Corrosive agents, toxicity

A solution of sulfur trioxide [7446-11-9] dissolved in chlorosulfonic acid [7990-94-5] CISO H, has been used as a smoke (U.S. designation FS) but it is not a U.S. standard agent (see Chlorosulfuric acid Sulfuric acid and sulfur trioxide). When FS is atomized in air, the sulfur trioxide evaporates from the small droplets and reacts with atmospheric moisture to form sulfuric acid vapor. This vapor condenses into minute droplets that form a dense white cloud. FS produces its effect almost instantaneously upon mechanical atomization into the atmosphere, except at very low temperatures. At such temperatures, the small amount of moisture normally present in the atmosphere, requires that FS be thermally generated with the addition of steam to be effective. FS can be used as a fill for artillery and mortar shells and bombs and can be effectively dispersed from low performance aircraft spray tanks. FS is both corrosive and toxic in the presence of moisture, which imposes limitations on its storage, handling, and use. 

Chemical Reactivity - Reactivity with Water Reacts violently, forming corrosive and toxic fumes of hydrogen bromide Reactivity with Common Materials Attacks and corrodes wood and most metals in the presence of moisture. Flammable hydrogen gas may collect in enclosed spaces Stability During Transport Stable if protected from moisture Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics Hood with water, rinse with dilute sodium bicarbonate or soda ash solution Polymerization Not pertinent Inhibitor of Polymerization Not pertinent. 

Since volatile, anhydrous hydrogen fluoride is extremely corrosive and toxic, the fluorodediazo-niatron of aromatic amines with this agent require.s special apparatus and. safety conditions, which are not available in most laboratories. Thus, the decomposition of diazonium tclra-fliioro bo rates, which can be readily prepared from aromatic amines and casier-to-handle tetra-fluoroboric acid, is the commonest fluorodediazoniation process, usually referred to as the Balz-Schiemann reaction (see Vol. E 10a, p 705IT). 

SAFETY PROFILE Moderately toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. A skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritant. A corrosive agent. Will react with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of phosgene and HCl. 

Before the accident not much was known about MIC toxicity. Even today, mechanisms of MIC-induced toxicity are not clearly understood. It is known that MIC is a corrosive agent for the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin. Acute exposure to high vapor concentrations may cause severe pulmonary edema and injury to the alveolar walls of the lung, severe... 

Many Blood Agents must be stabilized or they will polymerize on standing. Some Blood Agents are slowly hydrolyzed by water to produce corrosive and toxic gases. Blood Agents are incompatible with strong oxidizers many are incompatible with strong corrosives. Added components may react with water to produce toxic, flammable and/or corrosive vapors. 

A. Skin. Corrosive agents rapidly injure the skin and must be removed immediately. In addition, many toxins are readily absorbed through the skin, and systemic absorption can be prevented only by rapid action. Table 11-20 (p 158) lists several corrosive chemical agents that can have systemic toxicity, and many of them are readily absorbed through the skin. 

I. Mechanism of toxicity. Ammonia gas is highly water-soluble and rapidly produces an alkaline corrosive effect on contact with moist tissues such as the eyes and upper respiratory tract. Exposure to aqueous solutions causes corrosive alkaline injury to the eyes, skin, or gastrointestinal tract (see Caustic and Corrosive Agents, p 157). 

F. Illicit manufacture of methamphetamine can expose the chemisf and his or her family to various toxic chemicals including corrosive agents, solvents, and heavy metals. 

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