IPCS INCHEM Home
PERACETIC ACID (stabilized)ICSC: 1031 (June 2015)
Acetic peroxide
Peroxyacetic acid
Ethaneperoxoic acid
Acetyl hydroperoxide
CAS #: 79-21-0
UN #: 3105
EC Number: 201-186-8

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Flammable.  Above 40.5°C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed. Explosive.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with flammables or hot surfaces.  Above 40.5°C use a closed system, ventilation and explosion-proof electrical equipment. Do NOT expose to friction or shock.  Use water spray. See Notes.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position. 

 PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS!  
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed. See Notes.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention. See Notes. 
Skin MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. Blisters. Skin burns.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.  Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in covered plastic containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

flam;flameskull;toxiccorrenviro;aqua
DANGER
Flammable liquid and vapour
Heating may cause a fire
Fatal if inhaled
Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
May cause respiratory irritation
Very toxic to aquatic life 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 5.2; UN Pack Group: II 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from combustible substances and incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Store only if stabilized. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. 
PACKAGING
 
PERACETIC ACID (stabilized) ICSC: 1031
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes violently on contact with metals. Attacks most metals. This produces highly flammable hydrogen gas and oxygen. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Decomposes on heating and on burning. This produces toxic and corrosive gases. The substance reacts with most organic and inorganic compounds, causing fire and explosion hazard. 

Formula: C2H4O3 / CH3COOOH
Molecular mass: 76.1
Decomposes at >50°C
Melting point: 0°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.2
Solubility in water: miscible
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 2.6
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.6
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.04
Flash point: 40.5°C o.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 200°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: see Notes 


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
Serious local effects by all routes of exposure. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on the eyes and the upper respiratory tract have become manifest. See Notes. 

Inhalation risk
No indication can be given about the rate at which a harmful concentration of this substance in the air is reached on evaporation at 20°C. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: (inhalable fraction and vapour): 0.4 ppm as STEL; A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen).
MAK: 0.316 mg/m3, 0.1 ppm; peak limitation category: I(1); pregnancy risk group: C; carcinogen category: 4 

ENVIRONMENT
The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment. 

NOTES
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential.
Explosive limits are unknown in literature, although the substance is combustible and has a flash point < 61°C.
Rinse contaminated clothing with plenty of water because of fire hazard.
An added stabilizer or inhibitor can influence the toxicological properties of this substance, consult an expert.
Commercial peracetic acid is a mixture of peracetic acid, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide and water.
See ICSCs 0164 and 0363.
Above 50°C the substance may undergo a self-accelerating decomposition reaction. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: O, C, N; R: 7-10-20/21/22-35-50; S: (1/2)-3/7-14-36/37/39-45-61; Note: B, D 

All rights reserved. The published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Neither ILO nor WHO nor the European Commission shall be responsible for the interpretation and use of the information contained in this material.


    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations