**** SECTION 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION ****

MSDS Name: Formic Acid
Catalog Numbers:
    AC423750030, S80019, A118P-100, A118P-4, A118P-500, A118PJ500, A119P-1,
    A119P-20, A119P-4, A119P-500, BP1215-500
Synonyms:
    Methanoic Acid; Hydrogen Carboxylic Acid; Aminic Acid.
Company Identification:  Fisher Scientific
                        1 Reagent Lane
                        Fairlawn, NJ  07410
For information, call:  201-796-7100
Emergency Number:       201-796-7100
For CHEMTREC assistance, call: 800-424-9300
For International CHEMTREC assistance, call: 703-527-3887

         **** SECTION 2 - COMPOSITION, INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS ****

+----------------+--------------------------------------+----------+-----------+
|      CAS#      |              Chemical Name           |    %     |  EINECS#  |
|----------------|--------------------------------------|----------|-----------|
|       64-18-6  |Formic Acid                           |  85-98   | 200-579-1 |
|----------------|--------------------------------------|----------|-----------|
|     7732-18-5  |Water                                 |   2-15   | 231-791-2 |
+----------------+--------------------------------------+----------+-----------+
         Hazard Symbols: C
         Risk Phrases: 34

                 **** SECTION 3 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION ****

                              EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Appearance:  clear, colorless. Flash Point: 69 deg C.
Danger! Combustible liquid and vapor. Corrosive. Lachrymator
(substance which increases the flow of tears). May be harmful if
swallowed. May cause central nervous system depression. Causes eye
and skin burns. May cause liver and kidney damage. May cause severe
respiratory tract irritation with possible burns. May cause severe
digestive tract irritation with possible burns. Possible sensitizer.
Target Organs: Kidneys, central nervous system, liver, respiratory
system, eyes, skin.

Potential Health Effects
    Eye:
         Contact with liquid is corrosive to the eyes and causes severe
         burns.  Lachrymator (substance which increases the flow of tears).
         May cause corneal edema, ulceration, and scarring.
    Skin:
         May cause skin sensitization, an allergic reaction, which becomes
         evident upon re-exposure to this material. Contact with liquid is
         corrosive and causes severe burns and ulceration. Absorbed through
         the skin. May cause erythema (redness) and blistering.
    Ingestion:
         Causes severe digestive tract burns with abdominal pain, vomiting,
         and possible death. May be harmful if swallowed. May cause central
         nervous system depression. Ingestion may produce corrosive
         ulceration and bleeding and necrosis of the gastrointestinal tract
         accompanied by shock and circulatory collapse.
    Inhalation:
         May cause asthmatic attacks due to allergic sensitization of the
         respiratory tract. Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract.
         Aspiration may lead to pulmonary edema. Vapors may cause dizziness,
         nausea, itching, burning, and swelling of the eyes.
    Chronic:
         Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. May cause
         liver and kidney damage. Effects may be delayed. Laboratory
         experiments have resulted in mutagenic effects.

                   **** SECTION 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES ****

    Eyes:
         Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT allow victim to rub or keep eyes
         closed. Extensive irrigation with water is required (at least 30
         minutes).
    Skin:
         Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of
         soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated
         clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Destroy contaminated
         shoes.
    Ingestion:
         Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4
         cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an
         unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.
    Inhalation:
         Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air
         immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Do NOT use
         mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If breathing has ceased apply
         artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device
         such as a bag and a mask.
    Notes to Physician:
         Hemodialysis should be considered in severe intoxication. Persons
         with chronic respiratory, skin, kidney, or liver diseases or eye
         disorders may be at increased risk from exposure to this product.
    Antidote:
         Folic acid may be of benefit by hastening the metabolism of formic
         acid to carbon dioxide.

