Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

The use of a quantity of material in an unventilated or confined space may result in
increased exposure and an irritating atmosphere developing.Before starting consider
control of exposure by mechanical ventilation. Used to produce pharmaceutical
hydrochlorides; vinyl chloride from acetylene; alkyl chlorides from olefins and arsenious
chloride from arsenious oxide; electronic grade for etching semiconductor crystals. Used
in the chlorination of rubber; in organic reactions involving isomerization,
polymerization and alkylation; as a catalyst and condensing agent; for making chlorine
where economical; in the separation of cotton from wool and cotton de- linting; as flux in
the babbitt type of metal alloy; etching semi- conductor crystals.

SYNONYMS

ClH, HCl, "hydrochloric acid", "hydrochloric acid, anhydrous", "chlorohydric acid",
hydrochloride, "hydrogen chloride, refrigerated liquid", "muriatic acid", "spirits of
salt"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Toxic by inhalation.
Causes severe burns.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.
Risk of explosion if heated under confinement.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  The material can produce severe chemical burns within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.  Ingestion of acidic corrosives may produce burns around and in the mouth. the throat and esophagus. Immediate pain and difficulties in swallowing and speaking may also be evident. Swelling of the epiglottis may make it difficult to breathe which may result in suffocation. More severe exposure may result in vomiting blood and thick mucus, shock, abnormally low blood pressure, fluctuating pulse, shallow respiration and clammy skin, inflammation of stomach wall, and rupture of esophageal tissue. Untreated shock may eventually result in kidney failure. Severe cases may result in perforation of the stomach and abdominal cavity with consequent infection, rigidity and fever. There may be severe narrowing of the esophageal or pyloric sphincters; this may occur immediately or after a delay of weeks to years. There may be coma and convulsions, followed by death due to infection of the abdominal cavity, kidneys or lungs.  Not normally a hazard due to physical form of product.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  The material can produce severe chemical burns to the eye following direct contact. Vapors or mists may be extremely irritating.  If applied to the eyes, this material causes severe eye damage.  Direct eye contact with acid corrosives may produce pain, tears, sensitivity to light and burns. Mild burns of the epithelia generally recover rapidly and completely. Severe burns produce long-lasting and possibly irreversible damage. The appearance of the burn may not be apparent for several weeks after the initial contact. The cornea may ultimately become deeply opaque resulting in blindness.  Not considered to be a risk because of the extreme volatility of the gas.  

SKIN

  The material can produce severe chemical burns following direct contactwith the skin.  Skin contact with acidic corrosives may result in pain and burns; these may be deep with distinct edges and may heal slowly with the formation of scar tissue.  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons.  Inhalation of vapors or aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may produce toxic effects.  Corrosive acids can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, with coughing, choking and mucous membrane damage. There may be dizziness, headache, nausea and weakness. Swelling of the lungs can occur, either immediately or after a delay; symptoms of this include chest tightness, shortness of breath, frothy phlegm and cyanosis. Lack of oxygen can cause death hours after onset.  Inhalation of the vapor is hazardous and may even be fatal.  The use of a quantity of material in an unventilated or confined space may result in increased exposure and an irritating atmosphere developing.Before starting consider control of exposure by mechanical ventilation.  Inhalation of toxic gases may cause:  ·  Central Nervous System effects including depression, headache, confusion, dizziness, stupor, coma and seizures;  ·  respiratory: acute lung swellings, shortness of breath, wheezing, rapid breathing, other symptoms and respiratory arrest;  ·  heart: collapse, irregular heartbeats and cardiac arrest;  ·  gastrointestinal: irritation, ulcers, nausea and vomiting (may be bloody), and abdominal pain.  Hydrogen chloride (HCl) vapour or fumes present a hazard from a single acute exposure. Exposures of 1300 to 2000 ppm have been lethal to humans in a few minutes.  Inhalation of HCl may cause choking, coughing, burning sensation and may cause ulceration of the nose, throat and larynx. Fluid on the lungs followed by generalised lung damage may follow.  Breathing of HCl vapour may aggravate asthma and inflammatory or fibrotic pulmonary disease.  High concentrations cause necrosis of the tracheal and bronchial epithelium, pulmonary oedema, atelectasis and emphysema and damage to the pulmonary blood vessels and liver.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Repeated or prolonged exposure to acids may result in the erosion of teeth, swelling and or ulceration of mouth lining. Irritation of airways to lung, with cough, and inflammation of lung tissue often occurs. Chronic exposure may inflame the skin or conjunctiva.  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Principal route of occupational exposure to the gas is by inhalation.  Chronic minor exposure to hydrogen chloride (HCl) vapour or fume may cause discolouration or erosion of the teeth, bleeding of the nose and gums; and ulceration of the nasal mucous membranes.  Repeated exposures of animals to concentrations of about 34 ppm HCl produced no immediate toxic effects.  Workers exposed to hydrochloric acid suffered from gastritis and a number of cases of chronic bronchitis have also been reported.  Repeated or prolonged exposure to dilute solutions of HCl may cause dermatitis.