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Product Name: L-Lactic Acid
Chemical Name: 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid
Synonyms: L(+) Lactic Acid, Milk Acid
CAS Number: 79-33-4
Molecular Formula: C3H6O3
Molecular Weight: 90.08 g/mol
Recommended Use: Food additive, cosmetic ingredient, chemical reagent, pharmaceutical agent
Supplier Details: Obtain from product label or purchasing documents, including address and contact number for emergencies
Emergency Contact: Local poison control center or national emergency chemical hotline
GHS Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2), Specific target organ toxicity—single exposure (Category 3)
Pictograms: Corrosive, Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation; May cause respiratory irritation; Causes skin irritation
Precautionary Statements: Wear eye protection and suitable gloves; Avoid breathing vapors or mist; Wash hands thoroughly after handling; If on skin, wash with plenty of water; If inhaled, move to fresh air and monitor for symptoms
Potential Health Effects: Eye and skin damage, coughing, sore throat, gastrointestinal upset if swallowed, aggravation of asthma or respiratory conditions
Chemical Identity: L-Lactic Acid
Concentration: 80–90% w/w (varies by supplier)
Impurities: Water, trace inorganic compounds, residual sugars kept below regulatory limits
Additives: None typically present in reagent or food grade materials
Hazardous Components: L-Lactic Acid itself triggers hazards at higher concentrations; check inclusion of preservatives depending on specific product
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Take off contaminated clothing; rinse skin with water for up to 20 minutes; if irritation persists or blistering appears, get medical help
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, lifting eyelids, seek medical attention immediately
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water to dilute if conscious, get medical help quickly, show MSDS to health professionals
Most important symptoms/effects: Redness, pain, swelling, vision changes, breathing problems
Notes for doctor: Treat based on symptoms, monitor for complications related to irritation or ingestion
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2
Unsuitable Media: High-pressure water jets, due to potential for chemical runoff contamination
Special Hazards: Combustion of lactic acid can release toxic vapors such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and acrid smoke
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Advice for Firefighters: Approach from upwind side, avoid breathing vapors, keep containers cool with water spray if exposed to fire
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate, use proper protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, and chemical-resistant clothes
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe, avoid runoff into soil, watercourses, and sewers
Clean-Up Methods: Contain spill, absorb with inert material like sand, vermiculite, or diatomaceous earth; collect in appropriate labeled container for disposal; wash area with water after removal
Spill Handling: Neutralize with sodium bicarbonate if needed, avoid direct contact, do not use combustibles like sawdust for cleanup
Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas or with local exhaust ventilation; avoid direct contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; do not ingest; keep away from incompatible substances like bases, strong oxidizers, or reducing agents
Storage: Store in cool, dry area in tightly closed containers made from compatible materials such as polyethylene or glass; protect from sunlight and moisture; dedicate storage away from food or strong chemicals; maintain good housekeeping to prevent contamination and corrosion
Technical Measures: Install spill trays and eyewash stations nearby; keep emergency shower accessible
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH TLV for lactic acid; minimize exposure as much as possible
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods, chemical-resistant work surfaces, and closed transfer systems in industrial settings
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, gloves made from neoprene or nitrile, lab coats or aprons, face shields for high splash risk, suitable footwear
Respiratory Protection: Approved respirators if excessive vapors, mists, or aerosols develop during handling
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, face, and exposed skin thoroughly after handling and before eating or drinking; do not wear contaminated clothing in common areas
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow, clear syrupy liquid or crystalline solid
Odor: Mild, acidic, sometimes faintly fruity
pH: Acidic, typically between 1.2 and 2.4 (1% solution)
Melting Point: 16.8 °C (solidify under cold storage)
Boiling Point: 122 °C at 15 mmHg
Flash Point: 110 °C (closed cup)
Density: 1.2 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Completely soluble in water and alcohol
Vapor Pressure: Low at ambient conditions
Viscosity: High at concentrated solution
Partition Coefficient: log Kow -0.7 (low bioaccumulation potential)
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature and under recommended storage conditions, but degrades over time if exposed to high heat or strong light
Reactivity: Reactive with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, and certain metals
Hazardous Reactions: Possible formation of toxic gases upon decomposition; incompatible with alkali, ammonia, and strong oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, acrid smoke
Polymerization: Not likely to occur under normal use
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact
Acute Effects: Skin and mucous membrane irritation, eye damage, respiratory distress at high concentrations
Chronic Effects: Long-term or repeated exposure may cause eczema or contact dermatitis
LD50 (oral, rat): Approx. 3543 mg/kg
LD50 (dermal, rabbit): > 2000 mg/kg
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic
Mutagenicity: Not expected based on available studies
Sensitization: May cause skin sensitization in susceptible individuals
Target Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system
Ecotoxicity: Low toxic effects on aquatic organisms at permitted concentrations; rapid bio-degradation
Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (fish, 96h): >100 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in environmental settings
Bioaccumulative Potential: Very low, based on log Kow
Mobility in Soil: High solubility, migrates readily but does not persist
Other Adverse Effects: Spills may cause local changes in water pH, potentially hazardous to aquatic life in concentrated form
Waste Disposal Methods: Neutralize with suitable alkaline agent, dilute with plenty of water, dispose of by drainage in accordance with local regulations if authorized, or via licensed chemical waste contractor
Container Disposal: Empty containers should be triple rinsed, rendered unusable, and discarded according to hazardous waste protocols
Precautions: Do not allow undiluted product or large quantities to reach groundwater, sewers, or natural waterways
Regulatory Considerations: Follow all federal, state, and local environmental control regulations for chemical disposal
UN Number: 3265 (where regulated as corrosive, otherwise not classified as dangerous for transport at common concentrations)
UN Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive liquid, acidic, organic, n.o.s. (Lactic acid)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (where classified as corrosive)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions: Avoid packaging with reactive materials; keep upright during transport; label clearly with hazard information
Regulations: Comply with DOT, ADR, IMDG, and IATA rules as appropriate
Inventory Status: Listed on US TSCA, EC EINECS, Canada DSL/NDSL, Australia AICS, and Japan ENCS
SARA Title III: Not listed as a hazardous substance under this act
OSHA Hazard Communication: L-Lactic Acid is classified as hazardous per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200
WHMIS Classification (Canada): D2B (skin/eye irritant)
Reach Registration: Fully registered for import and manufacture in the EU if above 1 tonne/year
Other Regulations: Check local or state environmental, health, and chemical control laws for restrictions on use, storage, and disposal
