Sulfuric acid - H2SO4
Find here the essential information on sulfuric acid (H2SO4) or hydrogen sulfate: characteristics, effects on health, detection devices & systems - H2SO4 gas detector - and proper respiratory protective equipment (gas mask or powered air purifying respirator with E-P2 combined filter).
Sulfuric acid properties (H2SO4)
Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) – also known as hydrogen sulfate – is applied to produce fertilizers and many chemical products (detergents, phosphoric acid). It is also largely used in metal treatment for pickling and chromating. At last, sulfuric acid is employed for producing both explosives and in batteries – particularly for lead car batteries.
| CAS | TWA (8 hours) | STEL (15 minutes) | LEL | IP | Density / Air | Filter / SCBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7664-93-9 | 0.2 ppm | 0.5 ppm | - | 12.0 eV | 1.84 | E-P3 |
Sulfuric acid effects on health
At ambient temperature, sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is an oily, colorless and odorless (when it is a pure gas) liquid. In case of dirt, it might be yellow-brown. This very corrosive substance can cause skin burnings and severe eye damage (H314). Sulfuric acid vapors are also very harmful and can be lethal if inhaled. If used alone, hydrogen sulfate is neither flammable nor explosive.
Sulfuric acid effects on health (H2SO4)
H2SO4 gas detector (sulfuric acid)
Given the harmfulness of this substance at very low concentrations, only an H2SO4 gas detector can accurately measure vapors concentrations. Only a few monitoring devices for sulfuric acid hazards are available: colorimetric gas detection tubes or very enhanced and expensive systems.
Sulfuric acid respiratory protection (H2SO4)
As sulfuric acid is very irritant to eyes, exposed workers should opt for a full-face mask for short-term applications or a more comfortable powered air purifying respirator with combined E-P3 filters. If concentrations exceed 60 times the OEL, a self-contained breathing apparatus is required.