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Chemical Sampling Information (CSI) Chemical Sampling Information
Sulfuric acid
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General Description
    Synonym: Oil of vitriol

    OSHA IMIS Code Number: 2310

    Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 7664-93-9

    NIOSH, Registry of Toxic Effects (RTECS) Identification Number: WS5600000

    Department of Transportation Regulation Number (49 CFR 172.101) and guide [2008 Emergency Response Guidebook, 2.5 MB PDF]: 1830 137; 1831 137 (fuming); 1832 137 (spent)

    NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, Sulfuric acid: chemical description, physical properties, potentially hazardous incompatibilities, and more
Exposure Limits
    OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for General Industry: 29 CFR 1910.1000 Z-1 Table -- 1 mg/m3

    OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for Construction Industry: 29 CFR 1926.55 Appendix A -- 1 mg/m3

    OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for Maritime: 29 CFR 1915.1000 Table Z-Shipyards -- 1 mg/m3

    American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 1 mg/m3 TWA - Thoracic fraction (see Appendix C, Paragraph C); Appendix A2 - Suspected Human Carcinogen - Classification refers to Sulfuric acid contained in strong inorganic acid mists.

    National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL): 1 mg/m3 TWA
Health Factors
    NIOSH Immediately Dangerous To Life or Health Concentration (IDLH): 15 mg/m3

    Potential symptoms: Eye, nose, throat irritation (cough, sore throat); shortness of breath, pulmonary edema; conjunctivitis; stomatitis; tracheobronchitis; dental erosion, skin, eye pain and burns; dermatitis, blisters. INGES ACUTE: abdominal pain, burning sensation; shock or collapse.

    Health Effects: Irritation-Eye, Nose, Throat, Bronchi, Skin---Marked (HE14) Cumulative lung damage (HE10); Dental erosion (HE3)

    Affected organs: Respiratory system, eyes, skin, teeth

    Note: One of the 20 occupational fatalities reported to poison control centers in 2001 was due to Sulfuric acid inhalation.

    Date Last Revised: 07/18/2003

    Literature Basis:
    • International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO): Sulfuric acid.
      • (fatality)
      Litovitz, T.L., et al.: 2001 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers Toxic Exposure Surveillance System. Am. J. Emerg. Med. 20(5): 391-452, 2002.
Monitoring Methods used by OSHA
    Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Methods:
    • sampling media: Mixed Cellulose Ester Filter (MCEF) 0.8 microns
      maximum volume: 480 Liters   maximum flow rate: 2.0 L/min
      current analytical method: Ion Chromatography; IC
      method reference: OSHA Manual of Analytical Methods (OSHA ID-113)
      method classification: Partially Validated
      note: Submit as a separate sample. Within 1 hour after sampling, transfer the filter to a clean screw cap vial. Phosphoric and Sulfuric acid may be submitted on the same filter; otherwise, submit as a separate filter.


    • sampling media: Treated Silica Gel Tube (Supelco ORBO-53; SKC, 226-10-03 or equivalent)
      maximum volume: 96 Liters   maximum flow rate: 0.2 L/min
      current analytical method: Ion Chromatography; IC
      method reference: OSHA Manual of Analytical Methods (OSHA ID-165SG)
      method classification: Partially Validated
      note: Phosphoric, Nitric, and Sulfuric acids may be submitted on the same tube. Make sure that glass fiber filter plug is firmly in contact with silica gel before sampling and before sealing tube for shipment.

    On-Site Sampling Techniques/Methods:
    • device: Detector Tube
      manufacturer: Dräger
      model/type: Sulphuric Acid 1/a, order no. 67 28781
      sampling information: 100 strokes
      upper measurement limit: 5 mg/m3
      detection limit: approx. 1 mg/m3
      overall uncertainty: 49%
      method reference: on-site air secondary (manufacturer)


    • device: Detector Tube
      manufacturer: Gastec
      model/type: 35
      sampling information: 10 strokes
      upper measurement limit: 5 mg/m3
      detection limit: 0.2 mg/m3
      overall uncertainty: 16% for 0.5 to 2 mg/m3, 8% for 3 to 5 mg/m3
      method reference: on-site air secondary (manufacturer)

    Wipe sampling: Whatman smear tab; Solvent: Deionized water

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