Material Safety Data Sheet
Oxalic acid dihydrate

ACC# 17361
Section 1 - Chemical Product and Company Identification

MSDS Name: Oxalic acid dihydrate
Catalog Numbers: AC129600000, AC129600010, AC423150000, AC423150010, AC423150050, S80113, A218-3, A218-500, A219-250, A219-3, A219-50, A219-500, A219J500, NC9667432
Synonyms: Ethanedioic acid dihydrate.
Company Identification:
              Fisher Scientific
              1 Reagent Lane
              Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
For information, call: 201-796-7100
Emergency Number: 201-796-7100
For CHEMTREC assistance, call: 800-424-9300
For International CHEMTREC assistance, call: 703-527-3887

Section 2 - Composition, Information on Ingredients

CAS# Chemical Name Percent EINECS/ELINCS
6153-56-6 Oxalic acid dihydrate >99 unlisted

Hazard Symbols: XN
Risk Phrases: 21/22

Section 3 - Hazards Identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

Appearance: white powder. Danger! May cause severe respiratory tract irritation with possible burns. May cause severe digestive tract irritation with possible burns. May cause kidney damage. May cause eye and skin irritation with possible burns. Harmful in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Target Organs: Kidneys, heart, eyes, skin, brain, nerves, mucous membranes.


Potential Health Effects
Eye: May cause severe eye irritation. May result in corneal injury.
Skin: Causes skin irritation. Harmful if absorbed through the skin. Rare chemical burns may occur from oxalic acid and may cause hypocalcemia. Gangrene has occurred in the hands of people working with oxalic acid solutions without rubber gloves. The skin lesions are characterized by cracking of the skin and the development of slow-healing ulcers. The skin may be bluish in color, and the nails brittle and yellow.
Ingestion: Oxalic acid is toxic because of its acidic and chelating properties. It is especially toxic when ingested. As little as 5 grams (71 mg/kg) may be fatal. Ulcerations of the mouth, vomiting of blood, and rapid appearance of shock, convulsions, twitching, tetany, and cardiovascular collapse may occur following ingestion of oxalic acid or its soluble salts. Oxalic acid can bind calcium to form calcium oxalate which is insoluble at physiological pH. Calcium oxalate thus formed might precipitate in the kidney tubules and the brain. Hypocalcemia secondary to calcium oxalate formation might disturb the function of the heart and nerves.
Inhalation: Inhalation of oxalic acid dust or vapor produces irritation of the respiratory tract, protein in the urine, nosebleed, ulceration of the mucous membranes, headache, nervousness, cough, vomiting, emaciation, back pain (due to kidney injury), and weakness.
Chronic: Inhalation of oxalic acid dust or mist over a long period of time might result in weight loss and respiratory tract inflammation. Rats administered oxalic acid at 2.5 and 5% in the diet for 70 days developed depressed thyroid function and weight loss. A study of railroad car cleaners in Norway who were heavily exposed to oxalic acid solutions and vapors revealed a 53% prevalence of urolithiasis (the formation of urinary stones), compared to a rate of 12% among unexposed workers from the same company.

Section 4 - First Aid Measures


Eyes: In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical aid immediately.
Skin: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid immediately. Wash clothing before reuse.
Ingestion: If swallowed, do NOT induce vomiting. Get medical aid immediately. If victim is fully conscious, give a cupful of water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid.
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically and supportively.
Antidote: Intravenous administration of calcium gluconate or calcium chloride may be required if hypocalcemia or hypocalcemic tetany occur.

Section 5 - Fire Fighting Measures


General Information: As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or alcohol-resistant foam.
Flash Point: Not applicable.
Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable.
Explosion Limits, Lower:Not available.
Upper: Not available.
NFPA Rating: (estimated) Health: 3; Flammability: 1; Instability: 0

Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures


General Information: Use proper personal protective equipment as indicated in Section 8.
Spills/Leaks: Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container. Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Clean up spills immediately, observing precautions in the Protective Equipment section. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Provide ventilation.

Section 7 - Handling and Storage


Handling: Wash thoroughly after handling. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Do not ingest or inhale. Discard contaminated shoes. Use only with adequate ventilation.
Storage: Keep container closed when not in use. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.

