Material Safety Data Sheet
Revision Issued: 10/05/2005 Supercedes: 9/25/2001 First Issued: 12/01/85
Section I - Chemical Product And Company Identification
Product Name: Nitric Acid
Synonyms/Common Names: Aqua Fortis; Hydrogen Nitrate; HNO3
CAS Number: 7697-37-2 HBCC MSDS No. CN03300
1675 No. Main Street, Orange, California 92867
Telephone No: 714-998-8800 | Outside Calif: 800-821-7234 | Chemtrec: 800-424-9300
Section II - Composition/Information On Ingredients
Exposure Limits (TWAs) in Air
Chemical Name CAS Number % ACGIH TLV OSHA PEL STEL
Nitric Acid 7697-37-2 30-71 2 ppm 2 ppm 4 ppm
Section III - Hazard Identification
Routes of Exposure: Nitric acid can affect the body if it is inhaled or swallowed, or if it
comes in contact with the eyes or skin.
Summary of Acute Health Hazards
Ingestion: Can cause irritation and severe corrosive burns to mouth, throat, and stomach,
and may be fatal if swallowed.
Inhalation: Gases or acid mist can cause severe irritation or corrosive burns to the upper
respiratory system, including nose, mouth, and throat. Lung irritation, nitrogen oxide
poisoning, and pulmonary edema can also occur. May cause severe breathing difficulties
which may be delayed in onset.
Skin: Can cause severe corrosive burns or irritation. May stain the skin bright yellow.
Eyes: Can cause irritation, corneal burns, conjunctivitis, and may cause blindness.
Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this material.
Summary of Chronic Health Hazards: N/A
Effects of Overexposure: Possible acute pulmonary edema, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, or chronic bronchitis from inhalation. The vapor and mist may erode
the exposed teeth. On the skin or through ingestion, the liquid may cause pain and severe
and penetrating burns. In contact with the eyes, the liquid produces severe burns which
may lead to visual impairment or blindness.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Skin disorders and
respiratory (asthma-like) disorders.
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Note to Physicians: Nitric Acid vapors contain nitrogen oxides. Acute overexposure by
inhalation can result in delayed pulmonary edema. Observe affected patients for delayed
effects up to 48 hours after exposure. Screen patients with chest x-ray, arterial blood gas,
methemoglobinemia level, and pulmonary function tests. Bronchiolitis obliterans may
develop weeks after exposure.
Section IV - First Aid Measures
Ingestion: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Drink large amounts of water to dilute acid.
GET PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Inhalation: If inhaled, will cause difficult breathing or loss of consciousness. Move to
fresh air. If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give
oxygen. GET PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Skin: Promptly flush with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Remove
contaminated clothing. Wash clothing before reuse. GET PROMPT MEDICAL
ATTENTION.
Eyes: Wash eyes immediately with large amounts of water, for at least 30 minutes, lifting
the lower and upper lids. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this
material. Do not allow victim to rub or keep eyes closed. GET PROMPT MEDICAL
ATTENTION.
Section V - Fire Fighting Measures
Flash Point: Not Flammable Autoignition Temperature: N/A
Lower Explosive Limit: N/A Upper Explosive Limit: N/A
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Will accelerate the burning of combustible
materials and can cause ignition by contact with combustible materials. Contact with
common materials may generate hydrogen gas, which can form flammable mixtures with
air.
Extinguishing Media: Use water in flooding quantities as fog on adjacent fires.
Special Firefighting Procedures: Water spray may be useful in minimizing or
dispersing vapors and cooling equipment exposed to heat and flame. In danger area, wear
bunker gear and self-contained breathing apparatus for fires beyond the incipient range
(29CFR 1910.156)
Section VI - Accidental Release Measures
Spills may need to be reported to the National Response Center (800/424-8802) DOT
Reportable Quantity (RQ) is 1000 pounds Adequate ventilation is required to eliminate
any nitrogen oxides released and, if soda ash or limestone is used, CO2. Stay upwind and
away from spill. Keep all ignition sources and hot metal surfaces away from spill/release.
Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes using inert material (i.e. dry
sand or earth) to contain flow as necessary. Dilute spills or leaks with plenty of water.
Neutralize residue with sodium bicarbonate, then place into a chemical waste container.
A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.
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Section VII - Handling and Storage
Avoid inhalation of vapors or mists and all bodily contact. Keep away from incompatible
substances. Store in a cool, well-ventilated, properly drained area out of the sun. Avoid
storage on wood floors or near wooden walls, etc. Diking of storage tanks if
recommended. Protect from physical damage. Keep containers tightly closed. Do not get
in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Section VIII - Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Respiratory Protection: Only respirators approved by MSHA or NIOSSH are
permissible. Only non-oxidizable sorbents are allowed. A chemical cartridge respirator is
not recommended due to the potential for exposure limits being exceeded prior to odor
breakthrough. See SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION section.
Respirator Selection
100 ppm or less (250 mg/m鲁 or less): GMOVS/SAF/SCBAF/SA:PD,PP,CF
100 ppm or greater (250 mg/m鲁 or greater), or entry and escape from unknown
concentrations: GMS/SCBA
Ventilation: Ventilation sufficient to reduce mists and nitrogen oxide concentrations
below permissible TLV levels. Mechanical exhaust systems or closed ventilated systems
may be required. Always keep the nitric acid vapor concentration levels below 2 ppm (5
mg/m鲁).
Protective Clothing: Impervious clothing should be used to prevent any possibility of
physical contact with liquid nitric acid. Clothing may include a rubber acid suit, hood,
boots and gloves, and an air mask and chemical goggles.
