acids used in cleaners and should be stored
in areas designed for flammable materials.
Citric Acid
This compound is one of the safer acids.
Although allergenic reactions may be antici-
pated from prolonged exposure, it presents
only a slight fire hazard. However, acid
fumes are emitted when it is heated to
decomposition.
Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid)
Misuse of this acid can easily result in
injury. The maximum allowable concentra-
tion of vapor in air for an 8-hour exposure
period has been previously reported as 5
parts per million (ppm). After a short expo-
sure, 35 ppm will cause throat irritation. This
acid is frequently used in cleaners intended
for descaling metal equipment because it
reacts with tin, zinc, and galvanized coatings.
It loosens the outer layers of material and
carries soil and stain away. Hydrochloric
acid will roughen the surface of concrete
floors through an etching effect to produce a
slip-resistant surface. When heated or con-
tacted by hot water or steam, this acid will
produce toxic and corrosive hydrogen chlo-
ride gas.
Sodium Acid Sulfate and Sodium
Acid Phosphate
These cleaners will cause skin irritation or
chemical burns with prolonged exposure.
Water solutions of these compounds are
strongly acidic and will damage the eyes if
flushing is not immediate.
Phosphoric Acid
This acid is used in metal cleaners and
metal brighteners. In a concentrated state, it
is extremely corrosive to the skin and eyes.
Phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid remove
water from tissues. When heated, phosphoric
acid emits toxic fumes of oxides of phos-
phorous. When compounded with other
chemicals for use as a metal cleaner, only
small amounts should be used to minimize
the hazard.Hydrofluoric Acid
Use of hydrofluoric acid in compounds
helps to clean and brighten metal. Alu-
minum can be cleaned effectively with small
amounts of this ingredient. In its pure state,
hydrofluoric acid is extremely irritating and
corrosive to the skin and mucous mem-
branes. Inhalation of the vapor may cause
ulcers of the respiratory tract. This material,
even in very dilute amounts, should be used
with caution. When heated, it emits a highly
corrosive fluoride vapor, and it will react
with steam to produce a toxic and corrosive
mist. Ordinarily, it is used in small amounts
because larger quantities can cause hydrogen
evolution if in contact with metal containers.
It must be stored in a safe environment, such
as those used for flammable liquids.
Acid cleaners of this nature do not always
attack the skin or eyes as quickly as do alka-
line cleaning compounds. A severely exposed
person may not realize the extent of injury
until serious damage has occurred. This acid
can penetrate the oil barrier of the skin to
the point at which washing and flushing the
area may be of little value. Hydrofluoric acid
is especially hazardous because it gives little
warning of injury until extensive damage has
been done. Inhaled fluoride can cause dam-
age to bones. This acid should not be con-
fused with other acids because its action and
indicated medical treatment are specific.Soaps and Synthetic Detergents
Chemical builders used to increase the
cleaning effectiveness of these substances in
mixtures are usually alkaline compounds.
Alkalis and alkaline substances are sometimes
calledcausticsbut are more correctly desig-
nated by the general term bases. They emulsify