Material Safety Data Sheet
Oleum
1. PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
PRODUCT NAME: Oleum
OTHER/GENERIC NAMES: Sulfuric Acid 鈥? Sulfur Trioxide mixture
Fuming Sulfuric Acid
PRODUCT USE: Industrial
MANUFACTURER: General Chemical Corporation
90 East Halsey Road
Parsippany, NJ 07054
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL:
973-515-1840 800-631-8050
(Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:30pm) (24 Hours/Day, 7 Days/Week)
2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENT NAME CAS NUMBER WEIGHT %
Sulfuric Acid 7664-93-9 65-85
Sulfur Trioxide 7446-11-9 15-35
Trace impurities and additional material names not listed above may appear in Section 15 of this MSDS. These
materials may be listed for local "Right-To-Know" compliance and for other reasons.
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: This product is considered hazardous under the OSHA Hazard
Communication Standard.
3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: A colorless to cloudy liquid with a sharp penetrating odor.
Causes severe burns. Harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Extremely corrosive and
hygroscopic.
POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS
SKIN: Can cause severe burns.
EYES: Liquid contact can cause irritation, corneal burns, and conjunctivitis. Blindness may result, or severe or
permanent injury. Mist contact may irritate or burn.
INHALATION: Inhalation of fumes or acid mist can cause irritation or corrosive burns to the upper respiratory
system, including nose, mouth, and throat. Lung irritation and pulmonary edema can also
occur.
INGESTION: Can cause irritation and corrosive burns to mouth, throat, and stomach. Can be fatal if
swallowed.
MSDS Number: GC-2003 Page 1 of 7
Current Issue Date: January, 2002
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Oleum
DELAYED EFFECTS: Erosion of teeth, lesions of the skin, tracheo-bronchitis, mouth inflammation,
conjuntivitis, gastritis.
IARC and NTP have classified "strong inorganic acid mists containing sulfuric acid" as a
known human carcinogen. This classification is for inorganic acid mists only and does
not apply to sulfuric acid or sulfuric acid solutions. The basis for the classifications rests
on several epidemiology studies which have several deficiencies. These studies did not
account for exposure to other substances, some known to be animal or potential human
carcinogens, social influences (smoking or alcohol consumption) and included small
numbers of subjects. Based on the overall weight of evidence from all human and
chronic animal studies, no definitive causal relationship between sulfuric acid mist
exposure and respiratory tract cancer has been shown.
Ingredients found on one of the three OSHA designated carcinogen lists are listed below.
INGREDIENT NAME NTP STATUS IARC STATUS OSHA LIST
Sulfuric acid Known carcinogen - sulfuric 1 - Known carcinogen; Not listed
acid mist Sulfuric acid mist
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
SKIN: Immediately flush with plenty of water, continuing for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing
while flushing. Continue flushing with water if medical attention is not immediately available. Get
immediate medical attention.
EYES: Immediately flush with plenty of water, continuing for at least 15 minutes. Continue flushing with water if
medical attention is not immediately available. Get immediate medical attention.
INHALATION: Remove to fresh air. Observe for possible delayed reaction. If breathing has stopped, give
artificial respiration. If breathing with difficulty, give oxygen, provided a qualified operator is
available. Get immediate medical attention.
INGESTION: Do not induce vomiting. If conscious, give several glasses of milk (preferred) or water. Get
immediate medical attention.
ADVICE TO PHYSICIAN: Treat symptomatically.
5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
FLAMMABLE PROPERTIES
FLASH POINT: Not flammable
FLASH POINT METHOD: Not applicable
AUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE: Not applicable
UPPER FLAME LIMIT (volume % in air): Not applicable
LOWER FLAME LIMIT (volume % in air): Not applicable
FLAME PROPAGATION RATE (solids): Not applicable
OSHA FLAMMABILITY CLASS: Not flammable
MSDS Number: GC-2003 Page 2 of 7
Current Issue Date: January, 2002
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Oleum
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
Use water spray or other suitable agent for fires adjacent to non-leaking tanks or other containers of oleum. Do
not use solid water streams near ruptured tanks or spills of oleum. Acid reacts violently with water and can spatter
acid onto personnel.
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
Open containers will release SO3 gas, which is readily converted to sulfuric acid mist in air. Will react violently
with water. Can ignite some combustibles and organics. Heat increases pressure and may explode container.
