Hydrogen Chloride - HCl

Hydrogen Chloride - HCl

Find here the main information on hydrogen chloride or "hydrochloric acid" (HCl) , its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it (HCl gas detector) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (gas mask or assisted ventilation device with combined filter type E-P3 ).

Main characteristics of hydrogen chloride (HCl)

Hydrogen chloride (HCl) , also called " hydrochloric acid " in its liquid state, is a gas that is found naturally during volcanic eruptions or in the human body (in very small quantities) to give the stomach its acidic pH. A basic product in the creation of a multitude of products, it is found in the chemical industry (fertilizers), pharmaceutical industry (synthesis of drugs), oil wells and steel manufacturing.

Health Effects of Hydrogen Chloride

In its gaseous state, hydrogen chloride is a colorless substance with a pungent and irritating odor. Highly soluble in water, its reaction is accompanied by a large release of heat and hydrogen, a highly explosive gas. Very toxic by inhalation (R23), hydrogen chloride is also very corrosive and capable of causing serious burns (R35) in contact with the skin and serious eye damage.

HCl (Hydrogen Chloride) Gas Detectors

Despite its pungent and irritating odor, only an HCl gas detector can accurately measure the concentrations of this highly toxic gas, so we will move towards portable or fixed hydrogen chloride detection in ppm.

For the calibration and gas testing of your fixed or portable gas detectors, hydrogen chloride standard gas cylinders are available.

Hydrogen chloride (HCl) respiratory protection

Since hydrogen chloride is an eye irritant, a full-face mask is recommended for short-term interventions or a more comfortable powered ventilation device with combined E-P3 filters. If concentrations exceed 60 times the OEL, a self-contained breathing apparatus will be essential.