ACETIC ACID | OSHA.gov | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

ACETIC ACID†

Chemical Identification
CAS #	64-19-7
Formula	C₂H₄O₂
Synonyms	acetic acid (aqueous); ethanoic acid; glacial acetic acid (pure compound); methanecarboxylic acid [Note: Can be found in concentrations of 5-8% in vinegar.]

Physical Properties
Physical description	Colorless liquid or crystals with a sour, vinegar-like odor.
Boiling point	244°F	Molecular weight	60.1
Freezing point/melting point	62°F	Vapor pressure	11 mmHg
Flash point	103°F	Vapor density
Specific gravity	1.05	Ionization potential	10.66 eV
Lower explosive limit (LEL)	4.0%	Upper explosive limit (UEL)	19.9% at 200°F
NFPA health rating	3	NFPA fire rating	2
NFPA reactivity rating	0	NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Analyte code (IMIS no.)	0020
Sampling group
Sampler/Sampling media	CSC tube (100/50 mg) [SKC 226-01]
Sampling time^*	240 min
Sampling volume (TWA)^*	48 L
Sampling flow rate (TWA)^*	0.2 L/min
Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)^*
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)^*
Analytical method instruments	IC
Method reference	OSHA PV2119 (partially validated)
Notes	OSHA staff: Butyric and propionic acids are interferences in the acetic acid analysis. Therefore, presence of butyric and propionic acids should be noted on 91-A form.
Special requirements

^* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

Bulk/Wipe Method
Wipe Sampler/Sampling media	Wipe with Whatman smear tab. [WHA1450993]
Bulk Method	Available

On-Site Screening Techniques
Device	Detector tube	CMS Chip
Model/Type	Gastec 81	Acetic Acid, 2-50 ppm range
Sampling information (see manufacturer instructions)	0.5-2 strokes, 0.2-100 ppm range, uncertainty 0% for 2 to 10 ppm, 5% for 10 to 50 ppm

**Exposure Limits**
OSHA PEL 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling Peak		NIOSH REL Up to 10-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling		ACGIH TLV© 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling		CAL/OSHA PEL 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling Peak
PEL-TWA	10 ppm (25 mg/m³)	REL-TWA	10 ppm (25 mg/m³)	TLV-TWA		PEL-TWA	10 ppm (25 mg/m³)
PEL-STEL		REL-STEL	15 ppm (37 mg/m³)	TLV-STEL		PEL-STEL	15 ppm (37 mg/m³)
PEL-C		REL-C		TLV-C		PEL-C	40 ppm
Skin notation	N	Skin notation	N	Skin notation	N	Skin notation	N
Notes: See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1.		Notes:		Notes: Visit the ACGIH TLV site for specific data		Notes:
Health factors: See NIH-NLM PubChem.		IDLH	50 ppm
Carcinogenic classifications: Not listed		Notes:
AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3: 5 ppm/35 ppm/250 ppm

Additional Resources and Literature References

NOAA: CAMEO Chemicals - Acetic acid, solution, more than 80% acid

NIOSH: Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Acetic Acid

Literature References

NOAA: CAMEO Chemicals - Acetic acid, solution, more than 10% but not more than 80% acid.
ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) - Acetic acid. See annual publication for most recent information.
Boylstein, R., Piacitelli, C., Grote, A., Kanwal, R., Kullman, G. and Kreiss, K. Diacetyl emissions and airborne dust from butter flavorings used in microwave popcorn production. J. Occup. Environ. Hyg. 3(10): 530-535, 2006.
Johansson, A.K., Johansson, A., Stan, V. and Ohlson, C.G. Silicone sealers, acetic acid vapours and dental erosion: a work-related risk? Swed. Dent. J. 29(2): 61-69, 2005.
Kanwal, R., et al. NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Report, HETA #2000-0401-2991 . Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation - Jasper, Missouri, January 2006.
Kern, D.G.: Outbreak of the reactive airways dysfunction syndrome after a spill of glacial acetic acid. Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. 144(5): 1058-1064, 1991.
Pohanish, R.P. (editor): Acetic Acid . In, Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, Fourth Ed., Vol. 1. Norwich, NY: Noyes Publications, William Andrew Publishing, 2002, pp. 30-32.
Zuskin, E., Mustajbegovic, J., Schachter, E.N., Pavicic, D. and Budak, A.: A follow-up study of respiratory function in workers exposed to acid aerosols in a food-processing industry. Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 70(6): 413-418, 1997.

Last Updated Date : 03/27/2024

ACETIC ACID†

Chemical Identification

Physical Properties

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA

Bulk/Wipe Method

On-Site Screening Techniques

Exposure Limits

Additional Resources and Literature References