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Name: Glycolic Acid
Chemical formula: C2H4O3
Common forms: Clear, colorless liquid or crystalline solid
Odor: Mild sour scent
Main uses: Personal care products like chemical peels, skin creams, textile industry for dyeing, chemical synthesis for biodegradable plastics
Packing styles: Often bottled in high-density polyethylene, glass, or corrosion-resistant drums
Synonyms: Hydroxyacetic acid
Health hazards: Strongly irritating to skin and eyes, risk of severe burns, inhalation triggers coughing, sore throat, or respiratory irritation, ingesting concentrated solutions creates serious internal damage
Environmental hazards: Harmful to aquatic environments, especially if spilled in significant quantity
Physical hazards: Contact with incompatible substances such as oxidizing agents and strong bases can cause hazardous reactions
Main component: Glycolic acid (purity varies by grade, usually 70% in cosmetic and technical solutions)
Other substances: May contain water (in diluted commercial solutions), trace impurities depending on production process
CAS number: 79-14-1
Eyes: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention for persistent pain or vision disruption
Skin: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and running water
Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air, seek medical care if breathing difficulty develops
Ingestion: Rinse out mouth, do not induce vomiting, consult medical help immediately
Flammability: Not highly flammable but can decompose above 100°C releasing irritating fumes
Extinguishing media: Water spray, carbon dioxide, foam, dry chemical
Special hazards: Combustion can give off carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and potentially toxic fumes
Protective gear: Chemical-resistant suit, self-contained breathing apparatus for responders
Advice: Avoid run-off entering drains, cool nearby containers with water to prevent heating and pressure build-up
Personal precautions: Use chemical splash goggles, gloves, full-coverage clothing
Environmental containment: Block release to surface water and drains, control spill with absorbent, neutralize with sodium carbonate or lime
Cleanup: For small amounts, soak up with clay or vermiculite, scoop into waste containers; for big releases, call an appropriately trained hazmat team for removal
Handling tips: Work in well-ventilated areas, never mix with incompatible chemicals, handle open containers with care to avoid splashing
Storage conditions: Store in tightly sealed non-metal containers, keep cool and dry, avoid sunlight and heat sources, place away from bases and oxidizers
Safe practices: Anyone handling glycolic acid should respect its corrosive power, don protective gear, and ensure emergency eyewash stations are within easy reach
Ventilation: Mechanical exhaust recommended for enclosed spaces, general room ventilation may be enough for dilute solutions
PPE: Gloves tested for acid resistance (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles, face shield if splashing likely, rubber apron
Engineering controls: Fume hoods or local exhaust for concentrated forms
Exposure limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for glycolic acid, but recommended to avoid exposure by all practical means
Hygiene: No eating or drinking near open containers, thorough handwashing after use
Appearance: Colorless liquid or odorless, colorless to white crystals
Melting point: Roughly 75°C (crystalline), boils near 100°C as aqueous solutions
Solubility: Freely mixes with water, ethanol, ether
pH: Strongly acidic in solution, pH below 2
Vapor pressure: Low, but heating encourages evaporation
Density: About 1.25 g/mL for a 70% solution
Chemical stability: Stable under normal, dry, and cool storage conditions
Reactive risks: Violent reaction with bases or oxidizers, attacks some metals releasing hydrogen gas
Thermal breakdown: High temperatures produce irritating fumes and gases
Routes of exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion
Acute effects: Severe burns to eyes and skin, choking or pain on inhalation, stomach injury if swallowed
Chronic effects: Prolonged skin contact leads to dermatitis, repeated inhalation may irritate airways
Carcinogenicity: No convincing evidence for cancer risks based on current scientific consensus
Other risks: Potential pitting and staining of teeth through long-term low-dose oral exposure, as seen in some lab animal studies
Aquatic toxicity: Solution can sharply lower water pH, harming aquatic life
Degradation: Breaks down rapidly through natural bacteria in water/soil
Bioaccumulation: Low likelihood, readily metabolized
Incident risk: Large spills have caused fish kills by acidifying streams
Waste disposal: Do not dump untreated solutions into sewers or open waterways
Preferred method: Neutralize dilute solution with sodium hydrogen carbonate, pour neutral mixture down drain with lots of water if local regulations allow, otherwise hand over residues to licensed chemical disposal
Labeling: Mark all containers as corrosive waste until decontamination or disposal
Transport class: Corrosive liquid, regulated for road, rail, air, or ship transport
Packaging: Use containers designed for acids, never load with incompatible compounds
Risks during transit: Breakage or leaks cause burns, vapor release, or run-off into soil or water; rapid response required upon incident
US regulation: Subject to Hazard Communication Standard, labeling, and reporting for workplace safety
EU regulation: EU CLP marks it as corrosive, with special environmental risk phrasing
Transport: UN classification as Corrosive Liquid, n.o.s., with dedicated hazard symbols
Consumer protection: Restriction on allowable concentrations in leave-on skin care products; professional procedures require licensed practitioners
Workplace guidance: Safety training, emergency response drills, and record-keeping often required for routine industrial users
