POSPHORIC
ACID
POSPHORIC ACID
CASRN: 7664-38-2
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/~AAAKiaGco:1
Human Health Effects:
Human Toxicity Excerpts:
A railroad accident in
Somerville, Massachusetts led to a phosphorus trichloride liquid spillage.
Attempted clean up with water led to the liberation of phosphorus trichloride,
phosphorus acid, hydrogen chloride, and phosphorous oxides. Seventeen people
exposed to this mixture were studied. Patients experienced eye irritation,
lacrimation, nausea, vomiting, and dyspnea. Six patients had transient lactic
dehydrogenase elevation. Although all patients had normal chest roentgenographic
findings, pulmonary function tests showed statistically significant decreases in
vital capacity (p= 0.02), maximal breathing capacity (p= 0.02), and forced
expiratory volume vital capacity (p= 0.05) in those closest to the accident
site. Patients exposed < 1.5 hr had significantly greater maximal expiratory
flow rates at 25% of vital capacity when compared with patients who had been
exposed longer (p= 0.02). In seven patients, repeated pulmonary function tests
one month later showed improvement, suggesting that the acute effects may have
been due to phosphorus acid toxicity. /Phosphorus trichloride/
SYMPTOMATOLOGY (AFTER
INGESTION OR SKIN CONTACT): 1) CORROSION OF MUCOUS MEMBRANES OF MOUTH, THROAT,
AND ESOPHAGUS, WITH IMMEDIATE PAIN AND DYSPHAGIA. THE NECROTIC AREAS ARE AT
FIRST GRAYISH WHITE BUT SOON ACQUIRE A BLACKISH DISCOLORATION AND SOMETIMES A
SHRUNKEN OR WRINKLED TEXTURE; THE PROCESS IS DESCRIBED AS A "COAGULATION
NECROSIS." 2) EPIGASTRIC PAIN, WHICH MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH NAUSEA AND THE
VOMITING OF MUCOID AND "COFFEE-GROUND" MATERIAL. AT TIMES, GASTRIC
HEMORRHAGE MAY BE INTENSE, AND THE VOMITUS THEN CONTAINS FRESH BLOOD. PROFOUND
THRIST. 3) ULCERATION OF ALL MEMBRANES AND TISSUES WITH WHICH THE ACID COMES IN
CONTACT. ... 4) CIRCULATORY COLLAPSE WITH CLAMMY SKIN, WEAK AND RAPID PULSE,
SHALLOW RESPIRATIONS, AND SCANTY URINE. CIRCULATORY SHOCK IS OFTEN THE IMMEDIATE
CAUSE OF DEATH. 5) ASPHYXIAL DEATH DUE TO GLOTTIC EDEMA. 6) LATE ESOPHAGEAL,
GASTRIC AND PYLORIC STRICTURES AND STENOSES, WHICH MAY REQUIRE MAJOR SURGICAL
REPAIR, SHOULD BE ANTICIPATED. SIGNS OF OBSTRUCTION COMMONLY APPEAR WITHIN A FEW
WEEKS BUT MAY BE DELAYED FOR MONTHS AND EVEN YEARS. PERMANENT SCARS MAY ALSO
APPEAR IN THE CORNEA, SKIN AND OROPHARYNX. 7) UNCORRECTED CIRCULATORY COLLAPSE
OF SEVERAL HOURS' DURATION MAY LEAD TO RENAL FAILURE AND ISCHEMIC LESIONS IN THE
LIVER AND HEART. /ACIDS/
Phosphoric acid is not
irritating to the eyes or respiratory tract, unless it is introduced into the
atmosphere as a spray or mist, because phosphoric acid has a low vapor pressure
at room temperature.
Symptoms: Conjunctivitis,
burns, irritant to trachea, nausea and vomiting by swallowing, stomachache,
diarrhea, acid intoxication, shock.
Phosphoric acid (orthophosphoric
acid, metaphosphoric acid) topically may irritate and injure the eyes, owing to
its acidity, but systemically phosphate has no poisonous action on the eye.
Tested on human eyes, 0.16 M orthophosphoric acid buffered to pH 2.5 caused
moderate brief stinging sensation but no injury when applied as a single drop. A
drop of the same solution adjusted to pH 3.4 caused no discomfort.
Human Toxicity Values:
TCLo inhalation human 100
mg/cu m
Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:
Causes severe eye and skin
irritation.
Phosphoric acid mist is an
irritant to the eyes, upper respiratory tract, and skin. The solid is especially
irritating to the skin in the presence of moisture ... A dilute solution
buffered to pH 2.5 caused a moderate, brief stinging sensation but no injury
when dropped in the human eye. A 75% solution will cause severe skin burns.
Drug Warnings:
ACID CLEANING: ACIDS SUCH AS
SULFURIC ... PHOSPHORIC, SOMETIMES WITH CHROMIC OR HYDROFLUORIC, ARE USED IN
WATER SOLUTIONS & THEIR SPLASH HAZARD & CORROSIVE ACTION ON SKIN,
CLOTHING, & MACHINERY ARE WELL RECOGNIZED. BUBBLES OF HYDROGEN RISING FROM
BATH CARRY INVISIBLE ACID MIST. ...
Splash contact of concentrated
strong acids, such as ... phosphoric/acid/, ... can prove as, severely and
devastatingly injurious to the eye as splashes of strong alkalies.
Medical Surveillance:
Initial medical examination:
Employees should be screened for history of certain medical conditions (chronic
respiratory disease, skin disease) which might place the employee at increased
risk from phosphoric acid exposure. Periodic medical examination: Any employee
developing impaired pulmonary function or dermatitis should be referred for
further medical examination.
Populations at Special Risk:
Chronic pulmonary disease: In
persons with impaired pulmonary function, especially those with obstructive
airway diseases, the breathing of phosphoric acid dust or mist might cause
exacerbation of symptoms due to its irritant properties. Skin disease:
Phosphoric acid dust, mist, or solutions may cause dermatitis. Persons with
pre-existing skin disorders may be more susceptible to the effects of this
agent.
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
Inhalation of mist, ingestion,
eye, and skin contact. /Occupational exposure/
Antidote and Emergency Treatment:
Irrigate eyes with water; wash
contaminated part of body with soap and water; gastric lavage (stomach wash)
taking care not to perforate the gastrointestinal tract, if swallowed.
Basic treatment: Establish a
patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory
insufficiency and assist respirations if needed. Administer oxygen by
nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if
necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . For eye
contamination, flush the eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye
continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics.
Activated charcoal is not effective. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5
mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patent can swallow, has a strong
gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Do not attempt to neutralize because of
exothermic reaction. Cover skin burns with dry, sterile dressings after
decontamination ... . /Inorganic Acids and Related compounds/
Advanced treatment: Consider
orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is
unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in respiratory arrest. Early
intubation, at the first sign of upper airway obstruction, may be necessary.
Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be
beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... .
Start an IV of D5W TKO /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use
lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid
overload. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . For hypotension with
signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if
patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid
overload ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... .
/Inorganic Acids and Related compounds/
Animal Toxicity Studies:
Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts:
IRRIGATION OF RABBIT'S EYE FOR
FIVE MIN WITH ORTHOPHOSPHORIC ACID DILUTED TO PH 3.8 CAUSED SLIGHT TRANSIENT
EPITHELIAL EDEMA & CONJUNCTIVAL HYPEREMIA BUT EYE WAS COMPLETELY NORMAL BY
NEXT DAY.
Plant foliage (peas, beans,
beets, rape, and weeds) were destroyed by spraying with 15-20% phosphoric acid.
The concentration of hydrogen
ions which caused 50% mortality of bluegill in 96 hr was between pH 3.5 and 3.0
for sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid and hydrochloric acid.
Therefore, it appears that any contribution by the anions of these acids to fish
toxicity is similar. Thus, the quantity rather than the quality of acids is the
primary factor in fish toxicity brought about by acid precipitaiton. At
sublethal concentration of acids, bluegill became hypoactive with respect to
their swimming behavior.
Non-Human Toxicity Values:
LD50 Rat oral 1530 mg/kg
LD50 Rabbit skin 2740 mg/kg
Ecotoxicity Values:
TLm mosquito fish 138
mg/l/24-96 hr in turbid water at 22-24 deg C. /Conditions of bioassay not
specified/
Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption, Distribution & Excretion:
The hygroscopic growth of
phosphoric acid aerosol (diameter change > 0.5 micrometers) within the human
tracheobronchial tree is modeled to investigate changes in deposition
characteristics when compared to nonhygroscopic aerosols of identical
preinspired size. Phosphoric acid particles are assumed to grow in a stepwise
fashion to 99% relative humidity within conducting airways of the lung, having
initially reached equilibrium at 90% relative humidity (T= 37 degrees) in the
trachea. Deposition efficiencies for growth and no growth are calculated from
theoretical equations for inertial impaction, sedimentation, and diffusion. The
results show that neglecting the growth of an inhaled phosphoric acid aerosol
may result in underestimation of the total deliverable dose by a factor of as
much as 600-700%. Significant differences in regional deposition sites for
hygroscopic or nonhygroscopic aerosols are predicted. Increased deposition
efficiencies imply that measured physical properties (respirable fraction,
aerodynamic diameter) of aerosols alone are not sufficient to assess deposition
characteristics within the lung; hygroscopic growth must also be considered.
/Ortho/ phosphate is absorbed
from, and to a limited extent secreted into, the gastrointestinal tract.
Transport of phosphate from the gut lumen is an active, energy-dependent process
that is modified by several factors. ... Vitamin D stimulates phosphate
absorption, an effect reported to precede its action on calcium ion transport.
In adults, about two thirds of the ingested phosphate is absorbed, and that
which is absorbed is almost entirely excreted into the urine. In growing
children, phosphate balance is positive. Concentrations of phosphate in plasma
are higher in children than in adults. This "hyperphosphatemia"
decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen and is hypothesized to explain
the physiological "anemia" of childhood. /Phosphates/
Pharmacology:
Therapeutic Uses:
DILUTED PHOSPHORIC ACID
NATIONAL FORMULARY: IT HAS ... BEEN EMPLOYED IN LEAD POISONING AND IN OTHER
CONDITIONS IN WHICH IT IS DESIRED TO ADMINISTER LARGE AMT OF PHOSPHATE AND @
SAME TIME PRODUCE MILD ACIDOSIS. IT HAS BEEN GIVEN IN DOSE OF 60 ML DAILY (5
ML/HR) UNDER CAREFULLY CONTROLLED CONDITIONS.
Phosphoric acid is used ... to
control the pH of the urinary tract in many animals, particularly in mink and
cats, to prevent stone formation.
Pharmaceutic aid (solvent).
MEDICATION (VET): HAS BEEN
USED TO TREAT LEAD POISONING.
Drug Warnings:
ACID CLEANING: ACIDS SUCH AS
SULFURIC ... PHOSPHORIC, SOMETIMES WITH CHROMIC OR HYDROFLUORIC, ARE USED IN
WATER SOLUTIONS & THEIR SPLASH HAZARD & CORROSIVE ACTION ON SKIN,
CLOTHING, & MACHINERY ARE WELL RECOGNIZED. BUBBLES OF HYDROGEN RISING FROM
BATH CARRY INVISIBLE ACID MIST. ...
Splash contact of concentrated
strong acids, such as ... phosphoric/acid/, ... can prove as, severely and
devastatingly injurious to the eye as splashes of strong alkalies.
Bionecessity:
Inorganic nutrient
requirements for Candida utilis grown on ethanol: 2-4 g of phosphorus is the
nutrient input per 100 g of cells produced. Orthophosphoric acid is the typical
source.
Environmental Fate & Exposure:
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
Inhalation of mist, ingestion,
eye, and skin contact. /Occupational exposure/
Natural Pollution Sources:
... PHOSPHORIC ACID, IS A
NATURAL CONSTITUENT OF MANY FRUITS AND THEIR JUICES.
Environmental Fate:
Aquatic Fate: While acidity
may be reduced readily by natural water hardness minerals, the phosphate may
persist indefinitely.
Soil Adsorption/Mobility:
When spilled onto soil,
phosphoric acid will infiltrate downward, the rate being greater with lower
concentration because of reduced viscosity. ... During transport through the
soil, phosphoric acid will dissolve some of the soil material, in particular,
carbonate-based materials. The acid will be neutralized to some degree with
adsorption of the proton and phosphate ions also possible. However, significant
amounts of acid will remain for transport down toward the groundwater table.
Upon reaching the groundwater table, the acid will continue to move in the
direction of groundwater flow. A contaminated plume will be produced with
dilution and dispersion serving to reduce the acid concentration.
Environmental Standards & Regulations:
FIFRA Requirements:
Residues of phosphoric acid
are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a buffer in
accordance with good agricultural practices as inert (or occasionally active)
ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw
agricultural commodities after harvest.
As the federal pesticide law
FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to
consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their
future use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health and
safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before
November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration.
