Sulfuric acid - H2SO4
Sulfuric acid - H2SO4
This page brings together the main information on sulfuric acid or "hydrogen sulfate" (H2SO4) , its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it (H2SO4 gas detector) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (gas mask or assisted ventilation device with combined filter type E-P2) .
Main characteristics of sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) , also called "hydrogen sulfate", is used in the manufacture of fertilizers and many chemical products (detergents, phosphoric acid). It is also widely used in the treatment of metals for pickling and chromating. Finally, sulfuric acid is used in the manufacture of explosives and plays a role in the composition of batteries, particularly lead batteries for cars.
| CASE | VME (8 hours) | VLE (15 minutes) | RELATED | IP | Density / Air | Filter / ARI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7664-93-9 | 0.2 ppm | 0.5 ppm | - | 12.0 eV | 1.84 | E-P3 |
Health Effects of Sulfuric Acid
At room temperature, sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is an oily, colorless and odorless liquid when pure, it can take on a yellow-brown color in case of impurity. It is a very corrosive substance which causes skin burns and serious eye damage in case of contact (H314). Sulfuric acid vapors are also very dangerous and can be fatal if inhaled. Used alone, sulfuric acid is neither flammable nor explosive.
H2SO4 (Sulfuric Acid) gas detectors
Given the danger of this substance at very low concentrations, only a H2SO4 gas detector can accurately measure vapor concentrations. Few equipments are available to control sulfuric acid : colorimetric reagent tubes or very sophisticated (expensive) systems.
Respiratory protection Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
Sulfuric acid is very irritating to the eyes, so 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, an isolating breathing apparatus will be essential.