PERCHLORIC ACID

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Appearance: Colourless, oily, odourless liquid. Concentrated acid is very hygroscopic (absorb moisture from the air). Will not burn. Concentrated acid can decompose at high temperatures forming corrosive gases such as chlorine, hydrogen chloride and chlorine dioxide. MILD to STRONG OXIDIZING AGENT depending on concentration of the solution and temperature. Promotes combustion. Contact with combustible or flammable materials can cause fire or explosion. Can react violently or explosively with many organic and inorganic chemicals. Vapours or mists are severely irritating to the respiratory tract. CORROSIVE to the eyes and skin. May cause blindness, severe burns and permanent scarring. Target Organs: Eyes, thyroid, skin, mucous membranes.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation and ingestion. Skin contact. Eye contact Effects of Acute Exposure: Corrosive to skin and mucous membranes. Irritant. LD50/LC50 CAS# 7601-90-3 Oral, rat LD50 = 1100 mg/kg. CAS# 7732-18-5 Oral, rat LD50 = >90 ml/kg Eyes: Causes eye burns. May cause permanent eye damage, including blindness. Skin: Causes skin burns, blisters and permanent scarring. Ingestion: May be fatal if swallowed. Causes burns to the mouth, pharynx and gastrointestinal tract. Inhalation: May be fatal if inhaled. May cause severe irritation of the respiratory tract with possible burns to the nose, throat and lungs. May cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and delayed pulmonary edema. Effects of Chronic Exposure: Prolonged or repeated inhalation may cause nosebleeds, nasal congestion, erosion of the teeth, perforation of the nasal septum, chest pain, and bronchitis. Prolonged or repeated eye contact may cause conjunctivitis. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause sensitization dermatitis and possible destruction and/or ulceration. Chronic ingestion may cause effects similar to those of acute ingestion.