In addition, all pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food
Quality Protection Act of 1996. Pesticides for which EPA had not issued
Registration Standards prior to the effective date of FIFRA, as amended in 1988,
were divided into three lists based upon their potential for human exposure and
other factors, with List B containing pesticides of greater concern and List D
pesticides of less concern. Phosphoric acid is found on List D. Case No: 4064;
Pesticide type: fungicide, herbicide, and antimicrobial; Case Status: RED
Approved 02/94; OPP has made a decision that some/all uses of the pesticide are
eligible for reregistration, as reflected in a Reregistration Eligibility
Decision (RED) document .; Active ingredient (AI): Phosphoric acid; AI Status:
OPP has completed a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document for the
case/AI.
Acceptable Daily Intakes:
FAO/WHO EXPERT COMMITTEE ON
FOOD ADDITIVES...RECOMMENDED.../LEVELS/ FOR TOTAL DIETARY
PHOSPHORUS...UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE LEVEL /OF LESS THAN 30 MG/KG BODY WT/ IS
CONSIDERED SAFE IN ANY TYPE OF DIET...CONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE LEVEL /OF 30-70
MG/KG BODY WT/ IS ACCEPTABLE ONLY WHEN DIETARY CALCIUM LEVEL IS HIGH
/PHOSPHATES/
CERCLA Reportable Quantities:
Persons in charge of vessels
or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC)
immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in
an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 5000 lb or 2270
kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C.
metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The rule for determining when notification is
required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
FDA Requirements:
Phosphoric acid used as a
multiple purpose GRAS food substance in food for human consumption is generally
recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.
Phosphoric acid used as a
general purpose food additive in animal drugs, feeds, and related products is
generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing or
feeding practice.
Allowable Tolerances:
Residues of phosphoric acid
are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a buffer in
accordance with good agricultural practices as inert (or occasionally active)
ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw
agricultural commodities after harvest.
Chemical/Physical Properties:
Molecular Formula:
H3-O4-P
Molecular Weight:
98.00
Color/Form:
Unstable orthorhombic crystals
or clear syrupy liquid
Colorless, sparkling liquid or
transparent, crystalline solid, depending on concentration and temperature. At
20 deg C the 50% and 75% strengths are mobile liquids, the 85% is of syrupy
consistency; the 100% acid is in the form of crystals.
Odor:
Odorless
Taste:
Pleasing acid taste when
suitably diluted
Boiling Point:
At 213 deg C losing 1/2 water
Melting Point:
42.35 deg C
Corrosivity:
Corrosive to ferrous metals
& alloys
Density/Specific Gravity:
1.834 at 18 deg C
Dissociation Constants:
Tribasic acid: pK1: 2.15; pK2:
7.09; pK3: 12.32
pH:
1.5 (0.1 N aq soln)
Solubilities:
Sol in alcohol; sol in 8 vol
of 3:1 ether:alcohol mixt
VERY SOL IN HOT WATER; 548 G
SOL IN 100 CC COLD WATER
Spectral Properties:
Index of refraction: 1.34203 @
17.5 deg C/D, 10% soln; 1.35032 @ 17.5 deg C/D, 20% soln; 1.35846 @ 17.5 deg
C/D, 30% soln
Vapor Density:
3.4 (air= 1 at the boiling
point of phosphoric acid)
Vapor Pressure:
0.0285 torr @ 20 DEG C
Viscosity:
3.86 mPa.s (40% solution at 20
deg C).
Other Chemical/Physical Properties:
PH: 2.0-2.2 /DETERMINED IN 1%
SOLN AND IN 10-50% SLURRIES OF INSOL COMPOUNDS/
IT FORMS 3 SERIES OF SALTS:
PRIMARY PHOSPHATES; DIBASIC PHOSPHATES; AND TRIBASIC PHOSPHATES.
Easily supercooled into a
glass; Heat of formation (crystalline): -306.2 Kcal/mol; Heat of soln: +2.79
Kcal/mol.
Acid containing about 88%
orthophosphoric acid will frequently crystallize on prolonged cooling, forms
hemihydrate; becomes anhyd @ 150 deg C, gradually changes to pyrophosphoric acid
@ about 200 deg C; above 300 deg C, metaphosphoric acid; hot concn acid attacks
porcelain & granite ware.
DELIQUESCENT
Melting point: 75% -17.5 deg
C; 80% 4.6 deg C; 85% 21 deg C.
Density at 25 deg C: 75%
1.574; 80% 1.628; 85% 1.685.
Hygroscopic; Latent heat of
fusion = 10.5 kJ/mol at the melting point; Heat capacity at constant pressure =
106.2 J/mole (25 deg C).
/Bulk density =/ 15.6 lb/gal.
/Phosphoric acid, liquid or solution/
Phosphoric acid is a chelating
agent.
Density @ 25 deg C: 1.8741
(100% soln); 1.6850 (85% soln); 1.3334 (50% soln); 1.0523 (10% soln) /Phosphoric
acid solutions/
Chemical Safety & Handling:
DOT Emergency Guidelines:
Health: TOXIC, inhalation,
ingestion, or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death.
Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any
skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce
irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution
water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. /Phosphoric acid/
Fire or explosion:
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating
to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite
combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve
flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. /Phosphoric acid/
Public safety: ... Isolate
spill or leak area immediately for at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) in
all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low
areas. Ventilate enclosed areas. /Phosphoric acid/
Protective clothing: Wear
positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical
protective clothing which is specifically recommended by the manufacturer.
Structural firefighters' protective clothing is recommended for fire situations
ONLY, it is not effective in spill situations. /Phosphoric acid/
Evacuation: Spill: Fire: If
tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2
mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2
mile) in all directions. /Phosphoric acid/
Fire: Small fires: Dry
chemical, CO2 or water spray. Large fires: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant
foam or water spray. Move containers from fire area if you can do it without
risk. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material.
Fire involving tanks or car/trailer loads: Fight fire from maximum distance or
use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside
containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after
fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety
devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from the ends of tanks.
/Phosphoric acid/
Spill or leak: ELIMINATE all
ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do
not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate
protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into
waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth,
sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET
WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. /Phosphoric acid/
First aid: Move victim to
fresh air. Call emergency medical care. Apply artificial respiration if victim
is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled
the substance; induce artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask
equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device.
Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated
clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or
eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact, avoid
spreading material on unaffected skin. Keep victim warm and quiet. Effects of
exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.
Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, and take
precautions to protect themselves. /Phosphoric acid/
Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:
Causes severe eye and skin
irritation.
Phosphoric acid mist is an
irritant to the eyes, upper respiratory tract, and skin. The solid is especially
irritating to the skin in the presence of moisture ... A dilute solution
buffered to pH 2.5 caused a moderate, brief stinging sensation but no injury
when dropped in the human eye. A 75% solution will cause severe skin burns.
Fire Potential:
NOT COMBUSTIBLE.
NFPA Hazard Classification:
Health: 3. 3= Materials that,
on short exposure, could cause serious temporary or residual injury, including
those requiring protection from all bodily contact. Fire fighters may enter the
area only if they are protected from all contact with the material. Full
protective clothing, including self-contained breathing apparatus, coat, pants,
gloves, boots and bands around legs, arms, and waist, should be provided. No
skin surface should be exposed.
Flammability: 0. 0= This
degree includes any material that will not burn.
Reactivity: 0. 0= This degree
includes materials that are normally stable, even under fire exposure
conditions, and that do not react with water. Normal fire fighting procedures
may be used.
Fire Fighting Procedures:
Use water spray to keep
fire-exposed containers cool. Extinguish fire using agent suitable for
surrounding fire.
If material /is/ on fire or
involved in /a/ fire, extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of
surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use
water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all containers with flooding
quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible.
Toxic Combustion Products:
... Combustion by-products
include oxides of phosphorus.
Firefighting Hazards:
Flammable /hydrogen/ gas is
formed on contact with metals.
Hazardous Reactivities & Incompatibilities:
Reacts with metals to liberate
flammable hydrogen gas.
With sodium tetrahydroborate:
Interaction of sodium and other tetrahydroborates with anhydrous acids
(phosphoric acid) to generate diborane is very exothermic, and may be
dangerously violent with rapid mixing.
Heat generated with: Alcohols
and glycols; Aldehydes; Amides; Amines; Azo-compounds; Carbamates; Caustics;
Esters; Ketones; Phenols and cresols; Organophosphates; Epoxides; Combustible
materials; Explosives; Unsaturated halides; And organic peroxides.
Formation of flammable gases
with: Aldehydes; Cyanides; Mercaptans; and sulfides. Formation of toxic fumes
with: Cyanides; Fluorides; Halogenated organics; Sulfides; And organic
peroxides.
With chlorides and stainless
steel: Presence of traces of chloride ion in technical 75% phosphoric acid in a
closed stainless storage tank caused corrosive liberation of hydrogen which
later exploded at a sparking contact.
Hot, dilute phosphoric acid
reacts with nickel carbonate to form trinickel orthophosphate.
Reacts with strong alkalies
and most metals.
Strong caustics, most metals
[Note: Readily reacts with metals to form flammable hydrogen gas. DO NOT MIX
WITH SOLUTIONS CONTAINING BLEACH OR AMMONIA].
Mixtures with nitromethane are
explosive. Reacts with chlorides + stainless steel to form explosive hydrogen
gas.
Hazardous Decomposition:
Oxides of phosphorus are
formed during thermal decomposition.
Decomposition products:
converted to pyrophosphoric acid (H4P2O7) when heated to 213 deg C.
Hazardous Polymerization:
Violent polymerization with:
Azo compounds; Epoxides; And polymerizable compounds.
Other Hazardous Reaction:
Evolves hydrogen on contact
with most metals.
Prior History of Accidents:
In a train derailment near an
urban area, one of the five derailed tank cars was ruptured and spilled
approximately 114,000 liters of phosphoric acid. Response personnel arrived at
the spill site and contained the spilled product. The collected acid was then
removed to a local landfill site, where it was dumped in a pit lined with lime.
More lime was added until the mixture solidified. The mixture was subsequently
spread over a nearby field as fertilizer.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health:
1000 mg/cu m
Protective Equipment & Clothing:
Goggles or face shield
Wear rubber gloves, and
overalls prepared with a total seal.
Wear special protective
clothing and positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.
Respiratory protection
(supplied-air respirator with full facepiece or self-contained breathing
apparatus) should be available where these compounds are manufactured or used
and should be worn in case of emergency and overexposure. /Phosphorus compounds/
Wear appropriate personal
protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
Wear appropriate eye
protection to prevent eye contact.
Eyewash fountains should be
provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed
to liquids containing > 1.6% of contaminant; this is irrespective of the
recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
Facilities for quickly
drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for
emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure with liquids containing
> 1.6% of contaminant. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a
sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any
body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an
adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain
instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the
availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.]
Recommendations for respirator
selection. Max concn for use: 25 mg/cu m. Respirator Class(es): Any supplied-air
respirator operated in a continuous flow mode. May require eye protection.
Recommendations for respirator
selection. Max concn for use: 50 mg/cu m. Respirator Class(es): Any
air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with a high-efficiency particulate
filter. Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece. Any
supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece.
Recommendations for respirator
selection. Max concn for use: 1000 mg/cu m. Respirator Class(es): Any
supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a
pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
Recommendations for respirator
selection. Condition: Emergency or planned entry into unknown concn or IDLH
conditions: Respirator Class(es): Any self-contained breathing apparatus that
has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other
positive-pressure mode. Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece
and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in
combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in
pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
Recommendations for respirator
selection. Condition: Escape from suddenly occurring respiratory hazards:
Respirator Class(es): Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with a
high-efficiency particulate filter. Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained
breathing apparatus.
Preventive Measures:
Contact lenses should not be
worn when working with this chemical.
VENTILATION CONTROL: ACID
CLEANING: NATURE & EXTENT OF VENTILATION CONTROL REQUIRED DEPENDS ON RATE OF
ACID MIST ESCAPE; WHERE EXPOSURE ... MILD ... ADDN OF INHIBITOR MAY MAKE PROCESS
OR SLOT VENTILATION UNNECESSARY. INHIBITORS SHOULD NEVER BE ADDED TO
AUTOMATICALLY TIMED CONVEYORIZED JOB WITHOUT ADJUSTMENT ... .
PHOSPHORIC ACID SOLN IN WATER
IS USED ALONE OR WITH A MIXTURE OF ALCOHOLS AND ETHERS, INCLUDING BUTYL
CELLOSOLVE, TO REMOVE LIGHT RUST ON STEEL ... IF MISTS, FOGS, OR ELEVATED
TEMPERATURES ARE INVOLVED, VENTILATION CONTROL IS NECESSARY.
IN PRESENCE OF IMPURITIES IN
METALS, NASCENT HYDROGEN MAY BE GENERATED WHICH COULD LEAD TO FORMATION OF
PHOSPHINE GAS. IT IS NECESSARY TO AVOID INHALATION OF VAPORS COMING FROM
PHOSPHORIC ACID METAL CLEANING TANKS. SLOTTED LOCAL EXHAUST VENTILATION @ UPPER
EDGES OF ... TANKS ... RECOMMENDED.
Clothing contaminated with
phosphoric acid should be placed in closed containers for storage until it can
be discarded or until provision is made for the removal of phosphoric acid from
the clothing. If the clothing is to be laundered or otherwise cleaned to remove
the phosphoric acid, the person performing the operation should be informed of
phosphoric acid's hazardous properties.
Non-impervious clothing which
becomes contaminated with phosphoric acid should be removed immediately and not
reworn until the phosphoric acid is removed from the clothing.
Avoid breathing vapors. Keep
upwind. Avoid bodily contact with the material. Do not handle broken packages
without protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have contacted
the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water.
The worker should immediately
wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.
Work clothing that becomes wet
or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.
Workers whose clothing may
have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before
leaving the work premises.
SRP: The scientific literature
for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or
detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the
substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance,
characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection
equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual
substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of
contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact
lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment
should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
SRP: Contaminated protective
clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct
personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing.
Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures
should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned
for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end
of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.
Shipment Methods and Regulations:
No person may /transport,/
offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that
person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly
classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as
required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR
171-177)./
The International Air
Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the
IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and
constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA
Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.
The International Maritime
Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous
chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of
recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such
substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This
index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate
procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.
Storage Conditions:
STORE IN COOL, DRY,
WELL-VENTILATED LOCATION. SEPARATE FROM ALKALIES AND MOST METALS.
The hot concentrated acid
attacks porcelain and granite ware. Phosphoric acid may be stored in suitable
stainless steel containers.
Cleanup Methods:
1. Ventilate area of spill or
leak. 2. If in the solid form, collect spilled material in the most convenient
and safe manner for reclamation or for disposal in a secured sanitary landfill.
3. If in the liquid form, collect for reclamation or absorb in vermiculite, dry
sand, earth, or a similar material.
Cellosized absorbent material
may be used for vapor suppression and containment of spills.
Air spill: Apply water spray
or mist to knock down vapors. Vapor knockdown water is corrosive or toxic and
should be diked for containment.
Water spill: Neutralize with
agricultural lime (slaked lime), crushed limestone, or sodium bicarbonate.
Adjust pH to neutral (pH-7). Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove
immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates.
Land spill: Dig a pit, pond,
lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits,
pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an
impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags,
foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash or
cement powder. Neutralize with agricultural lime, crushed limestone, or sodium
bicarbonate.
Disposal Methods:
SRP: At the time of review,
criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are
subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste
residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies
for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.
Following cleanup, separate
solids then precipitate with lime pH 11.0. ... An anionic polymer may be added
to assist in settling of the solids. ... If necessary, the water, after
treatment with lime, can pass through dual media filtration to remove the solids
and then neutralize with hydrochloric acid. ... Following neutralization either
at the spill site or at a waste management facility, the resultant sludge can be
disposed of in a secure landfill.
Technology appropriate for
incineration: Rotary kiln.
Technology appropriate for
incineration: Venturi scrubber.
Neutralization & landfill:
Neutralize with soda ash or soda ash-slaked lime mixture (1:1) and bury in an
approved landfill.
Occupational Exposure Standards:
OSHA Standards:
Permissible Exposure Limit:
Table Z-1 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 1 mg/cu m.
Vacated 1989 OSHA PEL TWA 1
mg/cu m; STEL 3 mg/cu m is still enforced in some states.
Threshold Limit Values:
8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA) 1
mg/cu m; 15 min Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) 3 mg/cu m
NIOSH Recommendations:
Recommended Exposure Limit: 10
Hr Time-Weighted avg: 1 mg/cu m.
Recommended Exposure Limit: 15
Min Short-Term Exposure Limit: 3 mg/cu m.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health:
1000 mg/cu m
Other Occupational Permissible Levels:
Australia: 1 mg/cu m, STEL 3
mg/cu m (1990); Sweden: 1 mg/cu m (mist), short-term value 3 mg/cu m, 15 min
(1990); United Kingdom: 1 mg/cu m, 10 min STEL 3 mg/cu m (1991)
Manufacturing/Use Information:
Major Uses:
Polymer gasoline catalyst;
etchant (semiconductor manufacture); acidulant (soft drinks; prepared foods);
aluminum brightening/anodizing agent; aluminum/steel/magnesium/zinc
anticorrosion treatment reagent; microbial fermentation nutrient; refractories
raw material.
In the manufacture of
superphosphates for fertilizers, other phosphate salts, polyphosphates,
detergents. Acid catalyst in making ethylene, purifying hydrogen peroxide. As
acidulant and flavor, synergistic antioxidant and sequestrant in food.
Pharmaceutic aid (solvent). In dental cements; process engraving; rustproofing
of metals before painting; coagulating rubber latex; as analytical reagent.
In gelatin mfr; in lakes in
cotton dyeing; soil stabilizer; waxes & polishes; binder for ceramics;
activated carbon.
MEDICATION (VET)
Manufacture of concentrated
superphosphates, various ammonium phosphates, and solid and liquid mixed
fertilizers. In direct application as a fertilizer in the West to calcareous
soils. /50% to 80% solutions/
The greatest consumption of
phosphoric acid is in the manufacture of phosphate salts, as opposed to the
direct use of the acid.
AS A WEAK ACID IN VARIOUS
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS.
Over 90% of the phosphoric
acid produced in the United States and worldwide is wet-process phosphoric acid
used almost exclusively for agricultural applications as both fertilizers and
animal feed supplements.
Although constituting a small
proportion of the total wet-acid production, a significant amount of phosphoric
acid for food and technical applications is made by purifying wet-process acid.
Manufacturers:
Agrium US Inc., Hq, 4582 South
Ulster Street, Suite 1400, Denver CO 80237, (303) 804-4400. Production site:
Soda Springs, ID 83276
Farmland Hydro, L.P., State
Road 640, Bartow, FL 33831, (813) 533-1141
IMC-Agrico Company, Hq, Old
Highway 37, P.O. Box 2000-1100, Mulbery, FL 33860, (941) 428-2500. Production
sites: Donaldson, LA 70346; Mulberry, FL 33860; Nichols, FL 33863; South Pierce,
FL 33830; Uncle Sam, LA 70792
SF Phosphates Limited Company,
515 So. Highway 430, P.O. Box 1789, Rock Springs, WY 82901, (307) 382-1400
U.S. Agri-Chemicals
Corporation, Hq, 3225 State Road 630 West, Fort Meade, FL 33841, (941) 285-8121.
