mist can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, and at higher levels can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs pulmonary oedema. Asthmatics are particularly sensitive to the pulmonary irritation.

Repeated exposures may cause permanent damage to the lungs and teeth. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified 'occupational exposures to strong-inorganic-acid mists containing sulfuric acid' as carcinogenic to humans.

Sulfuric acid will enter the body if we breathe in contaminated air. While it is not absorbed through the skin, skin contact with strong concentrations may cause serious burns. Consumers are most likely to be exposed to sulfuric acid when using products containing the substance e. Workers in the industries that use or produce sulfuric acid are at risk of exposure. Consumers can also be exposed to sulfuric acid by exposure to air contaminated by sulfur dioxide emissions.

Safe Work Australia sets the workplace exposure standard for sulfuric acid through the workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants :. These standards are only appropriate for use in workplaces and are not limited to any specific industry or operation. Make sure you understand how to interpret the standards before you use them. There is no guideline for sulfuric acid in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Sulfuric acid will exist as particles or droplets in the air if released to the atmosphere. It dissolves when mixed with water. It has moderate acute short-term toxicity on aquatic life. Sulfuric acid is very corrosive and would badly burn any plants, birds or land animals exposed to it. It has moderate chronic long-term toxicity to aquatic life.

Chronic effects on plants, birds or land animals have not been determined. Small quantities of sulfuric acid will be neutralised by the natural alkalinity in aquatic systems.

Larger quantities may lower the pH for extended periods of time. Industrial emissions of sulfuric acid can produce elevated concentrations in the atmosphere. Sulfuric acid will exist as particles or droplets which may dissolve in clouds, fog, rain, dew, or snow, resulting in very dilute acid solutions.

In clouds and moist air it will travel along the air currents until it is deposited as wet acid deposition acid rain, acid fog, etc.

In waterways it readily mixes with the water. Sulfuric acid enters the air during production, use and transporting it. In the air it will react with other chemicals present ammonia, magnesium, calcium to form salts, which neutralise the acid. The acid particles dissolve in clouds, fog, rain, or snow, resulting in very dilute acid solutions. If it can be done safely, continue flushing during transport to hospital.

Double bag, seal, label and leave contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods at the scene for safe disposal. Eye Contact: Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical protective gloves if necessary.

Quickly and gently blot or brush chemical off the face. Immediately flush the contaminated eye s with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 30 minutes, while holding the eyelid s open.

Neutral saline solution may be used as soon as it is available. If necessary, continue flushing during transport to hospital. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the unaffected eye or onto the face. Ingestion: Have victim rinse mouth with water. If vomiting occurs naturally, have victim lean forward to reduce risk of aspiration. Have victim rinse mouth with water again. First Aid Comments: Some of the first aid procedures recommended here require advanced first aid training.

All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a doctor familiar with the chemical and its conditions of use in the workplace.

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Not combustible. Use extinguishing agent suitable for surrounding fire. ONLY Use water to keep non-leaking, fire-exposed containers cool. Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical: Contact with water causes violent frothing and spattering. Reacts with metals to produce highly flammable hydrogen gas. Closed containers may rupture violently when heated releasing contents. In a fire, the following hazardous materials may be generated: corrosive sulfur oxides.

Personal Precautions: Evacuate the area immediately. Isolate the hazard area. Keep out unnecessary and unprotected personnel. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled product unless wearing appropriate protective equipment. Remove or isolate incompatible materials as well as other hazardous materials.

Methods for Containment and Clean-up : Small spills or leaks: contain and soak up spill with absorbent that does not react with spilled product. Place used absorbent into suitable, covered, labelled containers for disposal. Large spills or leaks: contain and soak up spill with absorbent that does not react with spilled product. Dike spilled product to prevent runoff. Remove or recover liquid using pumps or vacuum equipment.

Store recovered product in suitable containers that are: corrosion-resistant. Contaminated absorbent poses the same hazard as the spilled product. Other Information: Large spills: contact supplier, local fire and emergency services for help. Report spills to local health, safety and environmental authorities, as required.

Handling: Avoid generating vapours or mists. Immediately report leaks, spills or failures of the safety equipment e. Prevent accidental contact with incompatible chemicals.

Never add water to a corrosive. Always add corrosives slowly to COLD water. If product is transferred to another container, ensure new container is suitable for the product. Never reuse empty containers, even if they appear to be clean.

Storage: Store in an area that is: cool, dry, out of direct sunlight and away from heat and ignition sources, separate from incompatible materials. Avoid bulk storage indoors. Regularly inspect for physical changes or signs of crystallization, damage or leaks.

Sulfuric acid itself has not been evaluated for carcinogenicity. This classification is A2 - Suspected human carcinogen. Since legislation varies by jurisdiction, contact your local jurisdiction for exact details. A list of which acts and regulations that cover exposure limits to chemical and biological agents is available on our website. Please note that while you can see the list of legislation for free, you will need a subscription to view the actual documentation.

Engineering Controls: Use a local exhaust ventilation and enclosure, if necessary, to control amount in the air. Use stringent control measures such as process enclosure to prevent product release into the workplace.

Use a corrosion-resistant exhaust ventilation system separate from other ventilation systems. Skin Protection: Wear chemical protective clothing e. Add a badge to your website or intranet so your workers can quickly find answers to their health and safety questions. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current.

CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. OSH Answers Fact Sheets Easy-to-read, question-and-answer fact sheets covering a wide range of workplace health and safety topics, from hazards to diseases to ergonomics to workplace promotion.

Search all fact sheets: Search. Type a word, a phrase, or ask a question. Class E. Main Routes of Exposure: Inhalation. Skin contact.