Material Safety Data Sheet Sulfuric Acid (MSDS)

Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is one of the most important and widely used industrial chemicals worldwide. Known for its highly corrosive nature and strong dehydrating properties, it plays a pivotal role in various industries, including chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, metal processing, and fertilizer production. Due to its hazardous characteristics, a thorough understanding of the Material Safety Data Sheet of sulfuric acid is essential for safe handling, storage, and transportation.

Chemical Identity and Composition

• Chemical Name: Sulfuric Acid
• Synonyms: Oil of vitriol, battery acid, hydrogen sulfate
• CAS Number: 7664-93-9
• Molecular Formula: H₂SO₄
• Molecular Weight: 98.08 g/mol
• Concentration: Common concentrations range from 10% to 98%. The 98% solution is considered concentrated and highly corrosive.

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Appearance: Clear, colorless to slightly yellow oily liquid
• Odor: Odorless
• Boiling Point: ~337°C (639°F)
• Melting Point: ~10°C (50°F)
• Specific Gravity: ~1.84 at 25°C (98% solution)
• Solubility in Water: Miscible; exothermic reaction
• pH: <1 (strong acid)

Understanding these properties is crucial to assess the potential risks and implement proper control measures during handling.

Hazard Identification of Material Safety Data Sheet Sulfuric Acid (MSDS)

Sulfuric acid is classified under several hazard categories as per GHS (Globally Harmonized System):

• Corrosive to metals (Category 1)
• Skin corrosion/irritation (Category 1A)
• Serious eye damage (Category 1)
• Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure (irritation of the respiratory tract) (Category 3)

Signal Word: DANGER

Hazard Statements:

• Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
• May be corrosive to metals
• May cause respiratory irritation

Precautionary Statements:
Wear protective gloves, clothing, eye protection, and face protection. Avoid inhaling vapors or mists. Wash thoroughly after handling. Store in a locked location. Dispose of the contents and container according to local, regional, and national regulations.

First Aid Measures: Material Safety Data Sheet Sulfuric Acid (MSDS)

Inhalation:

Remove the victim to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If not breathing, begin CPR. Seek immediate medical attention.

Skin Contact:

Rinse skin thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while taking off contaminated clothing. Avoid using neutralizing agents without medical supervision. Seek medical attention.

Eye Contact:

Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15–30 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids occasionally. Seek medical assistance immediately.

Ingestion:

DO NOT induce vomiting. Rinse the mouth with water if the person is conscious. Give large amounts of water to dilute the acid. Obtain emergency medical help right away.

Fire-Fighting Measures: Material Safety Data Sheet Sulfuric Acid (MSDS)

Though sulfuric acid itself is non-flammable, it can emit toxic fumes such as sulfur oxides when heated or involved in a fire.

Extinguishing Media:

• Use water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or appropriate foam.
• Do not use water directly on concentrated acid spills, as the reaction is highly exothermic.

Protective Equipment for Firefighters:

• Full protective clothing
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
• An acid-resistant suit in case of large-scale exposure

Accidental Release Measures: Material Safety Data Sheet Sulfuric Acid (MSDS)

Personal Precautions:

• Evacuate the area.
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, an acid-resistant apron, and respiratory protection.

Spill Containment:

• Ventilate the area.
• Use inert material like dry sand or earth to absorb spilled acid.
• Neutralize cautiously with lime, soda ash, or sodium bicarbonate.
• Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.

Environmental Precautions:

Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, or confined spaces. Sulfuric acid can cause significant environmental harm if released.

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling Practices:

• Always add acid to water, never the reverse.
• Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
• Use only in well-ventilated areas or under chemical fume hoods.

Storage Requirements:

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.
• Keep the container tightly closed.
• Store in corrosion-resistant containers with secondary containment.
• Avoid storing near bases, organic materials, or reactive metals.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits:

• OSHA PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): 1 mg/m³
• ACGIH TLV (Threshold Limit Value): 0.2 mg/m³ (as Thoracic fraction)

Engineering Controls:

• Use fume hoods and acid-resistant ventilation systems.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Eye Protection: Wear chemical-resistant safety goggles or a full-face shield.
• Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (neoprene, PVC) and full-body suit
• Respiratory Protection: When exposure exceeds limits, use a NIOSH-approved acid gas respirator

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability:

Stable under recommended storage conditions.

Reactivity and Incompatibility:

• Reacts violently with water, especially when water is added to acid.
• Incompatible with organic materials, strong reducing agents, metals, and alkalis.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:

May emit sulfur oxides (SOx) upon thermal decomposition.

Toxicological Information

• Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact
• Acute Effects: Severe burns, respiratory irritation, potential for blindness
• Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure may result in dental erosion, chronic respiratory issues, and skin conditions.

LD50 (Oral, rat): ~2140 mg/kg
LC50 (Inhalation, rat, 2hr): ~510 mg/m³

Ecological Information

Sulfuric acid poses a serious threat to aquatic life due to its low pH and corrosivity.

• Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms
• Persistence and Degradability: Completely miscible in water; neutralizes over time, but may damage ecosystems before neutralization
• Bioaccumulation: Does not bioaccumulate

Disposal Considerations

Dispose of sulfuric acid according to federal, state, and local environmental control regulations.

• Do not pour down the drain.
• Neutralize with a suitable agent before disposal.
• Use licensed chemical disposal companies.

Transport Information

UN Number: UN1830

Proper Shipping Name: Sulfuric Acid

Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)

Packing Group: II

Labels Required: Corrosive

Marine Pollutant: No

Always ensure containers are tightly sealed and clearly labeled for safe transportation.

Regulatory Information

• TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act): Listed
• CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act): Reportable quantity = 1000 lbs
• SARA Title III:
  • Section 302: Extremely Hazardous Substance
  • Section 313: Toxic Chemical Reporting required

Conclusion

A complete and up-to-date Material Safety Data Sheet for sulfuric acid is indispensable for organizations that manufacture, store, or use this chemical. Proper knowledge, safe handling, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance ensure both human safety and environmental protection. By closely adhering to MSDS guidelines, we can minimize risk and enhance safety across industrial and laboratory settings.