Most hydrogen chloride (HCl) is used in the production of hydrochloric acid. It is also an important reagent in other industrial chemical transformations, such as the hydrochlorination of rubber and production of vinyl and alkyl chlorides. Other industries or applications where high levels of hydrogen chloride may occur include petrochemical facilities, cotton production, metal pickling, rubber manufacturing, and semiconductor manufacturing. Industrial Scientific’s MX6 iBrid® personal multi-gas detector, with a lifetime warranty, can simultaneously monitor up to six gases including hydrogen chloride, other toxic and combustible gases, oxygen, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Hazard: |
Non-Flammable |
|
Classification: |
Health |
Extremely toxic |
|
Oxidizing |
Oxidizing Agent |
Synonyms: |
Anhydrous Hydrochloric Acid, Chlorohydric Acid, Hydrochloride, Spirits of Salt, Muriatic Acid |
|
Exposure limits: |
(OSHA) |
PEL\TWA: 5 ppm |
|
(ACGIH) |
STEL: N/A |
|
(OSHA) |
IDLH: 50 ppm |
Industries: |
Vinyl and Cotton Production, Semi-Conductor Crystals Etching, Petroleum and Gas Wells, Steel Manufacturing |
Hydrogen Chloride is a colorless to slight yellow corrosive gas with a pungent irritating odor. Although not considered a combustible gas, it may react or form combustible compounds when contact is made with alcohol and hydrogen cyanide or with aluminum-titanium alloys. Dissolving Hydrogen Chloride in water will yield a strong highly corrosive acid. It is for this reason that HCl is a strong irritant to the eyes, nose, and upper respiratory tract. Levels of 35 ppm can cause irritation to the throat even after a very short period of time.
Effects of Various HCl Levels |
|
Hydrogen Chloride Level in PPM |
Resulting Conditions on Humans |
.25 |
Odor threshold. |
5 |
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). |
35 |
Irritation to the eyes, nose, throat even after a short period of time. |
50 |
Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH). |
1,300-2,000 |
Death in 2-3 minutes. |
Source: American Industrial Hygiene Association |
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