Production site: Fort Meade, FL 33841
Mobil Corp, Hq, Mobil Oil
Corporation, 3225 Gallows Rd, Fairfax, VA 22037-0001; (703) 846-3000; Mobil
Mining & Minerals Company, PO Box 26683, Richmond, VA 23261; Production
site: Pasadena, TX 77501
PCS Nitrogen Fertilizer, L.P.,
6750 Poplar Avenue. Suite 600, Memphis, TN 38138-7419, (901) 758-5200.
Production site: Geismar, LA70734
PCS Phosphates Co., Inc., Hq,
P.O. Box 30321, Raleigh, NC 27622, (919) 881-2700. Production sites: Auroro, NC
27806; White Springs, FL 32096
Albright & Wilson
Americas, 4851 Lake Brook Drive, Glen Allen, VA 23060 (804)968-6300. Production
site: Charleston, SC 29405
Cargill Fertilizer, Inc., 8813
Hwy. 41 South, Riverview, FL 33569 (813) 671-6146. Production sites: Bartow, FL
33830; Riverview FL 33569
CF Industries Inc., Hq, 1
Salem Lake Drive, Long Grove, IL 60047, (708) 438-9500. Production site: Bartow
FL 33830; Plant City, FL 33566
Mulberry Phosphates, Inc.,
P.O. Drawer 797, Mulberry, FL 33860, (941) 425-1176
Piney Point Phosphates, Inc.,
Hq, 13300 U.S. Highway 41 North, Palmetto, FL 34221, (941) 722-4555. Production
site: Piney Point, FL 34221
J R Simplot Co, Hq, PO Box
912, Pocatello, ID 83204, (208) 238-2700; Minerals and Chemical Division, (same
address); Production site: Pocatello, ID 83204
U.S. Agri-Chemicals
Corporation, Hq, 3225 State Road 630 West, Fort Meade, FL 33841, (941) 285-8121.
Production site: Bartow, FL
Mississippi Phosphates Corp.,
P.O. Box 848, Pascagoula, MS 39568, (601) 762-3210
Rhone-Poulenc Inc., Chemical
Sector, Hq, CN 5266, Princeton, NJ 08543- 5266, (908) 297-1597. Production
sites: Geismar, LA 70734; Morrisville, PA 19067; Nashville, TN 37202
FMC Corporation, Chemical
Products Group, Alkali Chemicals Division, Phosporus Chemicals Division, Hq, 200
East Randolph Drive, Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 861-6000. Production sites:
Carteret, NJ 07008; Green River, WY 82935 Lawrence, KS 66044
Monsanto Company, Chemical
Group, Hq, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63167, (314) 694-1000.
Production sites: Carondelet, MO 63111; Augusta, GA 30903; Trenton, MI 48183
Purified Acid Partners, 4851
Lake Brook Dr., Glen Allen, VA 23060, (804) 968-6385. Production site: Aurora,
NC 27806
Methods of Manufacturing:
TWO NEW PROCESSES FOR THE
PRODUCTION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED; THE BESA-2 PROCESS, DEVELOPED
BY BOHNA ENGINEERING & RESEARCH, SAN FRANCISCO, AND OCCIDENTAL RESEARCH
CORP'S KPA PROCESS. IN THE BESA-2 PROCESS, PHOSPHATE ROCK AND SULFURIC ACID
REACT IN TWO STEPS. THE FIRST IS THE CONVENTIONAL MEANS OF PRODUCING SINGLE
SUPER-PHOSPHATE, GYPSUM, AND MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE. IN THE SECOND STEP, THERE IS
DIGESTION OF THE SINGLE SUPERPHOSPHATE IN METHANOL WITH SULFURIC ACID. THE
SECOND NEW METHOD, THE KPA PROCESS, REDUCES PHOSPHATE ORE TO PHOSPHORUS IN A
HIGH-TEMPERATURE ROTARY KILN. IT UTILIZES THE HEATS OF COMBUSTION OF PHOSPHORUS
AND CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE KILN TO PROVIDE MOST OF THE ENERGY REQUIRED FOR
REDUCTION AND REPLACES THE ELECTRIC POWER USED IN THE FURNACE PROCESS WITH
FOSSIL FUEL AS THE ENERGY SOURCE.
Wet-process acid is
manufactured by the digestion of phosphate rock (calcium phosphate) with
sulfuric acid. Other acids such as hydrochloric acid may be used, but the
sulfuric acid-based processes are by far the most prevalent. Phosphoric acid is
separated from the resultant calcium sulfate slurry by filtration.
Thermal (furnace) process:
White (yellow) phosphorus is burned in excess air and the resulting phosphorus
pentoxide is hydrated, heats of combustion and hydration are removed, and the
phosphoric acid mist collected.
General Manufacturing Information:
... CAN INACTIVATE METALLIC
IONS, WHICH ARE CAPABLE OF INTERFERING WITH NECESSARY FOOD-PROCESSING REACTIONS
... /INACTIVATION IS/ EITHER BY PPTN & REMOVING THEM FROM INTERFERENCE WITH
DESIRED FOOD-PROCESSING REACTIONS OR BY COMPLEXING & MAINTAINING THEM IN
SOL, BOUND STATE. /PHOSPHATES/
IT HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE
EXCELLENT ACIDIFYING AGENT IN FOOD APPLICATIONS. IT IS AVAILABLE COMMERCIALLY AS
VISCOUS, COLORLESS, SYRUPY LIQ, AND IT IS USUALLY SOLD ACCORDING TO ITS
PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE CONTENT.
A COMMERCIAL GRADE OF ACID IS
MADE BY ACTION OF SULFURIC ACID ON BONE ASH OR CALCIUM PHOSPHATE MINERALS. THE
CRUDE ACID SO OBTAINED IS UNFIT FOR MEDICINAL USE UNLESS IT IS PURIFIED. ... AS
A WEAK ACID IN VARIOUS PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS.
Phosphoric acid is the most
economical acidulant for carbonated beverages available.
Reagent grade concentrated
phosphoric acid is 85-87% (wt/wt) phosphoric acid (equivalent to about 17 M). It
appears to be as corrosive as sulfuric and hydrochloric acids.
Wet-process phosphoric acid
(53-54% P2O5), commonly referred to as merchant grade, is the type most widely
used as an intermediate in the production of phosphate fertilizers.
Pure solid H3PO4 contains
72.44% P2O5. The maximum concentration of the liquid phosphoric acid is 88%
H3PO4 or 63.75% P2O5.
Second largest volume mineral
acid produced, after sulfuric acid.
Thermal acid, manufactured
from elemental phosphorus, is more expensive and considerably purer than
wet-process acid, which is produced directly from phosphatic ores.
Industrial-grades (technical,
food, pharmaceutical, etc.) of phosphoric acid are made by the thermal route or
by purification of wet-process acid.
Because of environmental
concerns and related legislation, there has been a shift in production of
industrial-grade acid since the 1970's towards wet-acid purification and only
the most economically viable elemental phosphorus and thermal acid producers
remain in business.
About 84% of phosphate rock
production comes from North Carolina and Florida. The remaining U.S. production
is chiefly from Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming. Phosphate rock mined in
Florida has higher proportions of Fe, Al, Mg, and other impurities than in the
past. Western phosphates contain high proportions of these impurities. This has
resulted in substantial problems in beneficiation and wet-process phosphoric
acid production.
Formulations/Preparations:
COMMERCIAL PHOSPHORIC ACID,
CONTAINING 68.8% OR LESS OF PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE, IS COMPOSED ONLY OF MONOMERIC
PHOSPHORIC ACID, H3PO4. ... COMMERCIAL COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING MORE THAN 68.8%
PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE CONTAIN INCREASING QUANTITIES OF POLYMERS OF PHOSPHORIC
ACID.
PURE SOLID PHOSPHORIC ACID
CONTAINS 72.44% PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE. MAX CONCN OF LIQ PHOSPHORIC ACID IS 88%
PHOSPHORIC ACID, OR 63.75% PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE.
Polyphosphoric acid (mixture
of orthophosphoric acid with pyrophosphoric, triphosphoric, and higher acids and
is sold on the basis of its calculated HsPO4 content, e.g.; 115% phosphoric
acid. Super phosphoric acid is a similar mixtur solid at 105% HsPO4.
WET-PROCESS ACID, MERCHANT
GRADE, HAS MIN ASSAY OF 53.1%; PURIFIED WET-PROCESS ACID, TECH GRADE, HAS MIN
ASSAY OF 54%; THERMAL ACID, TECH GRADE, HAS MIN ASSAY OF 54.32%
WET ACID (MERCHANT GRADE) IS
53-54% PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE AND SUPERACID GRADE IS 68-70% PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE.
Reagent grade concentrated
phosphoric acid is 85-87% (wt/wt) phosphoric acid (equivalent to about 17 M).
Impurities:
THE FOLLOWING CHEMICALS APPEAR
AS IMPURITIES IN WET-PROCESS ACID-MERCHANT GRADE, PURIFIED WET-PROCESS ACID
TECHNICAL GRADE, AND THERMAL ACID-TECHNICAL GRADE, RESPECTIVELY: CALCIUM
MONOXIDE-0.06%, 0.005%, 0.01%; FLUORIDE-0.8%, 0.08%, <0.0001%; ALUMINUM
OXIDE-1.7%, 0.01%, 0.0003%; IRON OXIDE-1.23%, 0.007%, 0.004%; MAGNESIUM
OXIDE-0.58%, 0.003%, 0.0002%; POTASSIUM OXIDE-0.01%, 0%, 0.0007%; SODIUM
OXIDE-0.12%, 0.0025%; SILICON DIOXIDE-0.07%, 0.1%, 0.0015%; AND SULFATE-2.2%,
0.2%, >0.002%
Consumption Patterns:
75% IN MANUFACTURE OF
FERTILIZERS; 8% FOR MANUFACTURE OF AGRICULTURAL FEEDS; 11% FOR BUILDERS AND
WATER TREATMENT (USED IN DETERGENTS, PRE-SOAKS AND CLEANSERS); 2.5% IN
PRODUCTION OF FOODS, BEVERAGES, PET FOODS, AND DENTIFRICES; 1% IN DIRECT ACID
TREATMENT OF METAL SURFACES; 2.5% FOR MANUFACTURE OF FIRE CONTROL AGENTS,
ANTIFREEZE, CATALYSTS, DRILLING MUDS, AND PHOSPHORS, AND FOR REFRACTORIES,
TEXTILES AND OTHER MISC USES (1973)
END USE PATTERN-DERIVATIVE:
FERTILIZERS, 89%; ANIMAL FEEDS, 4%; DETERGENTS & WATER TREATMENT, 3%; FOOD
& BEVERAGES, 2%; METAL TREATMENTS, 1%; MISC, 1% (1983)
Phosphoric acid. Diammonium
phosphate, 20%; merchant shipments (for feed, industrial and blending
applications), 10%; superphosphoric acid (SPA), 7%; monoammonium phosphate
(MAP), 5.5%; triple-superphosphate (TSP), 4%; dry fertilizer exports, 41%
(including 75% diammonium phosphate, 20% TSP, 5% MAP); SPA exports, 7.5%;
phosphoric acid exports, 4%; miscellaneous, 1%.
Phosphoric acid. Diammonium
phosphate 49%; superphosphoric acid, 15%; monoammonium phosphate, 10%; triple
superphosphate, 8%; merchant shipments (including industrial and blending
applications), 6%; phosphoric acid export, 5%; animal feed, 4%; miscellaneous,
3%.
Builders and water treatment,
15%; foods, 13%; metals, 17%; others, 55%. /Industrial-grade phosphoric acid/
U. S. Production:
(1972) 5.99X10+12 GRAMS
(1975) 6.97X10+12 GRAMS
(1984) 1.03X10+13 g
Production by wet process was
10.947 tons and by the furnace process 0.611 million short tons in 1989.
(1990) 24.07 billion lb
(1991) 24.11 billion lb
(1991) 1.3058X10+7 metric tons
(1992) 25.58 billion lb
(1993) 23.04 billion lb
Annual production capacity
estimate as of 4/1/97 (P2O5 content basis): 11,080 thousand metric tons.
Industrial-grade (thousands of
tons/yr): 1991: 636; 1992: 555; 1993: 570.
Wet-process agricultural
(thousands of tons/yr): 1991: 9,300; 1992: 10,179; 1993: 8,532.
Phosphoric acid. Demand:
1988-1989 (fertilizer year): 11.0 million tons; 1989-1990: 11.2 million tons;
1993-1994 /projected/: 12.0 million tons. (Includes exports, but not imports,
which are negligible.)
Phosphoric acid. Demand: 1985:
10.1 million short tons; 1986: 9.4 million short tons; 1990 /projected/: 10.9
million short tons.
U. S. Imports:
(1972) 5.44X10+10 GRAMS
(1974) 3.63X10+10 GRAMS
U. S. Exports:
(1972) 2.0X10+10 GRAMS
(1974) 8.63X10+10 GRAMS
(1984) 1.35X10+10 G/OTHER THAN
FERTILIZER GRADE/
Laboratory Methods:
Clinical Laboratory Methods:
NIOSH Method 215. Analyte:
Inorganic phosphate. Specimen: Urine. Procedure: Spectrophotometry. For
inorganic phosphate this method has an estimated detection limit of 0.06
mg/ml/sample. the presision/RSD is 0.07 and the recovery is not given. The
working range is 0.6 to 6 mg/ml for a 25 ul sample. Interferences: Arsenate and
silicate will interfere at higher concentrations. Barium, lead, mercury, and
silver can interfere by forming a precipitate. /Inorganic phosphate/
Analytic Laboratory Methods:
Colorimetric methods may be
used to detect 1-20 mg/l in water.
