IsHydrochloric acidflammable

Hydrochloric acid is a strong, corrosive acid that can be used industrially to process steel used in the building and construction industry. It is used in the chemical industry in the large-scale production of vinyl chloride used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, and it is one of the chemicals that is used to produce polyurethane foam and calcium chloride.

Most people probably wouldn’t want to go swimming in a giant, germ-filled petri dish. But without modern chemistry, that’s what swimming in pools could be like.

Hydrochloric acidpoisoning symptoms

Every day, people are exposed to a variety of activities or products that could, under certain circumstances, cause harm. There’s a potential for harm or injury in nearly every activity we engage in – whether it’s when we cross a street, ride in an automobile, or play in a baseball game.

Hydrochloric acid is used in pickling operations to remove rust and other impurities from carbon, alloy and stainless steel, to prepare the steel for final applications in building and construction projects, and in products such as car bodies and household appliances. It is also used in aluminum etching and metal cleaning applications.

Effects ofhydrochloric acidon the human body

When hydrochloric acid is mixed or reacted with limestone, it produces calcium chloride, a type of salt used to de-ice roads. Calcium chloride also has uses in food production as a stabilizer and firming agent, for example in baked goods, as well as uses as an antimicrobial.

Hydrochloric acid can be used to process steel for the building and construction industry. It is used in the chemical industry in the large-scale production of vinyl chloride used to make PVC, and it is one of the chemicals used to produce polyurethane foam and calcium chloride.

Hydrochloric aciduses

Hydrochloric acid is the aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride gas and the main component of gastric acid, an acid produced naturally in the human stomach to help digest food. Hydrochloric acid is synthetically produced for a variety of industrial and commercial applications.

Hydrochloric acid is also used to make many other chemicals and as a disinfectant and slimicide, a chemical that prevents the growth of slime in paper stock.

Plastic containers, such as those made of PVC, can typically be used to store hydrochloric acid. Metal containers are generally not suitable for storing hydrochloric acid due to its corrosive nature.

Hydrochloric acid is used in the production of batteries, photoflash bulbs and fireworks. It is also used in leather processing, building and construction, oil well acidizing and producing gelatin products.

Hydrochloric acidsafety precautions

Hydrochloric acid dangerson skin

Chronic exposure to hydrochloric acid can be dangerous. Occupational exposure can occur in industrial environments by inhalation or skin contact during the production and use of hydrochloric acid. Long-term exposure has been reported to cause chronic bronchitis, dermatitis and photosensitization in humans. Rats that were chronically exposed to inhalation tests experienced lesions in the nasal cavity and other side effects. Long-term exposure to hydrochloric acid is unlikely for most consumers.

The food industry uses hydrochloric acid to process a variety of food products, such as corn syrups used in soft drinks, cookies, crackers, ketchup and cereals. Hydrochloric acid is also used as an acidifier in sauces, vegetable juices and canned goods, to help enhance flavor and reduce spoilage.

Hydrochloric acid can be an ingredient in household cleaners such as toilet bowl cleaners, bathroom tile cleaners and other porcelain cleaners, due to its corrosive properties that help clean tough stains.

What should you do if you inhaleacidfumes

When using pool cleaners that contain hydrochloric acid (also known as muriatic acid), it is important to follow directions on the product label for safe handling. The CDC has developed two posters with recommendations for pool chemical safety handling as well as storage of pool chemicals for pool owners and operators.

Chronic health effects ofhydrochloric acid

Ingestion of concentrated hydrochloric acid can cause severe injury to the mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as vapor respirators, rubber gloves, splash goggles and face shields should be used when handling hydrochloric acid. If used in the workplace, it is recommended that an eye flush station be available in case of accidental exposure.

Hydrochloric acid in its concentrated, liquid form has a strong irritating odor and is very corrosive. It can cause damage, such as chemical burns, upon contact, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that hydrochloric acid can cause eye damage, even blindness, if splashed in the eyes.

Hydrochloric acid is used to adjust the pH of swimming pool water.  Chlorine levels in pool water is dependent on the pH of the water, which can be optimized with chemicals such as hydrochloric acid. More information about maintenance for a healthy and safe swimming pool experience can be found on the CDC’s website.

OSHA recommends workers in industrial settings wear personal protective equipment such as vapor respirators, rubber gloves, splash goggles and face shields when handling hydrochloric acid.

The food industry uses hydrochloric acid to process a variety of food products. Food and beverages contain small amounts of hydrochloric acid that are “neutralized and buffered during ingestion and digestion, or after absorption” according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Hydrochloric acid is generally recognized as safe when used as a buffer and neutralizing agent.

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Metal containers are not suitable storage containers for hydrochloric acid due to its corrosive nature. Plastic containers, such as those made of PVC, can typically be used to store hydrochloric acid.