                 **** SECTION 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES ****

    General Information:
         As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in
         pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full
         protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases
         may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Use water
         spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Containers may explode in
         the heat of a fire. Vapors may be heavier than air.  They can spread
         along the ground and collect in low or confined areas. May
         polymerize explosively when involved in a fire. Contact with metals
         may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
    Extinguishing Media:
         Do NOT get water inside containers. For small fires, use dry
         chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray. For large fires, use dry
         chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray.
         Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after
         fire is out.
    Autoignition Temperature:Not available.
    Flash Point:           > 112 deg C (> 233.60 deg F)
    Explosion Limits, lower:18.0 vol %
    Explosion Limits, upper:57.0 vol %
    NFPA Rating: (estimated) Health: 3; Flammability: 2; Reactivity: 0

               **** SECTION 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES ****

    General Information: Use proper personal protective equipment as indicated
                         in Section 8.
    Spills/Leaks:
         Large spills may be neutralized with dilute alkaline solutions of
         soda ash, or lime. Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which
         lead to waterways. Clean up spills immediately, observing
         precautions in the Protective Equipment section. Remove all sources
         of ignition. Absorb spill using an absorbent, non-combustible
         material such as earth, sand, or vermiculite. Do not use combustible
         materials such as saw dust. Use a spark-proof tool. Provide
         ventilation. Do not get water inside containers.

                  **** SECTION 7 - HANDLING and STORAGE ****

    Handling:
         Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and
         wash before reuse. Use only in a well-ventilated area. Contents may
         develop pressure upon prolonged storage. Empty containers retain
         product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Keep
         container tightly closed. Do not get on skin or in eyes. Do not
         ingest or inhale. Discard contaminated shoes. Do not pressurize, cut,
         weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to
         heat, sparks or open flames.
    Storage:
         Store in a tightly closed container. Keep from contact with
         oxidizing materials. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away
         from incompatible substances. Corrosives area. Do not store in metal
         containers. Do not store near alkaline substances. Vent
         periodically.

         **** SECTION 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION ****

    Engineering Controls:
         Use explosion-proof ventilation equipment. Facilities storing or
         utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility
         and a safety shower. Use adequate general or local exhaust
         ventilation to keep airborne concentrations below the permissible
         exposure limits.

                                Exposure Limits
+--------------------+-------------------+-------------------+-----------------+
|   Chemical Name    |        ACGIH      |       NIOSH       |OSHA - Final PELs|
|--------------------|-------------------|-------------------|-----------------|
| Formic Acid        |5 ppm; 10 ppm      |5 ppm TWA; 9       |5 ppm TWA; 9     |
|                    |STEL               | mg/m3 TWA  30     |mg/m3 TWA        |
|                    |                   | ppm IDLH          |                 |
|--------------------|-------------------|-------------------|-----------------|
| Water              |none listed        |none listed        |none listed      |
+--------------------+-------------------+-------------------+-----------------+

    OSHA Vacated PELs:
         Formic Acid:
         5 ppm TWA; 9 mg/m3 TWA
         Water:
            No OSHA Vacated PELs are listed for this chemical.

    Personal Protective Equipment

                Eyes:
                      Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical
                      safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face
                      protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European
                      Standard EN166.
                Skin:
                      Wear neoprene gloves, apron, and/or clothing. Wear
                      butyl rubber gloves, apron, and/or clothing.
            Clothing:
                      Wear neoprene gloves, apron, and/or clothing. Wear
                      butyl rubber gloves, apron, and/or clothing.
         Respirators:
                      A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29
                      CFR :1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European
                      Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace
                      conditions warrant a respirator's use.

            **** SECTION 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES ****

Physical State:             Liquid
Appearance:                 clear, colorless
Odor:                       pungent odor - benzaldehyde-like
pH:                         Strong acid
Vapor Pressure:             44.8 mm Hg @ 20 deg C
Vapor Density:              1.59
Evaporation Rate:           2.1
Viscosity:                  1.607mPa @ 25 deg C
Boiling Point:              100.8 deg C
Freezing/Melting Point:     8 deg C
Decomposition Temperature:  Not available.
Solubility in water:        Miscible.
Specific Gravity/Density:   1.2267
Molecular Formula:          HCOOH
Molecular Weight:           46.0128

                **** SECTION 10 - STABILITY AND REACTIVITY ****

    Chemical Stability:
         Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
    Conditions to Avoid:
         Incompatible materials, metals, excess heat, combustible materials,
         oxidizers, plastics.
    Incompatibilities with Other Materials:
         Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, finely powdered metals,
         permanganates, sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxides, nitromethane,
         furfuryl alcohol, hydrated thallium nitrate.
    Hazardous Decomposition Products:
         Carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon
         dioxide.
    Hazardous Polymerization: Has not been reported

