Introduction
The simplest carboxylic acid is formic acid, also known scientifically as methanoic acid, and it has the chemical formula HCOOH. It occurs naturally in some ants and is a critical intermediary in chemical synthesis. Formates are formic acid-derived esters, salts, and anions. Methanol is the industrial source of formic acid production.
Formic acid is a white liquid with a pungent, pervasive smell. It is used to treat leather and dye, finish fabrics and paper, and make various other chemicals.
What Are the Adverse Health Effects of Formic Acid Toxicity?
The following are the adverse health effects of formic acid:
Acute Health Effects:
Following formic acid exposure, the following acute (short-term) health impacts could happen:
Contact can cause severe skin and eye burns and serious eye injury.
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Formic acid can irritate the throat and nose when inhaled.
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A coughing fit or shortness of breath may result from inhaling formic acid irritating the lungs. Higher exposure levels can result in pulmonary edema, a medical emergency characterized by extreme breathlessness.
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Formic acid exposure might result in headaches, wooziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Chronic Health Effects:
Following formic acid exposure, the various chronic (long-term) health impacts may manifest and can last for months or years:
Cancer Hazard:
The capacity of formic acid to induce cancer in animals has not been studied, according to the currently available information.
Reproductive Hazard:
There is no evidence that formic acid has an impact on reproduction. This is based on test findings that are currently accessible.
Other Effects:
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Formic acid can lead to chronic bronchitis, including coughing up phlegm and breathing.
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High exposure, especially in vulnerable people, may result in skin allergies. If an allergy forms, even relatively few subsequent exposures may result in skin rashes and itching.
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The kidneys could be harmed by formic acid.
Which Workplace Controls and Practices Should Be Followed by the Workers While Working With Formic Acid?
If a less hazardous chemical cannot be substituted, highly toxic compounds or sensitizers require specialist advice on management strategies. Among the control measures are:
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Describing the chemical mechanisms for extremely caustic and hazardous compounds.
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Employing local exhaust ventilation for substances that could injure a person after just one exposure.
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Using general ventilation limits exposure to substances that irritate the skin and eyes.
The following work practices should be followed:
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Process containers should be labeled.
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Provide training on hazards and information to staff.
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Keep an eye on chemical concentrations in the air.
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If concentrations are higher than advised exposure levels, use engineered controls.
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Offer emergency showers and eyewash stations.
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If skin comes into contact with a dangerous substance, wash or shower the contacted body part.
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Workers should always wash after their workday.
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If clothing becomes polluted, change into clean garments.
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Take no contaminated garments home.
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Take particular instructions on how to clean filthy garments.
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Never consume food, beverages, or tobacco in locations where chemicals are handled, processed, or stored.
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It is important to thoroughly wash hands before consuming anything, smoking, drinking, applying cosmetics, or using the bathroom.
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A closed system should be used whenever possible to move formic acid from drums or other containers to processing containers.
Which Personal Protective Equipment Should Workers Use While Working With Formic Acid?
The suggestions below are simply suggestions and might not be appropriate in all circumstances:
Gloves and Clothing:
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Avoid applying formic acid to the skin. Wear personal protection equipment made of materials resistant to formic acid that will not get damaged. Safety equipment suppliers and manufacturers might suggest the best glove and apparel materials.
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Manufacturers of safety equipment advise using gloves made of butyl and neoprene.
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Every protective gear, including suits, gloves, shoes, and helmets, should be presentable, clean, and put on each day before work.
Eye Protection:
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Put on indirect-vent, impact- and splash-resistant goggles when working with liquids.
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Wear face protection and goggles if employees work with caustic, incredibly irritating, or hazardous compounds.
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Avoid wearing contact lenses while handling this chemical.
Respiratory Protection:
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Strict use of respirators is risky. Only if the employer has created a documented program that considers workplace circumstances, worker training requirements, respirator fit testing, and medical examinations could respirators be utilized.
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Use a supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece and a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode if there is a chance of more than five ppm (parts per million) exposure. Use it with an additional self-contained breathing apparatus or an emergency escape air cylinder for extra protection.
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Life and health are instantly in danger at 30 ppm (parts per million) of exposure. Use self-contained breathing equipment with a full facepiece and a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode supplied with an emergency escape air cylinder if there is a chance of exposure exceeding 30 ppm.
How to Deal With Spill and Emergency of Formic Acid?
Employees must be adequately trained and equipped if they are expected to clean up spills. The following actions should be taken if formic acid is spilled or leaked:
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Secure and regulate entry to the area, and evacuate the personnel.
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Remove all potential sources of ignition.
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Cover with soda ash, sodium bicarbonate, or dry lime, then put into airtight containers for disposal.
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Ventilate the spilled or leaking location.
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Avoid washing in the sewer.
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Formic acid may need to be contained and disposed of as hazardous waste. For detailed advice, speak with the regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency or your state's Department of Environmental Protection.
How to Provide First Aid in Case of Formic Acid Toxicity?
The following steps should be followed:
Eye Contact:
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Lift upper and lower lids and immediately flush with a lot of water for at least 30 minutes.
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If someone is wearing contact lenses, they are advised to take them out before flushing.
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Seek medical treatment.
Skin Contact:
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Immediately take off any contaminated clothing.
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Wash any affected skin right away with lots of soap and water.
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Look for medical help.
Inhalation:
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Remove the subject from the situation.
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If breathing has ceased, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); if the heartbeat has stopped, begin rescue breathing (while taking general safety precautions).
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After overexposure, medical surveillance is advised for 24 to 48 hours since pulmonary edema cannot manifest immediately.
Conclusion
Formic acid in concentrated form is corrosive and can burn any area of the body that it comes into touch with. Formic acid consumption can result in stomach burns, mouth, and throat burning, drooling, trouble swallowing, and vomiting. Exposure to formic acid has severe consequences, and it is advised to seek medical help in such cases immediately.
