Nitric Acid

Potential Acute Health Effects

gastrointestinal tract, or any tissue with which it comes in contact. Concentrated nitric acid chars the tissue with a characteristic yellow coloration. Severe and fatal skin burns can occur with necrosis and scarring. The eye is especially sensitive to the corrosive effects and can be destroyed. Ingestion may cause severe irritation, burns to the mouth and throat, and hemorrhaging, necrosis and perforation in the gastrointestinal tract. Respiratory effects of acute exposure include tickling in the nose and throat, coughing, sneezing, reflex bronchospasm, dyspnea, and pulmonary edema. Death may be from sudden circulatory collapse, glottic or esophageal edema, perforation of the stomach, gastric hemorrhage, or delayed stricture. Milder exposures can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, mucous membranes and respiratory and digestive tracts. RESPIRATORY EFFECTS MAY BE DELAYED IN ONSET UP TO 30 HOURS. Chemical pneumonitis and sudden circulatory collapse can occur from acute exposures. Nitric Acid Page Number: 2 Section lll. Hazards Identification POTENTIAL CHRONIC Chronic exposure to nitric acid can produce changes in pulmonary function and/or chronic bronchitis.

Potential health effects

Eye irritation and respiratory symptoms resembling frequent upper respiratory viral infections have also been associated with chronic exposure. A yellow discoloration and/or erosion of the dental enamel has been reported, but the erosion is generally not as severe as with sulfuric or hydrochloric acids. CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: NONE by ACGIH, EPA, IARC, NTP, OSHA. MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: NONE by ACGIH, EPA, IARC, NTP, OSHA.

Teratogenic Effects

NONE by ACGIH, EPA, IARC, NTP, OSHA Section lV. First Aid Measures