1. OSHA Occupational Chemical Database
  2. ACETIC ACID
Label abbreviations descriptions

ACETIC ACID†

Chemical Identification
Chemical Identification
CAS # 64-19-7
Formula

C₂H₄O₂
Synonyms

acetic acid (aqueous); ethanoic acid; glacial acetic acid (pure compound); methanecarboxylic acid [Note: Can be found in concentrations of 5-8% in vinegar.]
Physical Properties
Physical Properties
Physical description Colorless liquid or crystals with a sour, vinegar-like odor.
Boiling point 244°F Molecular weight 60.1
Freezing point/melting point 62°F Vapor pressure 11 mmHg
Flash point 103°F Vapor density
Specific gravity 1.05 Ionization potential 10.66 eV
Lower explosive limit (LEL) 4.0% Upper explosive limit (UEL) 19.9% at 200°F
NFPA health rating 3 NFPA fire rating 2
NFPA reactivity rating 0 NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs
Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Analyte code (IMIS no.) 0020
Sampling group
Sampler/Sampling media CSC tube (100/50 mg) [SKC 226-01]
Sampling time*

240 min
Sampling volume (TWA)*

48 L
Sampling flow rate (TWA)*

0.2 L/min
Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)*
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)*
Analytical method instruments IC
Method reference OSHA PV2119 (partially validated)
Notes

OSHA staff: Butyric and propionic acids are interferences in the acetic acid analysis. Therefore, presence of butyric and propionic acids should be noted on 91-A form.
Special requirements

* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

Wipe Method
Wipe Method
Sampler/Sampling media

Wipe with Whatman smear tab. [WHA1450993]
Bulk Method
Bulk Method

Available
On-Site Screening Techniques
On-Site Screening Techniques
Device Detector tube CMS Chip
Model/Type Gastec 81 Acetic Acid, 2-50 ppm range
Sampling information
(see manufacturer instructions) 		0.5-2 strokes, 0.2-100 ppm range, uncertainty 0% for 2 to 10 ppm, 5% for 10 to 50 ppm
Exposure Limits
Exposure Limits
OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
NIOSH REL
Up to 10-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
ACGIH TLV©
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
CAL/OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
PEL-TWA

10 ppm (25 mg/m³)

 REL-TWA

10 ppm (25 mg/m³)

 TLV-TWA

10 ppm [2003]

 PEL-TWA

10 ppm (25 mg/m³)
PEL-STEL REL-STEL

15 ppm (37 mg/m³)

 TLV-STEL

15 ppm [2003]

 PEL-STEL

15 ppm (37 mg/m³)
PEL-C REL-C TLV-C PEL-C

40 ppm
Skin notation

N

 Skin notation

N

 Skin notation

N

 Skin notation

N
Notes:

See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1.

 Notes: Notes: Notes:
Health factors:  See NIH-NLM PubChem. IDLH

50 ppm
Carcinogenic classifications: Not listed Notes:
AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:

5 ppm/35 ppm/250 ppm
Additional Resources and Literature References
Additional Resources and Literature References

NOAA: CAMEO Chemicals - Acetic acid, solution, more than 80% acid

NIOSH: Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Acetic Acid

Literature References

  • NOAA: CAMEO Chemicals - Acetic acid, solution, more than 10% but not more than 80% acid.
  • ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) - Acetic acid. See annual publication for most recent information.
  • Boylstein, R., Piacitelli, C., Grote, A., Kanwal, R., Kullman, G. and Kreiss, K. Diacetyl emissions and airborne dust from butter flavorings used in microwave popcorn production. J. Occup. Environ. Hyg. 3(10): 530-535, 2006.
  • Johansson, A.K., Johansson, A., Stan, V. and Ohlson, C.G. Silicone sealers, acetic acid vapours and dental erosion: a work-related risk? Swed. Dent. J. 29(2): 61-69, 2005.
  • Kanwal, R., et al. NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Report, HETA #2000-0401-2991 . Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation - Jasper, Missouri, January 2006.
  • Kern, D.G.: Outbreak of the reactive airways dysfunction syndrome after a spill of glacial acetic acid. Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. 144(5): 1058-1064, 1991.
  • Pohanish, R.P. (editor): Acetic Acid . In, Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, Fourth Ed., Vol. 1. Norwich, NY: Noyes Publications, William Andrew Publishing, 2002, pp. 30-32.
  • Zuskin, E., Mustajbegovic, J., Schachter, E.N., Pavicic, D. and Budak, A.: A follow-up study of respiratory function in workers exposed to acid aerosols in a food-processing industry. Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 70(6): 413-418, 1997.

Last Updated Date : 12/15/2020