Product Name: Lactic Acid
Chemical Formula: C3H6O3
Synonyms: 2-Hydroxypropanoic Acid, Milk Acid
CAS Number: 50-21-5
Recommended Use: Food additive, pharmaceutical intermediate, cosmetic ingredient, pH regulator, cleaning agent
Supplier Information: Company names, addresses, and emergency phone numbers as provided on the label
Emergency Contact: Chemtrec or local poison control center numbers are often listed for direct response in case of major exposure
Classification: Skin corrosion/irritation (Category 2), Serious eye damage/eye irritation (Category 1), Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure (Category 3, respiratory tract irritation)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; may cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Corrosive, Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, fumes, gas, mist, vapors, or spray; wash skin thoroughly after handling; wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye/face protection; use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
Other Hazards: Prolonged or repeated skin contact can lead to dermatitis; higher concentrations can lead to mucous membrane irritation
Component: Lactic Acid
Concentration: 80-90% (w/w), balance water
CAS Number: 50-21-5
Impurities/Additives: Typically may contain trace levels of water, pyruvic acid, acetic acid, or residual salts depending on production process
Exposure Limits: Not established for lactic acid specifically, though related organic acids sometimes referenced in occupational settings
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately; keep victim warm and at rest; seek medical advice if symptoms persist, such as coughing, throat irritation, or difficulty breathing
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and thoroughly rinse skin with running water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if burns or irritation develop
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids; remove contacts if present and easy to do; continue rinsing; seek prompt medical care due to risk of serious eye injury
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with clean water; do not induce vomiting; seek medical advice; give water to drink unless victim is unconscious or drowsy; never give anything by mouth to an unconscious individual
Notes for Medical Personnel: Treat symptomatically; monitor for chemical burns, respiratory irritation, and potential dehydration due to ingested acid
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water jets can cause splashing and spread the liquid
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides (CO and CO₂), acrid fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear to avoid exposure to toxic gases
Specific Hazards: Lactic acid itself has low flammability, but heating causes pressure build-up and can rupture containers; acidic vapors may be released at high temperatures
Advice for Firefighters: Move containers from fire area if safe to do so; cool exposed containers with water spray to prevent bursting
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and respiratory protection as appropriate for the area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains, waterways, or soil; lactic acid at high concentrations can alter pH and impact aquatic life
Methods for Clean-Up: Small spills: absorb with inert material such as sand or earth, collect in a suitable container for disposal. Large spills: contain the area, prevent further leakage, neutralize with dilute sodium bicarbonate or similar base, collect residue for proper disposal
Decontamination: Clean affected area thoroughly with water after removal of residue; properly ventilate area to remove vapors
Reporting: Large environmental releases may need to be reported to local authorities based on regulatory guidelines
Safe Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas or under local exhaust; avoid direct contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; wash thoroughly after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke during use; use non-reactive equipment
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers made of compatible, corrosion-resistant materials such as high-density polyethylene or glass; keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers or strong bases
Storage Temperatures: Keep between 5°C and 30°C to prevent degradation or pressure build-up; avoid freezing or excessive heat
Incompatibilities: Strong alkalis, oxidizing agents, reactive metals
Special Precautions: Label all containers clearly; check periodically for leaks or damage, especially in bulk storage
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or general dilution ventilation to maintain airborne levels below recommended exposure limits; use of fume hoods in laboratory settings
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Chemical splash goggles, face shield for high concentrations, gloves (nitrile, neoprene), lab coat or apron resistant to acids, closed footwear
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator for acid mists or vapors in poorly ventilated or confined spaces
Hygienic Measures: Always wash hands and arms with soap and water after handling; change out of contaminated clothing immediately; ensure eyewash stations and emergency showers are easily accessible
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limit for lactic acid, but general nuisance dust or acid vapor recommendations may apply as per regulatory body guidelines
