Synonyms: Oil of vitriol; Sulphuric acid

OSHA IMIS Code Number: 2310

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

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

Department of Transportation Regulation Number (49 CFR 172.101) and 2012 Emergency Response Guidebook [4 MB PDF, 392 pages]: 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

National Toxicology Program (NTP) carcinogenic classification: Known to be a human carcinogen (sulfuric acid contained in strong inorganic acid mists) [153 KB PDF, 3 pages]

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) carcinogenic classification: Group 1 [428 KB PDF, 10 pages] (carcinogenic to humans)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carcinogenic classification: Not listed

EPA Inhalation Reference Concentration (RfC): Not established

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Inhalation Minimal Risk Level (MRL): Not established

NIOSH Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) concentration: 15 mg/m³

Notes on Other Potential Health Effects and Hazards

1. Dental erosion due to sulfuric acid exposure is generally not detected in the maxillary teeth and is concentrated in the anterior mandibular teeth (Suyama et al. 2010).
2. One of the 10 occupational fatalities reported to poison control centers in 2005 was due to sulfuric acid ingestion (Lai et al. 2006).
3. The National Toxicology program concluded that inhalation of mists of strong inorganic acids caused cancer of the larynx and lung. (NTP 2011).

Literature Basis:

• ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) - Sulfuric Acid. 2004.
• IARC Monographs Strong Acid Mists Containing Sulfuric Acid, 100-F, 2011 [428 KB PDF, 10 pages].
• Lai, M.W., et al.: 2005 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ National Poisoning and Exposure Database. Clinical Toxicology. 40: 803-932, 2006.
• National Toxicology Program 12th Report on Carcinogens Strong Inorganic Mists Containing Sulfuric Acid, 2011 [153 KB PDF, 3 pages]
• NIOSH: Occupational Health Guideline for Sulfuric Acid. September 1978.
• NIOSH/IPCS: International Chemical Safety Cards - Sulfuric Acid. February 10, 2000.
• Suyama, Y., Takaku, S., Okawa, Y, Matsukubo, T.: Dental erosion in workers exposed to sulfuric acid in lead storage battery manufacturing facility. Bull Tokyo Dent Coll. 51(2):77-83, 2010.

Date Last Revised: 11/16/2012

Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method:

• 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 Method:

• sampling media: Whatman smear tab
  analytical solvent: Deionized water

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