What harm does glacial acetic acid do to humans and what are the countermeasures?

Glacial acetic acid is widely used as a raw material in many medical and manufacturing industries, such as solvents for dyes, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals, and is an important raw material for organic synthesis. Glacial acetic acid is harmful to the human body. It cannot come into direct contact with the skin. It can easily cause erythema and dry skin. Once inhaled, it will irritate the respiratory tract and throat. If it gets into the eyes by mistake, rinse with clean water and seek medical treatment to avoid greater damage.

Uses: Mainly used in the synthesis of vinyl acetate, cellulose acetate, acetic anhydride, acetate esters, metal acetates and halogenated acetic acid, etc. It is also an important raw material for pharmaceuticals, dyes, pesticides and other organic syntheses. In addition, it is also widely used in the manufacture of photographic drugs, cellulose acetate, textile printing and dyeing, and rubber industry, as well as raw materials for manufacturing plastics, dye solvents, photography, medicine, pesticides, and other organic syntheses.

Health hazards

Routes of entry: inhalation, ingestion, and percutaneous absorption.

Health Hazards: Irritating to nose, throat and respiratory tract if inhaled. Strongly irritating to eyes.

In case of skin contact, erythema may occur in mild cases and chemical burns may occur in severe cases. If concentrated acetic acid is accidentally ingested, erosions may occur in the mouth and digestive tract, and in severe cases, death may occur due to shock.

Chronic effects: eyelid edema, conjunctival hyperemia, chronic pharyngitis and bronchitis. Long-term and repeated contact can cause skin dryness, defatting and dermatitis.

First aid measures

Skin contact: Take off contaminated clothing and rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes. In case of burns, get medical attention.

Eye contact: Immediately lift the eyelids and rinse with running water or saline for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.

Inhalation: Move quickly away from the scene to fresh air. Keep the airways open. Give oxygen if breathing is difficult. Give 2-4% sodium bicarbonate solution nebulization inhalation. Seek medical attention.

Ingestion: If swallowed accidentally, give the patient plenty of warm water to drink and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention.