Product Name: Formic Acid
Synonyms: Methanoic Acid, Aminic Acid
CAS Number: 64-18-6
Recommended Use: Preservative, industrial solvent, leather production
Supplier: Major chemical suppliers provide Formic Acid in various concentrations, so check the packaging label for concentration details.
Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation), Skin Corrosion, Serious Eye Damage, Specific Target Organ Toxicity
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may cause respiratory irritation, toxic if swallowed or inhaled
Pictograms: Corrosive, Health Hazard, Exclamation Mark
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves and clothing, avoid breathing mist or vapors, wash thoroughly after handling, store in a well-ventilated place
Chemical Name: Formic Acid
Concentration: 85%–99% for industrial solutions, lower concentrations for laboratory or consumer use
Impurities: Water, minor trace substances depending on manufacturer and grade
Substance Type: Organic acid, single chemical substance
Eye Contact: Immediately rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids apart, seek medical help quickly
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush affected skin thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical attention if burns appear
Inhalation: Move the person outdoors to fresh air, keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing, get immediate medical help for breathing difficulty
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek emergency medical attention right away
Notes for Doctor: Treat acid burns and systemic effects promptly, keep patient under observation for possible delayed symptoms
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray (do not use direct stream), dry chemical, carbon dioxide or foam
Hazards from Combustion: Releases toxic fumes like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide under fire conditions
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice: Cool containers exposed to fire with water mist to prevent rupture or explosion from pressure build-up
Explosive Limits: Formic Acid vapors form explosive mixtures with air, especially at temperatures above flash point of about 68°C
Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment, keep unnecessary people away from spill area, ventilate area
Spill Response: Stop leak if safe, absorb with inert material such as sand or earth, collect in suitable container for disposal
Environmental Risks: Prevent entry into sewers, waterways, and soil
Clean-Up Methods: Neutralize with sodium carbonate or lime if possible, wash spill site after removal is complete to prevent residue exposure
Handling: Work with local exhaust ventilation or containment to minimize exposure, avoid direct contact, wash hands after handling
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool, ventilated, corrosive-proof area, separate from oxidizers, bases, and strong reducing agents
Special Precautions: Keep only in original container, use glass, stainless steel, or other acid-resistant materials, inspect storage vessels regularly for leaks
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 5 ppm TWA, ACGIH TLV: 5 ppm TWA, 10 ppm STEL
Control Methods: Mechanical ventilation, local exhaust, process enclosure where possible
Personal Protection: Acid-resistant gloves, chemical splash goggles, face shield, lab coat or acid suit
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator for acids if ventilation is inadequate
Hygiene: Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling, wash exposed skin thoroughly after handling
Appearance: Colorless, fuming liquid
Odor: Pungent, irritating
Melting Point: 8.4°C (pure form)
Boiling Point: 100.8°C
Density: 1.22 g/cm³ (at 20°C)
pH: Strongly acidic
Vapor Pressure: 44 mmHg (at 20°C)
Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohol, ether
Flash Point: 68°C (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: 540°C
Explosion Limits: 18% (upper), 7% (lower) in air
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal handling, but decomposes under heat or in presence of alkalis and oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, oxidizers (such as chromic acid, nitric acid), reducing agents, sulfuric acid
Hazardous Decomposition: Emits carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic fumes if heated or exposed to strong acid/base
Polymerization: Does not polymerize, but concentrated solutions can cause vigorous reactions with incompatible materials
Likely Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion
Acute Effects: Severe skin and eye burns, respiratory tract irritation, gastrointestinal burns if swallowed
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure causes dermatitis, possible kidney or liver damage
LD50 (Oral, rat): 730 mg/kg
LD50 (Dermal, rabbit): 640 mg/kg
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Sensitization: May cause allergic skin reactions in some people
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Toxic to aquatic organisms, causes long-term harmful effects in water systems
Persistence: Readily biodegradable under normal conditions
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation due to breakdown in environment
Mobility: High mobility in soil and water due to solubility, risks soil and groundwater contamination
Disposal Methods: Dispose through licensed hazardous waste contractor, never pour into drain or environment
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of empty containers as hazardous waste after thorough cleaning or neutralization
Regulatory Disposal Rules: Must comply with local, state, and federal regulations regarding hazardous chemical waste
UN Number: 1779
Shipping Name: Formic Acid
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
Packing Group: II
Label Requirements: Corrosive label, proper container labeling, emergency action cards as required by transport laws
Special Precautions: Protect from mechanical damage, ensure container closures are secure, avoid storing near incompatible materials during shipping
Classification: OSHA Hazardous Chemical, subject to Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Section 313 in the U.S.
SARA 313: Not specifically listed, but components are covered by EPCRA reporting based on quantity
REACH (EU): Registered under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 for manufacture and use
TSCA (U.S.): Listed on Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as Class E – Corrosive
Label Warnings: All containers require GHS-compliant hazard statements and pictograms for Corrosives and Acute Toxicity