Material Safety Data Sheet for Liquid Citric Acid

Identification

Product Name: Liquid Citric Acid
Chemical Formula: C6H8O7
Synonyms: 2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, sour salt
Recommended Use: Food additive, pH adjuster, cleaner, chelating agent
Manufacturer Contact: Safety Department, [insert address], [insert country], phone: [insert number], emergency phone: [insert emergency number]
Email: [insert email address]

Hazard Identification

Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2), not listed as carcinogenic
GHS Label Elements: Warning symbol, exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation. Causes skin irritation. Prolonged exposure can dry skin.
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves and eye protection. Avoid inhalation of vapors or mists. Wash thoroughly after handling.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Citric Acid Monohydrate
Common Name: Citric Acid
CAS Number: 77-92-9
Concentration: 25–50% by weight in aqueous solution
Impurities & Stabilizers: Water (50–75%), trace impurities below regulatory thresholds

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, support breathing, seek medical help if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water, seek medical attention for irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, continue rinsing, seek medical care if irritation remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, drink water to dilute, avoid inducing vomiting, seek medical attention for significant quantities or symptoms

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, CO2, dry chemical, foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known for diluted aqueous form
Specific Hazards: Citric acid decomposes at high temperatures, may release irritating fumes (carbon oxides)
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical resistant gloves, use firefighting gear
Additional Advice: Move containers away from fire area, prevent contaminated runoff

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, avoid inhalation or contact with skin and eyes
Spill Response: Contain liquid, absorb with inert material (sand, earth), collect in suitable container
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release to drains, ditches, watercourses
Cleanup Methods: Use non-combustible absorbent, clean residues with plenty of water, ventilate affected area

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid inhalation, keep container tightly closed when not in use, wear appropriate PPE
Storage: Store in corrosion-resistant, tightly-closed containers in cool, dry, ventilated space, avoid storage with strong bases, oxidizers or reducing agents
Storage Temperature: 10–30°C recommended
Workplace Controls: Set up eyewash stations and emergency showers near work areas

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Control Parameters: No established TLV or OSHA PEL; minimize exposure as a standard precaution
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or general dilution ventilation
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile recommended), splash-proof goggles, clothing covering all exposed skin
Respiratory Protection: Use an approved respirator in poorly ventilated spaces
Hygienic Practices: Wash hands after use, remove contaminated clothing, do not eat or drink near work

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear or slightly cloudy liquid
Odor: Odorless or faintly acidic smell
pH (10% solution): 1.8–2.2
Melting Point: Not applicable (aqueous solution)
Boiling Point: Approx. 100°C (affected by water content)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Solubility: Completely miscible with water
Relative Density: 1.15–1.25 g/cm3
Vapor Pressure: Not significant

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong bases generating heat, avoid strong oxidizing/reducing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, incompatibles, freezing
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 3,000–5,000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes mild to moderate irritation based on concentration and exposure
Eye Damage/Irritation: Significant irritation, may cause redness, pain, blurred vision
Chronic Effects: Extended contact can dry or crack skin, unlikely to cause systemic effects through normal workplace exposure
Other Effects: No scientific evidence for carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity at occupational exposure levels

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Citric acid biodegrades readily in the environment, not persistent
Mobility: High solubility in water, mobile in soil
Bioaccumulation: Bioaccumulation not expected
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity for aquatic life, large spills may lower local pH
Persistence/Degradability: Rapidly biodegradable through microbial action

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect liquid into appropriate containers for chemical waste
Disposal of Product: Dispose via licensed waste disposal contractor according to all local, national regulations
Disposal of Packaging: Rinse containers, recycle whenever possible
Environmental Release: Avoid uncontrolled release to environment, minimize dilution in municipal sewers

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Citric acid solution
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: None known
Special Precautions: Prevent leaks/spills, secure loads, label clearly

Regulatory Information

Regulatory Status: Approved for use as a food additive by FDA, EFSA, JECFA
GHS Classification: Eye and skin irritant
OELs: Not established by ACGIH or OSHA
Inventory Listings: Listed on TSCA (US), DSL (Canada), EINECS (EU), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan)
Other Regulations: Not regulated as a hazardous material under DOT, IATA, IMDG for transport
SARA Title III: Not listed as a hazardous substance or CERCLA reportable quantity