Why is picric acid dangerous?

Why is picric acid dangerous?

Picric acid is toxic by skin contact, ingestion or inhalation causing skin discolouration, skin sensitisation and in high concentrations kidney and liver damage. However in addition to its toxicity, picric acid can present a risk of explosion when encountered as a dry solid (in particular when crystalline).

Is picric acid is an explosive?

When hydrated, picric acid is a typically safe to handle, but it becomes a powerful explosive when dry (less than 10% water). Dry picric acid is highly sensitive to heat, shock, and friction. The moistened solid is classified as a flammable solid.

Is picric acid a carcinogen?

Skin contact with picric acid can cause irritation and yellow staining of the skin. Eye contact may result in irritation and damage to the eye. Can picric acid cause cancer? There are no data on whether picric acid causes cancer in humans.

How do you saturate picric acid?

A saturated aqueous solution of picric acid is 1.2-1.3% weight/volume (1.3grams/100 ml). Add 0.1g Sirius Direct 80 per 100 mls. To get a saturated picric acid solution add about 3 g to 100ml water in a beaker big enough. Warm it on a hotplate with steady stirring until picric acid is solved.

Are acids explosive?

Anhydrous Picric acid is similar to TNT. It needs usually needs a “booster” such as a primer to create the explosion. However, as a strong acid, picric acid attacks common metals (except tin and aluminum) creating explosive salts, which are shock-sensitive.

How do you remove picric acid from your hands?

All work with picric acid should be performed in a properly functional chemical fume hood to minimize inhalation exposure. Skin Exposure (spill on hands): Wash hands thoroughly with soap and copious amounts of water. Notify supervisor immediately.

Which acid is used in TNT?

In the final step, the DNT is nitrated to trinitrotoluene (TNT) using an anhydrous mixture of nitric acid and oleum. Nitric acid is consumed by the manufacturing process, but the diluted sulfuric acid can be reconcentrated and reused.

Is picric acid flammable?

The Department of Transportation classifies Picric Acid (Trinitrophenol) with less than 30% water by mass as a Class 1.1D explosive; with greater than 10% water by volume, it is a class 4.1 flammable solid (12). In the wetted state, it is unlikely to be an explosive hazard.

What is the EHS code for picric acid?

EHS-DOC-009 v.2 1 / 8. PICRIC ACID SAFETY GUIDELINES. Picric Acid is a trinitro-aromatic compound frequently found in forensic and histology laboratories as a staining and fixative agent. It was used in medicinal formulations in the treatment of malaria, trichinosis, herpes, smallpox and antiseptics.

What are the safety precautions when using picric acid?

A lab coat with long sleeves MUST be worn when handling picric acid and picric acid solutions. No exposed skin is allowed; long pants, sleeves, and closed toe shoes must be worn.  Never work alone when using picric acid.  Always dispense picric acid in a working fume hood.

What are the symptoms of picric acid toxicity?

Picric acid. irritation eyes, skin; sensitization dermatitis; yellow-stained hair, skin; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), myalgia, anuria, polyuria; bitter taste, gastrointestinal disturbance; hepatitis, hematuria (blood in the urine), albuminuria, nephritis.