Propionic acid safety data

GHS hazards, precautions, first aid, handling and transport for Propionic acid. A classification summary, not a safety data sheet.

CAS 79-09-4Formula C₃H₆O₂

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

GHS classification

Pictograms, signal word and hazard classes of the GHS classification

Corrosive

Signal word

Danger

NFPA 704 rating
health, fire, reactivity

Hazard classes and categories

Skin Corr. 1

Hazard statements

H codes grouped by type. Percentages show the share of classification notifications that report the statement

Health hazards

H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.

Precautionary statements

P codes for prevention, response, storage and disposal

Prevention

P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.

Response

P301 + P330 + P331If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
P302 + P361 + P354If on skin: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.

Storage

P405Store locked up.

Disposal

P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

First aid

General first aid measures. Get medical advice if you feel unwell

If inhaled

IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area, take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used, if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

Skin contact

IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.

Eye contact

First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

If swallowed

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Corrosive chemicals will destroy the membranes of the mouth, throat, and esophagus and, in addition, have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Transport the victim IMMEDIATELY to a hospital.

Handling, storage and disposal

Summaries only, follow the supplier SDS for your grade

Safe handling

Fire: NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with strong bases, strong oxidizing agents or metals. See Chemical Dangers. Above 54 °C use a closed system, ventilation and explosion-proof electrical equipment.

General: AVOID ALL CONTACT!

Inhalation: Use ventilation and local exhaust.

Skin: Protective gloves. Protective clothing.

Eyes: Wear face shield.

Ingestion: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

Storage

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and strong bases. Store only in original container. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

Disposal

The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for propionic acid: Concentration process: Activated carbon. The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for propionic acid: Concentration process: Resin adsorption.

Exposure limits and toxicity

Occupational exposure limits and toxicity data

NIOSH REL, TWA: 10 ppm (30 mg/m³)
NIOSH REL, STEL: 15 ppm (45 mg/m³)
ACGIH TLV, 8-hour TWA: 10 ppm

Short-term exposure: The substance is very corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.

Transport information

UN dangerous goods classification for road, sea and air

UN number: UN 1848
Transport hazard class: 8
Packing group: III

Shipping rules depend on mode, quantity and packaging. Confirm the classification with the supplier SDS and your freight forwarder.

Supplier safety data sheets

SDS documents uploaded by suppliers who list this chemical

No supplier has uploaded an SDS for Propionic acid yet. Suppliers usually send one with their quote. Request quotes

Safety questions

Quick answers about handling Propionic acid safely

Is Propionic acid hazardous?

Propionic acid carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: causes severe skin burns and eye damage. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

Which GHS pictograms apply to Propionic acid?

The GHS classification of Propionic acid shows 1 pictogram: GHS05 (corrosive).

What is the UN number of Propionic acid?

Propionic acid is transported under UN 1848, hazard class 8, packing group III. Check the supplier SDS and the current ADR, IMDG or IATA rules before shipping.

How should Propionic acid be stored?

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and strong bases. Store only in original container. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

Where can I get the SDS for Propionic acid?

Ask the supplier for the safety data sheet of the exact grade you buy. Suppliers on CompoundList can attach their SDS to listings and send it with a quote. This page is a GHS classification summary, not an SDS.

GHS classification summary, not an SDS. Always check the supplier's SDS. Last updated 7 Oct 2026. Report an error

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