Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid is a chemical compound and a relatively strong organic acid with many commercial uses especially int he carpentry and joinery trades. It is readily available and comes without specific restrictions on use or transit.

Because of its utility, there are questions as to the safe use and handling of oxalic acid and to what must be done in the event of an emergency involving oxalic acid.

It is best to avoid physical contact with oxalic acid as it is a harmful substance which is corrosive. If swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, it can be destructive of mucous membranes, it can remove calcium from the blod and cause kidney damage. Rubber gloves and a protective mask should be worn when working with the substance. If oxalic acid has been consumed, a doctor should be consulted.

A simple set of instructions for the treatment of unsafely handled oxalic acid is included below:

Substance Inhaled:

Effects: Can cause severe irritation and burns to the throat.

Treatment: Get the subject fresh air and, if breathing is laboured, give them oxygen.

Ingested:

Effects: Toxic and may cause burns, nausea snf renal damage. A fatal does is 5 – 15gm

Treatment: Do not induce vomiting but give large quantities of limewater or milk to drink

Skin Contact:

Effects: Irritation and skin burns – possible absorption through skin.

Treatment: Wipe off excess, flush skin with water for 15 minutes.

Eye Contact:

Effects: Irritant with corrosive effects

Treatment: Flush the eye with water for 15 minutes

A doctor should be called immediately after contact with oxalic acid has been ascertained.

Oxalic acid is stable although it is incompatible with bases acid chlorides, steel, silver and moisture. It is combustible and can give off toxic fumes in the event of fire. Because of the effects oxalic can have on the human body, full protective clothing and self-contaned breathing apparatus should be used when combating a fire involving oxalic acid. The substance can react explosively with string oxidising materials and silver compounds.

The simple answer to the question “how should oxalic acid be handled?” is that it should not be touched.