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Common Name: Humic acid
Chemical Family: Naturally-derived organic acids from decomposed plant material
Appearance: Dark brown to black powder or granular solid; sometimes in liquid form
Odor: Earthy, organic smell noticeable upon opening containers or during application
Usual Uses: Agriculture as a soil conditioner and plant growth enhancer; used in wastewater treatment and animal supplements
Synonyms: No single universal synonym; names can include “humate” in some blends
Source: Extracted from leonardite, peat, or lignite; sometimes found in river sediments and certain composts
Physical Risks: Dustiness during handling in dry form increases chances for irritation
Health Hazard Level: Low for most users but inhalable particles can irritate sensitive lungs or eyes
Acute Effects: Slight eye or skin dryness possible on repeated contact if no gloves or eye protection are used
Environmental Impact: Not known to harm wildlife at application rates typical for agriculture; considered biodegradable and non-toxic by most regulatory bodies
Fire Risk: Organic content means flammable under the right conditions but does not present explosive hazards in agricultural settings
Allergen Potential: Not a common cause of skin or respiratory allergies
Major Components: Humic substances (humic acid, fulvic acid, minor humin), inorganic minerals often present as silica, iron, and trace elements based on source
Percentage Range: Humic acid content varies widely—generally between 30% and 70% depending on source and processing
Impurities: May include small fractions of non-humified organic matter; heavy metals very unlikely in high-grade products meant for agriculture
Additives: Rare in pure raw material, but commercial blends can include potassium or sodium salts
Inhalation: Move to clean air if exposed to dust; rinse nasal passages with water if discomfort develops
Skin Contact: Wash affected areas with soap and water; use moisturizing lotion if skin dryness occurs
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for several minutes; seek further attention if irritation keeps up
Ingestion: Swallowing small amounts in the course of normal application brings low risk; large deliberate consumption rarely occurs but seeking medical advice is wise if unusual symptoms show up
Flammability: Organic matter ignites given strong enough spark and dry conditions; powder dispersal in air, like any fine carbons, adds to risk
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Standard water mist, foam, or dry chemical extinguishers effective; water spray to cool surfaces
Special Hazards: Burning releases carbon dioxide, water vapor, with possible trace smoke from organic residues
Firefighter Protection: Wear standard breathing protection; approach from upwind position
Explosion Risk: Not prone to detonation—no explosive decomposition
Spill Response: Scoop solids into appropriate trash or reuse in garden or field application; liquid residues can be diluted and spread on soil
Avoid Dust Generation: Sweep or wet down powder spills to keep dust from spreading in closed spaces
Environmental Clean-Up: Material left on unpaved ground poses low risk to soil or water but cleanup prevents muddiness and unnecessary soil darkening
Protective Equipment: Gloves and a dust mask for operators cleaning sizable spills; eye protection if working in wind or dry conditions
Safe Handling: Open bags carefully to avoid inhaling dust; avoid rough handling that can break up granules or cakes into fine powder
Storage Conditions: Keep in dry, shaded areas away from open flames or hot equipment
Container Requirements: Use sealed containers—plastic barrels, lined bags, or tight bins to keep out moisture
Incompatibilities: Avoid mixing with strong oxidizers or acids; store separately from direct sources of moisture to prevent caking
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after working with material, especially before eating or drinking
Airborne Limits: None specifically set for humic acid; general nuisance dust levels (10 mg/m³) apply for airborne particles
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or open-air application reduces chance of inhaling dust
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask or respirator in poorly ventilated scenarios; gloves and safety glasses in large scale handling or mixing
Other Precautions: Remove work clothing and shower if prolonged exposure occurs, particularly in dusty environments
Physical State: Solid powder or granular; adapted into liquids for some uses
Color: Dark brown to nearly black depending on source
Odor: Earthy, similar to rich topsoil
Melting Point: Not defined—decomposes rather than melting
Solubility: Limited in cold water; soluble fractions (fulvic acid) dissolve more easily than bulk humic acid
pH (in solution): Usually mildly acidic to neutral around pH 5–8
Bulk Density: Varies widely with moisture and source
Vapor Pressure: Negligible—does not evaporate at normal conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions out of direct sunlight or heat
Reactive Hazards: Reacts vigorously only with strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition: Decomposes slowly at high temperatures to carbon dioxide, water, trace organic gases
Polymerization: Does not undergo dangerous polymerization under normal storage and handling
Acute Toxicity: No reported cases of human toxicity from routine agricultural exposures
Sensitization: Rare; some users report mild dryness or chafing of hands if used regularly without gloves
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure through normal use has not been linked to significant systemic health problems
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity: No links established from field or laboratory studies using agricultural grades
Animal Studies: Research shows low toxicity in animal models at realistic exposure levels
Special Risk Groups: People with allergies or respiratory conditions might use precautions in dusty workspaces
Soil Impact: Contributes to improved soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability; widely considered ecologically beneficial
Water Impact: Not persistent as water pollutant; bonds with soil particles and degrades naturally
Wildlife: Safe for birds, mammals, and beneficial insects at field use rates; exhibits no acute aquatic toxicity at normal concentrations
Degradability: Biodegrades over weeks or months in soil ecosystems
Bioaccumulation: Not known to accumulate in food chains
Reuse: Preferred solution is to use up all purchased material on crops, gardens, or landscaping; minimal waste if applied at correct rates
Disposal Method: Residuals can be mixed into soil or compost; avoid dumping large volumes in waterways
Container Disposal: Rinse out and recycle empty containers where possible
Hazardous Waste Status: Not classified as hazardous waste in most regions; follows ordinary solid waste regulations
Transport Classification: No special DOT, ADR, or IMDG classifications; treated as ordinary non-hazardous material in most supply chains
Packing Requirements: Sturdy containers recommended to prevent dust leaks and moisture ingress; seal bags tightly before transport
Spill Containment: Clean up any accidental releases at loading/unloading areas to prevent tracking and wind dispersal
Labeling: General product labeling includes product name and origin; no hazard labels needed for most retail or bulk formats
Regulatory Status: Not regulated as hazardous under U.S. OSHA, Canadian WHMIS, or European CLP at ordinary concentrations
Permitted Uses: Registered as soil amendment and plant growth stimulant in many agricultural markets; follows national guidelines for additives
Worker Safety Rules: General workplace dust and safety regulations apply
Environmental Regulations: Listed as safe for use in organic farming by relevant certifying agencies in most countries
Labelling: Must accurately state percent humic acid, source material, and additives if any, according to local rules
