International Chemical Safety Cards

FORMIC ACID ICSC: 0485

FORMIC ACID
Hydrogen carboxylic acid
Methanoic acid
Aminic acid
Formylic acid
HCOOH
Molecular mass: 46
CAS # 64-18-6
RTECS # LQ4900000
ICSC # 0485
UN # 1779
EC # 607-001-00-0
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible.
NO open flames.
Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Above 69°C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
Above 69°C use a closed system, ventilation.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!

  • INHALATION
    		• Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Unconsciousness. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
    		Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• MAY BE ABSORBED! Pain. Blisters. Serious skin burns.
    		Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
  • EYES
    		• Pain. Redness. Severe deep burns. Blurred vision.
    		Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
    		First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
  • INGESTION
    		• Sore throat. Burning sensation. Abdominal pain. Abdominal cramps. Vomiting. Diarrhoea.
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
    		Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Cautiously neutralize spilled liquid with weak alkaline solution (e.g., disodium carbonate). Then wash away with plenty of water. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, strong acids, and food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
    		Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
    C symbol
    R: 35
    S: (1/2-)23-26-45
    Note: B
    UN Hazard Class: 8
    UN Packing Group: II
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0485 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993 No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    FORMIC ACID ICSC: 0485

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     COLOURLESS, FUMING LIQUID , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance decomposes on heating and on contact with strong acids (sulfuric acid) producing carbon monoxide. The substance is a medium strong acid. Reacts violently with oxidants. Reacts violently with strong bases causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks many plastics and metals.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV: 5 ppm; 9.4 mg/m3 (as TWA); 10 ppm; 19 mg/m3 (as STEL) (ACGIH 1996).
    MAK: 5 ppm; 9 mg/m3; (1995).
    OSHA PEL: TWA 5 ppm (9 mg/m3)
    NIOSH REL: TWA 5 ppm (9 mg/m3)
    NIOSH IDLH: 30 ppm


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
     The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.

    INHALATION RISK:
     A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     The substance is very corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The substance may cause effects on the energy metabolism , resulting in acidosis.


    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: 101°C
    Melting point: 8°C
    Relative density (water = 1): 1.2
    Solubility in water: miscible
    Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 4.6
    Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.6
    		 Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.03
    Flash point: 69°C
    Auto-ignition temperature: 520°C
    Explosive limits, vol% in air: 18-51
    Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.54
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.
    N O T E S
    The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.
    Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-89
    NFPA Code: H3; F2; R0;
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0485 FORMIC ACID
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.