POLYPHOSPHORIC ACID

Viscous water-white odorless liquid. The commerical acid consists of a mixture of orthophosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric (diphosphoric) acid, triphosphoric and higher polymeric phosphoric acids. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)

• Water-Reactive

Hygroscopic. Soluble in water. Reacts with water to generate heat and phosphoric acid (orthophosphoric acid). The reaction is not violent.

Excerpt from 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. For electric vehicles or equipment, 147 (lithium ion batteries) or 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted. (ERG, 2020)

Liquid burns skin and eyes unless washed off quickly. If ingested will burn mouth and stomach unless diluted at once. (USCG, 1999)

POLYPHOSPHORIC ACID reacts exothermically with chemical bases (examples: amines, amides, inorganic hydroxides). The reactions can generate large amounts of heat in small spaces. Reacts with or corrodes active metals, including such structural metals as aluminum and iron, to release hydrogen, a flammable gas. Can initiate the polymerization of certain classes of organic compounds. May catalyze chemical reactions. Reacts with cyanide compounds to release toxic hydrogen cyanide gas. May generate flammable and/or toxic gases in contact with dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, nitriles, sulfides, and strong reducing agents. Additional gas-generating reactions may occur with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), and carbonates (CO2).

• Acids, Weak

No information available.

Excerpt from 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)

Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Flush with water, neutralize acid with lime or soda ash. (USCG, 1999)

Goggles or face shield; rubber gloves or protective clothing. (USCG, 1999)

No information available.

INGESTION: give victim water, milk, or vegetable oil; do NOT induce vomiting.

SKIN OR EYES: flush with water for at least 15 min.; call doctor for eye exposure. (USCG, 1999)

• CONDENSED PHOSPHORIC ACID
• POLYPHOSPHORIC ACID