ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
CITRIC ACID (COOHCH2C(OH)COOHCH2COOH.H2O)
SYNONYMS
2hydroxy1,2,3propanetricarboxylic acid,
Bhydroxytricarballyic acid, acide citrique.
CHARACTERISTICS
Combustible, colourless crystals or white crystalline powder.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Incompatible with strong oxidising agents. heating produces
toxic fumes of carbon.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This is a combustible substance and should not be stored close
to heat or a naked flame. It is an irritant to the eyes, skin
and respiratory tract. A splash to the eye will burn the
epithelium and cause burning pain. It can be absorbed into the
body by inhalation or ingestion. Acute exposure to the skin and
eyes may cause redness and pain. Inhalation may cause sore
throat and abdominal pain.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact,
inhalation or ingestion. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown,
rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum
standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and immediately wash the
affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of
the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If
irritation persists seek medical advice. Wash contaminated
clothing before reuse.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek
immediate medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
irritation persists seek medical attention.
Ingestion rinse the mouth thoroughly with water and give water
to drink. Seek medical advice.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. A body shield
and self contained breathing apparatus should be available.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Cover the contaminated
surface with soda ash or sodium bicarbonate. Mix and add water
if necessary. scoop up the slurry, check for neutrality with
litmus then discharge to the sewer with a large excess of water.
Wash the spill site with soda ash solution.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. Liquid acid may be injected at the base of an incinerator
after mixing with a flammable solvent. the incinerator should be
equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
OR
2. A solid acid may be dissolved in a flammable solvent and
burned as above.
OR
3. A solid acid may be packaged in paper or other flammable
material and burned in an incinerator equipped with an
afterburner.
ENVIRONMENT
This chemical forms moderately acidic solutions which can have
an adverse effect upon the environment. It has a high biological
oxygen demand and can cause significant depletion in aquatic
systems. If neutralised it does have a low potential to affect
aquatic organisms, germination, the growth of some plants and
secondary sewerage treatments. It is readily biodegradable and
is not likely to concentrate. When diluted with large quantities
of water and released into the environment it is not expected to
cause significant environmental problems.
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