Colorimetric methods may be
used to detect 0-20 ppm in soil.
NIOSH Method: 216. Analyte:
Phosphoric acid. Matrix: Air. Procedure: Spectrophotometric determination of
phosphate. Method Evaluation: Method was validated over the range of 0.2 to 4.0
mg/cu m using a 50-liter sample. Method detection limit: 2 ug. Precision (CVt):
0.043. Interferences: Phosphate salts will cause the results for phosphoric acid
to be high. Arsenates, if present in sufficiently high amounts, will give high
results.
NIOSH Method: S333. Analyte:
Phosphoric acid. Matrix: Air. Procedure: Colorimetric. Method Evaluation: Method
was validated over the range of 0.47 to 1.93 mg/cu m using a 90/liter sample.
Precision (CVt): 0.055. Applicability: Under the conditions of sample size
(90/liter) the useful range is 0.10 to 2.0 mg/cu m. Interference: Airborne
particulate salts of phosphoric acid will interfere with this determination.
NIOSH Method 7903. Acids,
Inorganic. Analyte: Orthophosphoric acid. Matrix: Air. Procedure: Ion
chromatography. For orthophosphoric acid this method has an estimated detection
limit of 2 ug/sample. The precision/RSD is 0.029 and the recovery is not given.
Applicability: The working range is ca. 0.01 to 5 mg/cu m for a 50 liter air
sample. Interferences: Particulate salts of all the acids will give a positive
interference.
Sampling Procedures:
Determination in air:
Collection on a cellulose membrane filter for colorimetric determination.
NIOSH Method 7903. Analyte:
Orthophosphoric acid. Matrix: Air. Sampler: Solid sorbent tube (washed silica
gel, 400 mg/200 mg with glass fiber filter plug). Flow Rate: 0.2 to 0.5 l/min:
Sample Size: 50 liters. Shipment: Routine. Sample Stability: Stable.
NIOSH Method S333. Analyte:
Phosphoric acid. Matrix: Air. Procedure: Filter collection, water leach, complex
formation. Flow Rate: 1.5 l/min. Sample Size: 90 liters.
NIOSH Method 216. Analyte:
Phosphoric acid. Matrix: Air. Procedure: Collection on a membrane filter. Flow
Rate: 1.5 l/min. Sample Size: 50 liter.
NIOSH Method 7300. Analyte:
Phosphorus. Matrix: Air. Sampler: Filter (0.8 um, cellulose ester membrane).
Flow Rate: 1 to 4 l/min. Sample Size: 500 liters. Shipment: Routine. Sample
Stability: Stable. /Phosphorus/
Special References:
Special Reports:
Environment Canada; Tech Info
for Problem Spills: Phosphoric Acid (Draft) (1982)
WHO; Diseases Caused by
Phosphorus and Its Toxic Compounds; Early Detection of Occupational Diseases pg
53-62 (1986). Review of diseases and health related effects resulting from
exposure to phosphorus or phosphorus cmpd.
MARTIN EE; DEVELOPMENT
DOCUMENT FOR EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS GUIDELINES AND NEW SOURCE PERFORMANCE
STANDARDS FOR PHOSPHORUS DERIVED CHEMICALS SEGMENT OF THE PHOSPHATE
MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY; US NTIS, PB REP: 158 PAGES (1974) ISS
241018. A STUDY WAS MADE OF THE PHOSPHATE MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY
FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS GUIDELINES, FEDERAL STANDARDS
OF PERFORMANCE, AND PRETREATMENT STANDARDS FOR THE INDUSTRY. EFFLUENT
LIMITATIONS GUIDELINES WERE DEVELOPED, DEFINING THE DEGREE OF EFFLUENT REDUCTION
ATTAINABLE THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF THE BEST PRACTICABLE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AND THE BEST AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY ECONOMICALLY ACHIEVABLE.
THE STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW SOURCES WERE ALSO DEFINED. PROCESSES,
WASTES, AND COSTS ARE ALSO DISCUSSED.
Synonyms and Identifiers:
Synonyms:
ACIDE PHOSPHORIQUE (FRENCH)
**PEER REVIEWED**
ACIDO FOSFORICO (ITALIAN)
**PEER REVIEWED**
EVITS
**PEER REVIEWED**
FOSFORZUUROPLOSSINGEN (DUTCH)
**PEER REVIEWED**
ORTHOPHOSPHORIC ACID
**PEER REVIEWED**
Ortho-Phosphoramide
**PEER REVIEWED**
o-Phosphoric acid
**PEER REVIEWED**
PHOSPHORSAEURELOESUNGEN
(GERMAN)
**PEER REVIEWED**
SONAC
**PEER REVIEWED**
WC-REINIGER
**PEER REVIEWED**
White phosphoric acid
**PEER REVIEWED**
Associated Chemicals:
Pyrophosphoric acid;2466-09-3
Formulations/Preparations:
COMMERCIAL PHOSPHORIC ACID,
CONTAINING 68.8% OR LESS OF PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE, IS COMPOSED ONLY OF MONOMERIC
PHOSPHORIC ACID, H3PO4. ... COMMERCIAL COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING MORE THAN 68.8%
PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE CONTAIN INCREASING QUANTITIES OF POLYMERS OF PHOSPHORIC
ACID.
PURE SOLID PHOSPHORIC ACID
CONTAINS 72.44% PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE. MAX CONCN OF LIQ PHOSPHORIC ACID IS 88%
PHOSPHORIC ACID, OR 63.75% PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE.
Polyphosphoric acid (mixture
of orthophosphoric acid with pyrophosphoric, triphosphoric, and higher acids and
is sold on the basis of its calculated HsPO4 content, e.g.; 115% phosphoric
acid. Super phosphoric acid is a similar mixtur solid at 105% HsPO4.
WET-PROCESS ACID, MERCHANT
GRADE, HAS MIN ASSAY OF 53.1%; PURIFIED WET-PROCESS ACID, TECH GRADE, HAS MIN
ASSAY OF 54%; THERMAL ACID, TECH GRADE, HAS MIN ASSAY OF 54.32%
WET ACID (MERCHANT GRADE) IS
53-54% PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE AND SUPERACID GRADE IS 68-70% PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE.
Reagent grade concentrated
phosphoric acid is 85-87% (wt/wt) phosphoric acid (equivalent to about 17 M).
Shipping Name/ Number DOT/UN/NA/IMO:
IMO 8.0; Phosphoric acid
UN 1805; Phosphoric acid
Standard Transportation Number:
49 302 48; Phosphoric acid
RTECS Number:
NIOSH/TB6300000
Administrative Information:
Hazardous Substances Databank
Number: 1187
Last Revision Date: 20020806
Last Review Date: Reviewed by SRP on 1/31/1999