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Hydrogen chloride

Key Points

Fire

  • Non combustible
  • Hydrogen chloride gas dissolves readily in water to give hydrochloric acid
  • In the event of a fire involving hydrogen chloride or hydrochloric acid, use fine water spray and liquid-tight protective clothing and breathing apparatus

Health

  • Hydrogen chloride gas is toxic following inhalation or skin or eye contact.
  • Hydrochloric acid is toxic by ingestion, skin or eye exposure
  • Toxic and corrosive
  • Short-term inhalation of hydrogen chloride causes irritation of the airways, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath
  • Long-term inhalation causes lung damage
  • Ingestion causes burns to the mouth and stomach, and sickness
  • Skin or eye exposure causes irritation, pain, redness and swelling
  • Prolonged low level ingestion results in tooth erosion
  • Hydrogen chloride could not be classified regarding its carcinogenicity in humans

Environment

  • Avoid release into environment
  • Inform Environment Agency of substantial incidents

 

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