Uploaded February 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a mineral acid composed of the elements sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) describes sulfuric acid as a corrosive substance, destructive to the skin, eyes, teeth and lungs, with severe exposure potentially resulting in death.
Sulfuric acid is used in many industries. For example, it is used to produce other chemicals, fertilizers, explosives and glue; to refine petroleum; to cure metal; and in lead-based car batteries. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to sulfuric acid according to NIOSH include:
• Outdoor workers who work in areas where coal, oil or gas are burned
• Mechanics who handle dirty batteries
• Plumbers and contractors who come in contact with toilet bowl cleaners mixed with water
• Workers in publishing, printing or photography shops
• Fire fighters and steelworkers who are exposed to acid mists
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) reports that touching sulfuric acid will burn the skin, and breathing sulfuric acid can result in tooth erosion and respiratory tract irritation. Drinking sulfuric acid can burn the mouth, throat and stomach; which can result in death. If one gets sulfuric acid in the eyes, it will cause the eyes to water and will burn. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that occupational exposure to strong inorganic acid mists containing sulfuric acid is carcinogenic to humans. IARC has not classified pure sulfuric acid for its carcinogenic effects.
To help protect workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) and NIOSH has a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL).
These are just a few of the many things to know about sulfuric acid and potential occupational exposure risks. To learn more about this or other industrial hygiene, environmental, health or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.
Clark Seif Clark csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. emsl.com
LA Testing latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental zimmetry.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine healthyindoors.com
Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a mineral acid composed of the elements sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) describes sulfuric acid as a corrosive substance, destructive to the skin, eyes, teeth and lungs, with severe exposure potentially resulting in death.
Sulfuric acid is used in many industries. For example, it is used to produce other chemicals, fertilizers, explosives and glue; to refine petroleum; to cure metal; and in lead-based car batteries. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to sulfuric acid according to NIOSH include:
• Outdoor workers who work in areas where coal, oil or gas are burned
• Mechanics who handle dirty batteries
• Plumbers and contractors who come in contact with toilet bowl cleaners mixed with water
• Workers in publishing, printing or photography shops
• Fire fighters and steelworkers who are exposed to acid mists
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) reports that touching sulfuric acid will burn the skin, and breathing sulfuric acid can result in tooth erosion and respiratory tract irritation. Drinking sulfuric acid can burn the mouth, throat and stomach; which can result in death. If one gets sulfuric acid in the eyes, it will cause the eyes to water and will burn. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that occupational exposure to strong inorganic acid mists containing sulfuric acid is carcinogenic to humans. IARC has not classified pure sulfuric acid for its carcinogenic effects.
To help protect workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) and NIOSH has a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL).
These are just a few of the many things to know about sulfuric acid and potential occupational exposure risks. To learn more about this or other industrial hygiene, environmental, health or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.
Clark Seif Clark csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. emsl.com
LA Testing latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental zimmetry.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine healthyindoors.com