Explosive hydrogen gas may be generated in metal containers.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PRECAUTIONS/INSTRUCTIONS:
At high temperatures, sulfuric acid mist or sulfuric trioxide gas can be released from vented or ruptured
containers. If water is added to oleum, violent spattering can occur, and considerable heat may be evolved.
Wear NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece and full protective clothing. Cool
non-leaking fire-exposed containers with water spray.
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
IN CASE OF SPILL OR OTHER RELEASE: (See section 8 for recommended personal protective equipment.)
If the resulting spattering and violent reaction can be contained, dilute small spills or leaks cautiously, from a
distance, with plenty of water. Neutralize residue with alkali such as soda ash or lime. Adequate ventilation is
required with soda ash due to release of carbon dioxide gas. Otherwise, use an inert absorbent. Personnel
should wear full protective equipment. Attempt to keep out of sewer. Any release to the environment of this
product may be subject to Federal and/or state reporting requirements. Check with appropriate agencies.
Spills and releases may have to be reported to Federal and/or local authorities. See Section 15 regarding
reporting requirements.
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
NORMAL HANDLING: (See section 8 for recommended personal protective equipment.)
Keep sources of ignition away. Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing. Do not breathe vapor or mist. Use with
adequate ventilation and use personal protective equipment. Never mix water and oleum, as a violent reaction will
occur.
STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from combustibles and reactive chemicals. Vent metal containers
weekly or more frequently in hot weather to prevent hydrogen gas build-up. Store away from sources of ignition.
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Sufficient to reduce vapor and acid mists to permissible levels. Packaging and unloading areas and open
processing equipment may require mechanical exhaust systems. Corrosion-proof construction is recommended.
MSDS Number: GC-2003 Page 3 of 7
Current Issue Date: January, 2002
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Oleum
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
SKIN PROTECTION: As a minimum, wear acid-resistant apron, protective clothing, boots and gauntlet
gloves for routine product use. For increased protection, include acid-resistant
trousers and jacket.
EYE PROTECTION: As a minimum, wear hard hat, chemical safety goggles, and full-face plastic shield.
Do not wear contact lenses. For increased protection, use supplied-air acid hood.
RESPIRATORY Where required, use a respirator approved by NIOSH for sulfuric acid or mists, as
PROTECTION: applicable. Some exposures may require a self-contained breathing apparatus with
full facepiece or supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece, helmet, or hood.
ADDITIONAL Eyewash and quick-drench shower facilities, protected from freezing, should be
RECOMMENDATIONS: available wherever oleum is stored or handled.
EXPOSURE GUIDELINES
INGREDIENT NAME ACGIH TLV OSHA PEL OTHER LIMIT
3 3 3
Oleum 1 mg/m TWA 1 mg/m TWA 15 mg/m IDLH
3
3 mg/m STEL (as 100% H2SO4)
(as 100% H2SO4)
1
= Limit established by General Chemical Corporation.
2
= Workplace Environmental Exposure Level (AIHA).
3
= Biological Exposure Index (ACGIH).
OTHER EXPOSURE LIMITS FOR POTENTIAL DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
None
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE: Colorless to cloudy liquid
PHYSICAL STATE: Liquid
MOLECULAR WEIGHT: SO3: 80.06
H2SO4: 98.08
CHEMICAL FORMULA: % Free SO3 % Act. H2SO4 % Equiv. H2SO4
15-35 wt% SO3 15 85 103.4
85-65 wt% H2SO4 35 65 107.9
ODOR: Sharp penetrating odor
SPECIFIC GRAVITY (water = 1.0): 1.882 (20% SO3)
1.961 (35% SO3)
SOLUBILITY IN WATER (weight %): Complete
pH: 1% H2SO4 Solution; pH = 0.9
BOILING POINT: 141C (20% SO3)
108C (35% SO3)
MELTING POINT: 2C (20% SO3)
2.5C (35% SO3)
MSDS Number: GC-2003 Page 4 of 7
Current Issue Date: January, 2002
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Oleum
VAPOR PRESSURE: 2 mm Hg @ 20C (20% SO3)
6 mm Hg @ 20C (35% SO3)
VAPOR DENSITY (air = 1.0): Approx. 2.6 @15C
EVAPORATION RATE: COMPARED TO:
Unknown
% VOLATILES: Unknown
FLASH POINT: Not flammable
(Flash point method and additional flammability data are found in Section 5.)
