COMPOSITION

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TLV

HAZARD

INHALATION: Vapours and mists are extremely corrosive to mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Bronchitis, pulmonary edema and chemical pneumonitis may occur. Irritation, coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing may occur with brief exposure. Prolonged exposure may result in severe irritation and tissue damage. Breathing high concentrations may cause death. Remove to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

INGESTION: Vapours, mists and liquid are extremely corrosive to mouth and throat. Swallowing the liquid burns the tissues, causes severe chest and abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, retching, bloody vomiting, kidney damage and death. Give lots of water or milk. Do not induce vomiting,as most of the effects result from the irritating and corrosive properties.. Seek medical attention immediately.

EYE CONTACT: Cause chemical burns. Immediately flush with water for at least 30 minutes. Brief contact may be severely irritating and may cause damage. Prolonged contact may cause permanent eye damage and blindness. Seek medical attention (preferably an ophthalmologist) immediately.

SKIN CONTACT: Causes chemical burns. Immediately flush the affected area with lots of water for at least 30 minutes. May cause burns which are slow to heal. Prolonged or extensive exposure may result in the absorption of harmful amounts of material. Some individuals may develop contact dermatitis. Remove contaminated clothing immediately and thoroughly wash before reuse. Seek medical attention

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION:

Formic acid:

LD₅₀ = 1,100 mg/kg (orally in rats)

LD₅₀ = 940 mg/kg (ip in mouse)

LC₅₀ = 15 g/m³ (inhalation in rats)

Sodium Citrate:

LD₅₀ = 1,548 mg/kg (ip in rats)

LD₅₀ = 170 mg/kg (iv in mouse)

BOILING POINT: 100°C (760 mm Hg)

EVAPOURATION RATE (BUTYL ACETATE = 1): not available

MELTING POINT: 0°C

VAPOUR DENSITY (AIR = 1): not available

VAPOUR PRESSURE: not available

SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 1.0 at 20°C

SOLUBILITY IN WATER: miscible

APPEARANCE AND ODOUR: colourless liquid with a pungent odour.

FLASH POINT: not available

LOWER: not available

UPPER: not available

SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES & PRECAUTIONS: Use water spray to cool fire exposed containers and structures. Use self contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing. Use water spray, alcohol foam, CO₂ or dry chemical media for extinguishing fires.

UNUSUAL FIRE & EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Extinguish all sources of ignition. Formic acid may settle in low areas or travel a long distance to an ignition source and flashback.

STABILITY: stable

HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: will not occur

CONDITIONS & MATERIALS TO AVOID: none identified

INCOMPATIBLES: aluminum

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: none identified

CONTROL MEASURES: Local ventilation should be used when handling this material. An eye bath and safety shower should be available.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Self-contained breathing apparatus should be used when this material is in high concentrations. Otherwise use an approved respirator.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Complete protective clothing should be worn.

EYE PROTECTION: Chemical resistant, tight fitting goggles and a full face shield should be worn.

ENVIRONMENTAL PRECAUTIONS: Mechanical ventilation should be used.

SPILL OR LEAK PRECAUTIONS: It may be feasible to neutralize small spills using aqueous alkali. The neutralized solution should then be disposed of in a biological wastewater treatment plant. The acid should not be flushed without neutralization as it is toxic to aquatic life and could be toxic to microorganisms in a treatment plant. Hot organic vapours or mists are subject to spontaneous ignition when mixed with air. Ignition may occur at typical process conditions especially in processes under vacuum with a sudden ingress of air. Any proposed use of this product in elevated temperature processes should be thoroughly evaluated to assure that safe operating conditions are established and maintained.

WASTE DISPOSAL: Seek the advice of a professional disposal service.

DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION: Regulated under the Transport of Dangerous Goods Act.

DOT CLASSIFICATION: UN 1779 Class 8 (9.2)

WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: E, D1B

This material is dangerous and may cause eye and skin burns. It may be harmful if absorbed through the skin. Do not get in eyes, on skin, on clothing. Avoid breathing vapour. Keep away from heat and flames. Keep the container tightly closed. Use with adequate ventilation. Wash thoroughly after use.

PREPARED BY: MSDS Department                     DATE: Update January 10, 2008