Eye Protection: Splash-proof safety goggles should be used if the possibility of liquid
nitric acid contacting the eyes exists. Do not wear contact lenses. Eight-inch minimum
face shields should be used.
Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: N/A
Work/Hygienic Practices: Facilities for quick drenching of the body, in addition to an
eye-wash fountain, should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency
use. Employees who handle nitric acid should wash their hands before eating, smoking,
or using toilet facilities.
Section IX - Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical State: Liquid pH: 1-2
30 40 56-71
% Acid in Solution:
Melting Point/Range: -42掳C@68% -44掳F 31掳F
Appearance/Color/Odor: Watery liquid, colorless, yellow, or red fuming liquid with a
suffocating, acrid odor.
Solubility in Water: 100% Molecular Weight: 63 (solute)
% Acid in Solution 30 40 56-71
Vapor Pressure(mmHg) 5-10 <3@70掳F 2.9@68掳F
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% Acid in Solution 30 40 56-71
Specific Gravity(Water=1) 1.18-1.19 1.2-1.41 1.41
% Acid in Solution 30 40 56-71
Vapor Density(Air=1) > 1 < 3 1.5-1.7
% Acid in Solution 30 40 56-71
Weight/Gallon (Lbs.) 9.8-9.9 10-11 11.7
Evaporation Rate (N-Butyl Acetate=1): < 1 % Volatiles: 100% (by volume)
Boiling Point/Range: 244-251掳F @ 68% How to detect this compound : N/A
Section X - Stability and Reactivity
Stability: Stable Hazardous Polymerization: N/A
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
Materials to Avoid: Most metals, metallic powders, alcohol, charcoal, turpentine,
hydrogen sulfide, wood excelsior, paper, cotton and similar organic materials. Alkalies,
carbon, carbonates, cyanides, diborane organic chemicals, fluorine, phosphine, sulfides,
thiocyanates. Nitric Acid is corrosive or incompatible with many common materials
including mild steel, PVC, Viton庐, and rubber.
Viton庐 is a registered trademark of DuPont Dow Elastomers.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Toxic gases and vapors such as Nitrogen Oxides.
Section XI - Toxicological Information
Nitric acid vapor or mist is an irritant of the eyes, mucous membranes, and skin. When
nitric acid is exposed to air or comes in contact with organic matter, it decomposes to
yield a mixture of toxic oxides of nitrogen, including nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide.
Exposure to high concentrations of nitric acid vapor or mist causes pneumonitis and
pulmonary edema which may be fatal; onset of symptoms may be delayed for 4 to 30
hours. In contact with the eyes, the liquid produces severe burns which may result in
permanent damage and visual impairment. On the skin, the liquid or concentrated vapor
produces immediate, severe and penetrating burns; concentrated solutions cause deep
ulcers and stain the skin a bright yellow or yellowish brown color. The vapor and mist
may erode the exposed teeth. Ingestion of the liquid will cause immediate pain and burns
of the mouth, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract.
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Section XII - Ecological Information
N/A
Section XIII - Disposal Considerations
Nitric acid may be disposed of by neutralizing with water and alkaline material (such as
soda ash, lime, etc.) and disposing in a secured sanitary landfill. Disposal of nitric acid
may be subject to federal, state, and local regulations. Users of this product should review
their operations in terms of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, then
consult with the appropriate regulatory agencies before discharging or disposing of waste
material.
Section XIV - Transport Information
DOT Proper Shipping Name: NITRIC ACID
DOT Hazard Class/ I.D. No.: 8, UN2031, II
If Nitric Acid Concentration is above 70%: 8, (5.1), UN2031, I
Section XV - Regulatory Information
This product contains the following toxic chemical(s) subject to the reporting
requirements of SARA TITLE III of the Emergency Planning and Community
Right-To Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 and of 40 CFR 372:
Section 302 Extremely Hazardous Substance (EHS): CAS # 7697-37-2
1000 Lbs. (454 Kilograms) (85 Gals.) Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ)
Section 304 Extremely Hazardous Substance (EHS): CAS # 7697-37-2
1000 Lbs. (454 Kilograms) (85 Gals.) Reportable Quantity (RQ)
CERCLA Hazardous Substance: CAS #7697-37-2
1000 Lbs. (454 Kilograms) (85 Gals.) Reportable Quantity (RQ)
Section 313 Supplier Notification: CAS # 7697-37-2, % by Weight: 30-71%
NFPA Rating: Health - 3; Fire - 0; Reactivity - 0; Other - (Oxidizer)
0=Insignificant 1=Slight 2=Moderate 3=High 4=Extreme
Carcinogenicity Lists:
National Toxicology Program (NTP): No
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monograph: No
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Regulated: Yes
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Section XVI - Other Information
Synonyms/Common Names: Aqua Fortis; Hydrogen Nitrate; HNO3
Chemical Family/Type: Inorganic acid
Sections changed since last revision: XIV, XV
IMPORTANT! Read this MSDS before use or disposal of this product. Pass along the
information to employees and any other persons who could be exposed to the product to
be sure that they are aware of the information before use or other exposure. This MSDS
has been prepared according to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard [29 CFR
1910.1200]. The MSDS information is based on sources believed to be reliable.
However, since data, safety standards, and government regulations are subject to change
and the conditions of handling and use, or misuse are beyond our control, Hill Brothers
Chemical Company makes no warranty, either expressed or implied, with respect to the
completeness or continuing accuracy of the information contained herein and disclaims
all liability for reliance thereon. Also, additional information may be necessary or helpful
for specific conditions and circumstances of use. It is the user's responsibility to
determine the suitability of this product and to evaluate risks prior to use, and then to
exercise appropriate precautions for protection of employees and others.
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