Section 8 - Exposure Controls, Personal Protection


Engineering Controls: Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower. Use adequate general or local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne concentrations below the permissible exposure limits.
Exposure Limits
Chemical Name ACGIH NIOSH OSHA - Final PELs
Oxalic acid dihydrate none listed none listed none listed
Oxalic acid, anhydrous 1 mg/m3 TWA; 2 mg/m3 STEL 1 mg/m3 TWA 500 mg/m3 IDLH 1 mg/m3 TWA

OSHA Vacated PELs: Oxalic acid dihydrate: No OSHA Vacated PELs are listed for this chemical. Oxalic acid, anhydrous: 1 mg/m3 TWA
Personal Protective Equipment
Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166.
Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure.
Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators: Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29 CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.

Section 9 - Physical and Chemical Properties


Physical State: Powder
Appearance: white
Odor: odorless
pH: 1.3 (0.1M soln)
Vapor Pressure: .92 mm Hg @ 60 deg C
Vapor Density: 4.62
Evaporation Rate:Not available.
Viscosity: Not available.
Boiling Point: Not applicable.
Freezing/Melting Point:101 deg C sublimes
Decomposition Temperature:Not available.
Solubility: Moderately Soluble. 1g/7ml
Specific Gravity/Density:1.653 @ 18.5°C
Molecular Formula:C2H2O4.2H2O
Molecular Weight:126.04

Section 10 - Stability and Reactivity


Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Conditions to Avoid: Dust generation, excess heat.
Incompatibilities with Other Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, mercury, hypochlorite, silver, strong alkalies, chlorites, furfuryl alcohol.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formic acid.
Hazardous Polymerization: Has not been reported.

Section 11 - Toxicological Information


RTECS#:
CAS# 6153-56-6 unlisted.
CAS# 144-62-7: RO2450000
LD50/LC50:
Not available.

CAS# 144-62-7:
Draize test, rabbit, eye: 250 ug/24H Severe;
Draize test, rabbit, skin: 500 mg/24H Mild;
Oral, rat: LD50 = 7500 mg/kg;
Carcinogenicity:
CAS# 6153-56-6: Not listed by ACGIH, IARC, NIOSH, NTP, or OSHA. CAS# 144-62-7: Not listed by ACGIH, IARC, NIOSH, NTP, or OSHA.
Epidemiology: No information available.
Teratogenicity: No information found.
Reproductive Effects: Oxalic acid caused kidney damage in fetal sheep and rats and disturbed the estrus cycle in rats. Increased sperm abnormalities were seen in the second generation of mice administered 0.2% oxalic acid in the drinking water.
Neurotoxicity: No information available.
Mutagenicity: No information available.
Other Studies: No data available.

Section 12 - Ecological Information


Ecotoxicity: Fish: Bluegill/Sunfish: LC50 = 4000 mg/L; 24 Hr.; Static ConditionsFish: Mosquito Fish: LC50 = 1350 mg/L; 24 Hr.; Static Conditions No data available.
Environmental: An estimated Koc value of 5 for oxalic acid indicates high mobility in soil and oxalic acid has been detected in groundwater. Several screening studies and grab sample tests indicate that under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, oxalic acid will readily biodegrade in aquatic ecosystems. Based on an experimental Henry's Law constant of 1.4X10-10 atm-m3/mole at 25°C, oxalic acid is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water. Adsorption to sediment and bioconcentration in aquatic organisms may not be important fate process for oxalic acid.
Physical: Oxalic acid in the ambient atmosphere may react slowly with OH radicals, but it is removed rapidly by photolysis; the daytime persistence of oxalic acid is not expected to exceed a few hours. Based on its high water solubility, removal from air via wet deposition is likely to occur. Oxalic acid may also be removed from air via dry deposition with 11% of the total deposition being dry deposition.
Other: Based on an average experimental water solubility of 220,000 mg/L at 25°C and a regression derived equation, the BCF for oxalic acid can be estimated to be approximately 0.6 and therefore should not be expected to bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms.

Section 13 - Disposal Considerations

Chemical waste generators must determine whether a discarded chemical is classified as a hazardous waste. US EPA guidelines for the classification determination are listed in 40 CFR Parts 261.3. Additionally, waste generators must consult state and local hazardous waste regulations to ensure complete and accurate classification.
RCRA P-Series: None listed.
RCRA U-Series: None listed.

