Picric acid
Synonyms & Trade Names
Phenol trinitrate, 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol [Note: An OSHA Class A Explosive (1910.109).]Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 0.1 mg/m3 ST 0.3 mg/m3 [skin]OSHA PEL
TWA 0.1 mg/m3 [skin]Physical Description
Yellow, odorless solid. [Note: Usually used as an aqueous solution.]Molecular Weight
229.1Boiling Point
Explodes above 572°FMelting Point
252°FSolubility
1%Vapor Pressure
(383°F): 1 mmHgIonization Potential
?Specific Gravity
1.76Flash Point
302°FUpper Exposive Limit
?Lower Explosive Limit
?Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Copper, lead, zinc & other metals; salts; plaster; concrete; ammonia [Note: Corrosive to metals. An explosive mixture results when the aqueous solution crystallizes.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
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, nephritisTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, kidneys, liver, bloodPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated/Daily
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:Daily
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 0.5 mg/m3:
(APF = 5) Any quarter-mask respirator.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Up to 1 mg/m3:
(APF = 10) Any particulate respirator equipped with an N95, R95, or P95 filter (including N95, R95, and P95 filtering facepieces) except quarter-mask respirators. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 2.5 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter.
Up to 5 mg/m3:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and a high-efficiency particulate filter
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 75 mg/m3:
(APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division