10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
NORMALLY STABLE? (CONDITIONS TO AVOID):
Stable. At normal temperatures, sulfur trioxide gas is evolved. This is accelerated at higher temperatures. This
gas is toxic, corrosive, and an oxidizer.
INCOMPATIBILITIES:
Nitro compounds, carbides, dienes, water alcohols (when heated): causes explosions.
Oxidizing agents, such as chlorates and permanganates: causes fires and possible explosions.
Allyl compounds and aldehydes: undergoes polymerization, possibly violent.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
Sulfur trioxide gas: see above. Also this is a fire risk if in contact with organic materials.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:
Will not occur
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
IMMEDIATE (ACUTE) EFFECTS:
LC50 (inhl, rat): 347 ppm / 1 hr
DELAYED (SUBCHRONIC AND CHRONIC) EFFECTS:
Data not available.
OTHER DATA:
None.
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Aquatic toxicity:
24.5 ppm / 24 hr / bluegill / lethal / fresh water
42.5 ppm / 48 hr / prawn / LC50 / salt water
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
RCRA
Is the unused product a RCRA hazardous If yes, the RCRA ID number is:
waste if discarded? Yes D002 (Corrosive)
D003 (Reactive)
MSDS Number: GC-2003 Page 5 of 7
Current Issue Date: January, 2002
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Oleum
OTHER DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Consult supplier, as dilution and neutralization can be very hazardous. If the resulting violent reaction can be
contained, waste oleum should be cautiously diluted with water and neutralized with an alkali. Neutralized waste
must be disposed of in accordance with applicable disposal regulations. Waste may have to be disposed of by an
approved waste disposal contractor. Unneutralized material is EPA corrosive waste, D002.
The information offered in section 13 is for the product as shipped. Use and/or alterations to the product such as
mixing with other materials may significantly change the characteristics of the material and alter the RCRA
classification and the proper disposal method.
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
US DOT HAZARD CLASS: 8, PG I (with <30% free sulfur trioxide)
8, 6.1, PG I (with >30% free sulfur trioxide)
US DOT ID NUMBER: UN1831
PROPER SHIPPING NAME: Sulfuric acid, fuming
For additional information on shipping regulations affecting this material, contact the information number found in
Section 1.
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT (TSCA)
TSCA INVENTORY STATUS: Listed on TSCA.
OTHER TSCA ISSUES: None.
SARA TITLE III/CERCLA
"Reportable Quantities" (RQs) and/or "Threshold Planning Quantities" (TPQs) exist for the following ingredients.
INGREDIENT NAME SARA/CERCLA RQ (lb) SARA EHS TPQ (lb)
Sulfuric acid 1000 1000
Spills or releases resulting in the loss of any ingredient at or above its RQ requires immediate notification
to the National Response Center [(800) 424-8802] and to your Local Emergency Planning Committee.
SECTION 311 HAZARD CLASS: Immediate. Reactive.
SARA 313 TOXIC CHEMICALS:
The following ingredients are SARA 313 "Toxic Chemicals" and may be subject to annual reporting requirements.
CAS numbers and weight percents are found in Section 2.
INGREDIENT NAME COMMENT
Sulfuric acid None
MSDS Number: GC-2003 Page 6 of 7
Current Issue Date: January, 2002
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Oleum
STATE RIGHT-TO-KNOW
In addition to the ingredients found in Section 2, the following are listed for state right-to-know purposes.
INGREDIENT NAME WEIGHT % COMMENT
No ingredients listed in this section.
ADDITIONAL REGULATORY INFORMATION:
Listed as an OSHA Highly Hazardous Chemical.
WHMIS CLASSIFICATION (CANADA):
Not determined.
FOREIGN CHEMICAL CONTROL INVENTORY STATUS:
Listed on EU EINECS and Canadian DSL.
16. OTHER INFORMATION
CURRENT ISSUE DATE: January, 2002
PREVIOUS ISSUE DATE: January, 1991
CHANGES TO MSDS FROM PREVIOUS ISSUE DATE ARE DUE TO THE FOLLOWING:
Change in format.
OTHER INFORMATION: None
MSDS Number: GC-2003 Page 7 of 7
Current Issue Date: January, 2002
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