Hydrochloric Acid, ACS

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW POISON!! DANGER!! Corrosive liquid and mist cause severe burns to all body tissue. May be fatal if swallowed or inhaled. Inhalation may cause lung damage. POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS INHALATION Corrosive! Inhalation of vapors can cause coughing, choking, inflammation of the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract, and in severe cases, pulmonary edema, circulatory failure, and death. INGESTION Corrosive! Swallowing hydrochloric acid can cause immediate pain and burns of the mouth, throat, esophagus and gastrointestinal tract. May cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Swallowing may be fatal. SKIN CONTACT Corrosive! Can cause redness, pain, and severe skin burns. Concentrated solutions cause deep ulcers and discolor skin. EYE CONTACT Corrosive! Vapors are irritating and may cause damage to the eyes. Contact may cause severe burns and permanent eye damage. CHRONIC EXPOSURE Long-term exposure to concentrated vapors may cause erosion of teeth. Long term exposures seldom occur due to the corrosive properties of the acid. AGGRAVATION OF PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or eye disease may be more susceptible to the effects of this substance.