GPS Product Safety Summary
Document Number: GPSSR-17
PHOSPHORIC ACID
GENERAL STATEMENT
GPS summary is intended to provide a general overview of the chemical substances in context of ICCA Global
Product Strategy. The information in the summary is general information about the chemical properties &
hazards involved to human & environment. It is not intended to provide an in-depth discussion of health and
safety information. Additional information is available through the relevant Safety Data Sheet, which should be
consulted before use of the chemical.
Phosphoric acid is typically present in consumer products in low concentrations. It is used as co-formulant in
polishes and waxes, use of polishes in spray, and waxes/cream for floor, furniture, shoes, etc., as washing and
cleaning agent in household washing and cleaning products containing phosphoric acid to remove mineral
deposits and hard water stains. It is also used in household fertilizers, use of liquid and soluble liquid or solid
fertilizers, in batteries as electrolyte system, fuel cells and other closed systems & in cosmetic as an additive and
used as food additive.
CHEMICAL IDENTITY
Name
EC Number
EC Name
CAS Number
Molecular formula
Molecular Weight Range
Structural formula
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
Phosphoric acid
231-633-2
orthophosphoric acid
7664-38-2
H3O4P
98 g/mol
USES AND APPLICATIONS
The main uses of Phosphoric acid are synthesis of mineral fertilisers and inorganic phosphates, processing aid
for metal treatment and chemical industry, ingredient of fertilisers, cleaning agents, cosmetic, pharmaceutical,
biocidal products, food/feedstuff additives and laboratory chemicals.
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GPS Product Safety Summary
PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Property
Physical state (at 20 °C &
1013 hPa)
Colour
Relative Density
Melting / freezing point
Boiling point
Water solubility
Vapour pressure
Oxidizing properties
Explosive Properties
Flammability
Dissociation constant
Viscosity
Value
Solid / Liquid
clear colorless/transparent solid,
colourless viscous liquid
1.840 at 38 °C
41.1 °C at 1013 hPa
296.5 °C at 1013 hPa
1000 g/L at 20°C
4 Pa at 20 °C
Oxidising properties not to be expected (structure)
Explosive properties not to be expected (structure)
Flammability not to be expected (structure)
pKa1 = 2.1, pKa2 = 7.2, pKa3 = 12.3 at 20 deg C
1.1 cP (mPa.s) at 5% Phosphoric Acid to 600 cP (mPa.s) at 105% Phosphoric
Acid, at 20°C.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Human Health Safety Assessment
Phosphoric acid causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Consumer : consumer products containing phosphoric acid are polishes and waxes, washing and cleaning
products, fertilizers and soldering aids. Safety advices are provided by resistant labelling-package labels and,
depending on the phosphoric acid concentration in the mixture, child-resistant fastening and tactile warning of
danger. Phosphoric acid is not provided as such to consumers and general public.
Worker : Phosphoric acid is manufactured by a controlled process in order to avoid irritating mists, sprayings and
potential splashes. In addition general ventilation/local exhaust ventilation and personal protective equipment
have to be applied. Hence little potential exists for exposure of workers. In case of unintended exposure during
maintenance, sampling, testing, or other procedures, workers should follow the recommended safety and firstaid measures in the Safety Data Sheet.
Effect Assessment
Acute Toxicity
Oral/Inhalation/Dermal
Irritant effect on skin &
eyes
Sensitisation
Genotoxicity /
Mutagenicity
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Results
No acute oral toxicity
No dermal and inhalation toxicity to be expected
Corrosive to skin
Causes serious eye damage
Corrosive to skin and therefore not tested
Not mutagenic in genetic toxicity in-vitro
GPS Product Safety Summary
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
Environment Safety Assessment
Low pH caused by adding phosphoric acid can result in toxic effects of aquatic organisms.
No environmental classification is proposed since no (adverse) effects have been observed in the ecotoxicological
testing in pH neutral test solutions (see below).
Effect Assessment
Acute Fish toxicity
Acute Daphnia toxicity
Algae toxicity
Results
No toxicity to be expected at pH 6 - 9
Not toxic with pH adjusted to neutral
Not toxic with pH adjusted to neutral
Fate and Behaviour
Biodegradation
Bioaccumulation
potential
PBT / vPvB conclusion
Results
Not applicable to inorganic substances
No bioaccumulation potential
Criteria for identification of PBT- and vPvB substances not applicable to
inorganic substances
EXPOSURE
Human Health : Exposure to Phosphoric acid of personnel in manufacturing facilities is considered low because
the process, storage and handling operations are under industrial hygiene considerations and occupational safety
measures for dangerous substances . Workers who might accidentally come in contact with the substance should
follow the safety and first-aid measures recommended in the Safety Data Sheet.
Phosphorous compounds are an important component of living matter and all organisms contain a certain
quantity. Phosphoric acid can be readily utilized by aquatic/terrestrial plants and microorganisms. Due to its high
water solubility and low vapour pressure phosphoric acid is mainly found in soil and water compartments. A pH
range of 6-9 is generally considered safe for aquatic organisms.
RISK MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
•
Consumer : Phosphoric acid is corrosive to skin and causes severe eye damage. It is not provided as such to
consumers and general public. It is used in formulations which are available to general public as various
cleaning products, including polishes and waxes, some household fertilizers (garden products). In general
terms the concentration of phosphoric acid in these products are low and rarely exceed 10 %. For products
containing phosphoric acid at concentration > 10%, keep them out of reach of children, keep away from eyes,
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GPS Product Safety Summary
use proper PPEs, if product gets into eyes rinse thoroughly with water, rinse and dry hands after use, do not
ingest, if the product is ingested then seek medical advice, do not change container to store contents, do not
mix with other products, do not apply product into ventilator openings or slots & ventilate the room after
use.
STATE AGENCY REVIEW
This substance has been registered under REACH.
REGULATORY INFORMATION / CLASSIFICATION AND LABELLING
Labeling according CLP regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008, as amended) for concentrations ≥ 25 %:
Signal word: Danger
Hazard pictogram:
GHS05: corrosion
Hazard statements:
H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Precautionary statements:
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face
protection.
P301 + P330 + P331 IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P303 + P361 + P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off immediately all
contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
P305 + P351 + P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue
rinsing.
P308 IF exposed or concerned:
P310 Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
CONCLUSION
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GPS Product Safety Summary
CONTACT INFORMATION WITHIN COMPANY
Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH
65926 Frankfurt am Main
Telephone no. : +49 69 305 18000
GLOSSARY
Acute toxicity: harmful effects after a single exposure
Biodegradable: breakdown of materials by a physiological environment
Bioaccumulation : accumulation of substances in the environment
Carcinogenicity: effects causing cancer
Chronic toxicity: harmful effects after repeated exposures
Clastogen: a substance that causes breaks in chromosomes
Embryotoxicity: harmful effects on foetal health
GHS: Global Harmonized System
Hazard: situation bearing a threat to health and environment
Mutagenicity: effects that change genes
Reprotoxicity: combining teratogenicity, embryotoxicity and harmful effects on fertility
Sensitising: allergenic
Teratogenic: effects on foetal morphology
DATE OF ISSUE
January 2012
REVISION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this paper is intended as advice only and whilst the information is provided in
utmost good faith and has been based on the best information currently available, is to be relied upon at the
user’s own risk.
No representations or warranties are made with regards to its completeness or accuracy and no liability will be
accepted by Clariant for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance on the
information.
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