Section 14 - Transport Information

US DOT IATA RID/ADR IMO Canada TDG
Shipping Name: CORROSIVE SOLIDS, TOXIC, N.O.S. CORROSIVE SOLIDS, TOXIC, N.O.S.
Hazard Class: 8 8
UN Number: UN2923 UN2923
Packing Group: III III
Additional Info: OXALIC ACID DIHYDRATE

Section 15 - Regulatory Information

US FEDERAL

TSCA
CAS# 6153-56-6 is not on the TSCA Inventory because it is a hydrate. It is considered to be listed if the CAS number for the anhydrous form is on the inventory (40CFR720.3(u)(2)).
CAS# 144-62-7 is listed on the TSCA inventory.
Health & Safety Reporting List
None of the chemicals are on the Health & Safety Reporting List.
Chemical Test Rules
None of the chemicals in this product are under a Chemical Test Rule.
Section 12b
None of the chemicals are listed under TSCA Section 12b.
TSCA Significant New Use Rule
None of the chemicals in this material have a SNUR under TSCA.
SARA

CERCLA Hazardous Substances and corresponding RQs
None of the chemicals in this material have an RQ.
SARA Section 302 Extremely Hazardous Substances
None of the chemicals in this product have a TPQ.
SARA Codes
CAS # 6153-56-6: acute, chronic. CAS # 144-62-7: acute, chronic.
Section 313
No chemicals are reportable under Section 313.
Clean Air Act:
This material does not contain any hazardous air pollutants. This material does not contain any Class 1 Ozone depletors. This material does not contain any Class 2 Ozone depletors.
Clean Water Act:
None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Hazardous Substances under the CWA. None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Priority Pollutants under the CWA. None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Toxic Pollutants under the CWA.
OSHA:
None of the chemicals in this product are considered highly hazardous by OSHA.
STATE
CAS# 6153-56-6 can be found on the following state right to know lists: Pennsylvania.
CAS# 144-62-7 can be found on the following state right to know lists: California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Massachusetts.
California No Significant Risk Level: None of the chemicals in this product are listed.

European/International Regulations
European Labeling in Accordance with EC Directives
Hazard Symbols:
XN
Risk Phrases:
R 21/22 Harmful in contact with skin and if
swallowed.

Safety Phrases:
S 24/25 Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

WGK (Water Danger/Protection)
CAS# 6153-56-6: 1
CAS# 144-62-7: 1
Canada - DSL/NDSL
CAS# 144-62-7 is listed on Canada's DSL List.
Canada - WHMIS
This product has a WHMIS classification of E, D1B.
Canadian Ingredient Disclosure List
CAS# 144-62-7 is listed on the Canadian Ingredient Disclosure List.
Exposure Limits
CAS# 144-62-7: OEL-ARAB Republic of Egypt:TWA 1 mg/m3 OEL-AUSTRALIA
:TWA 1 mg/m3;STEL 2 mg/m3 OEL-BELGIUM:TWA 1 mg/m3;STEL 2 mg/m3 OEL-D
ENMARK:TWA 1 mg/m3 OEL-FINLAND:TWA 1 mg/m3;STEL 3 mg/m3 OEL-FRANCE:T
WA 1 mg/m3 OEL-THE NETHERLANDS:TWA 1 mg/m3 OEL-THE PHILIPPINES:TWA 1
mg/m3 OEL-SWITZERLAND:TWA 1 mg/m3 OEL-UNITED KINGDOM:TWA 1 mg/m3;ST
EL 2 mg/m3 OEL IN BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN, KOREA check ACGIH TLV
OEL IN NEW ZEALAND, SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGI TLV

Section 16 - Additional Information

MSDS Creation Date: 12/12/1997
Revision #11 Date: 10/22/2003

The information above is believed to be accurate and represents the best information currently available to us. However, we make no warranty of merchantability or any other warranty, express or implied, with respect to such information, and we assume no liability resulting from its use. Users should make their own investigations to determine the suitability of the information for their particular purposes. In no event shall Fisher be liable for any claims, losses, or damages of any third party or for lost profits or any special, indirect, incidental, consequential or exemplary damages, howsoever arising, even if Fisher has been advised of the possibility of such damages.