Appearance: Clear to slightly yellow, syrupy liquid at room temperature
Odor: Slightly acidic, sour
Odor Threshold: Not available; acidic vapor detectable at higher concentrations
pH: 2.0–3.0 (1% solution)
Melting Point: 16–18°C
Boiling Point: 122°C at 14 mmHg; decomposes at higher temperatures
Flash Point: Approximately 110°C (closed cup, for concentrated solutions)
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Not highly flammable, but can burn at elevated temperatures
Explosion Limits: Not established
Vapor Pressure: 0.17 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: >1 (air=1)
Specific Gravity: 1.20–1.25 (25°C, for concentrated solution)
Solubility: Miscible with water, ethanol, and some organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): -0.62
Viscosity: Viscous liquid
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 410°C
Decomposition Temperature: Above boiling point, lactic acid decomposes, releasing irritating vapors
Molecular Weight: 90.08 g/mol
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong bases to form salts; reacts with oxidizing agents, producing heat and potentially dangerous products
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, incompatible substances, exposure to metals such as iron or aluminum in the presence of moisture
Materials to Avoid: Strong alkalies, strong oxidizers, reactive metals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides (CO and CO₂), acrid and irritating vapors
Polymerization: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization under normal conditions
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (Rat): approximately 3543 mg/kg; inhalation and dermal toxicity low
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Concentrated lactic acid causes skin burns and serious eye damage; diluted solutions may cause mild irritation
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Risk of permanent eye injury at high concentrations
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Repeated exposure can cause skin sensitization reactions
Chronic Effects: Prolonged skin exposure can cause dermatitis; inhalation of mists may damage respiratory tract
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by ACGIH, IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity: Limited evidence suggests no known effects on reproduction or development at occupational levels
Symptoms of Exposure: Burning sensation, cough, wheezing, abdominal pain, redness, blisters on skin, severe eye pain, headache, or dizziness in poorly ventilated areas
Ecotoxicity: Acute toxicity to fish, Daphnia, and algae is low; LC50 (Fish, 96hr): 130 mg/L for Oncorhynchus mykiss
Persistence/Degradability: Readily biodegradable in both water and soil media; lactic acid breaks down quickly through microbial action
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low; does not significantly bioaccumulate in aquatic or terrestrial organisms
Mobility in Soil: High mobility; leaches through soil and can reach groundwater if discharged in high volumes
Other Adverse Effects: Acidification of natural waters may occur if large quantities are released; impacts are short-lived due to rapid degradability
Disposal Methods: Small amounts can be diluted and neutralized with base before releasing to an approved sewer system (where permitted); larger volumes should be handled by a licensed waste disposal contractor
Disposal of Packaging: Triple rinse containers and offer for recycling or disposal in accordance with local regulations; do not reuse packaging for food or other products
Special Precautions: Avoid release in concentrated form into waterways or soil to prevent acidification
Regulatory Restrictions: Check local, regional, and national regulations for specific waste management requirements; comply with all transportation and environmental rules regarding hazardous material
UN Number: 1760 (for concentrated solutions classed as corrosive); may not need UN number for dilute food-grade materials
Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive Liquids, N.O.S. (contains Lactic Acid)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (corrosive, for high concentrations)
Packing Group: II or III depending on concentration
Label: Corrosive
Marine Pollutant: Not considered a marine pollutant
Special Transportation Requirements: Ensure containers are sealed, upright, and labeled clearly; comply with ADR/RID, IMDG, ICAO/IATA transport guidelines where applicable
Emergency Response: Spill kits and first aid kits for acid burns should be available in transport vehicles carrying bulk loads
Inventory Status: Listed on US TSCA, EU EINECS/ELINCS, Australian AICS, Canadian DSL/NDSL, Japanese ENCS
OSHA Regulation: Classified as hazardous under 29 CFR 1910.1200
SARA Title III (Sections 311/312): Acute health hazard
EU Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008: Corrosive, hazard statements and precautionary statements required on label, specific concentration limits apply for classification
Workplace Labeling: All containers require chemical name, hazard pictogram, signal word, and manufacturer/distributor contact
Other Regulations: Subject to local and national pollution and chemical release prevention rules; restrictions may apply to food or pharmaceutical uses depending on jurisdiction
GHS Classification: Skin Corrosion (Category 2), Eye Damage (Category 1), Specific Target Organ Toxicity—Single Exposure (Category 3, respiratory tract)