               **** SECTION 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION ****

    RTECS#:
         CAS# 64-18-6: LQ4900000
         CAS# 7732-18-5: ZC0110000
    LD50/LC50:
         CAS# 64-18-6: Draize test, rabbit, eye: 122 mg Severe; Inhalation,
         mouse: LC50 = 6200 mg/m3/15M; Inhalation, rat: LC50 = 15 gm/m3/15M;
         Oral, mouse: LD50 = 700 mg/kg; Oral, rat: LD50 = 1100 mg/kg.
         CAS# 7732-18-5: Oral, rat: LD50 = >90 mL/kg.
    Carcinogenicity:
      Formic Acid -
         Not listed by ACGIH, IARC, NIOSH, NTP, or OSHA.
      Water -
         Not listed by ACGIH, IARC, NIOSH, NTP, or OSHA.
    Epidemiology:
         No information available.
    Teratogenicity:
         No information available.
    Reproductive Effects:
         No information available.
    Neurotoxicity:
         No information available.
    Mutagenicity:
         Sister Chromatid Exchange: Human, Lymphocyte = 10 mmol/L.;
         Cytogenetic Analysis: Non-mammalian species Cells - not otherwise
         specified = 100 mmol/L.; Cytogenetic Analysis: Hammster, Ovary = 10
         mmol/L.
    Other Studies:
         No data available.

                 **** SECTION 12 - ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION ****

    Ecotoxicity:
         In natural water it has been shown to adsorb to sediment and would
         probably also biodegrade. Bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is
         not important. In the atmosphere, formic acid would be scavenged by
         rain and dissolve in cloud water where it reacts with dissolved
         hydroxyl radicals. It also reacts in the vapor phase with hydroxyl
         radicals (half-life 36 days).

                **** SECTION 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS ****

Chemical waste generators must determine whether a discarded chemical
is classified as a hazardous waste.
US EPA guidelines for the classification determination are listed in
40 CFR Parts 261.3. Additionally, waste generators must consult state
and local hazardous waste regulations to ensure complete and accurate
classification.
RCRA P-Series: None listed.
RCRA U-Series: CAS# 64-18-6: waste number U123;
(Corrosive waste, Toxic waste).

                 **** SECTION 14 - TRANSPORT INFORMATION ****

    US DOT
         Shipping Name: FORMIC ACID
          Hazard Class: 8
             UN Number: UN1779
         Packing Group: II
    Canadian TDG
         Shipping Name: FORMIC ACID
          Hazard Class: 8(9.2)
             UN Number: UN1779

                 **** SECTION 15 - REGULATORY INFORMATION ****

US FEDERAL
    TSCA
         CAS# 64-18-6 is listed on the TSCA inventory.
         CAS# 7732-18-5 is listed on the TSCA inventory.
       Health & Safety Reporting List
         None of the chemicals are on the Health & Safety Reporting List.
       Chemical Test Rules
         None of the chemicals in this product are under a Chemical Test Rule.
       Section 12b
         None of the chemicals are listed under TSCA Section 12b.
       TSCA Significant New Use Rule
         None of the chemicals in this material have a SNUR under TSCA.
    SARA
       Section 302 (RQ)
         CAS# 64-18-6: final RQ = 5000 pounds (2270 kg)
       Section 302 (TPQ)
         None of the chemicals in this product have a TPQ.
       SARA Codes
         CAS # 64-18-6: acute, flammable.
       Section 313
         This material contains Formic Acid (CAS# 64-18-6, 85 98%),which is
         subject to the reporting requirements of Section 313 of SARA Title
         III and 40 CFR Part 372.
    Clean Air Act:
         This material does not contain any hazardous air pollutants.
         This material does not contain any Class 1 Ozone depletors.
         This material does not contain any Class 2 Ozone depletors.
    Clean Water Act:
         CAS# 64-18-6 is listed as a Hazardous Substance under the CWA.
         None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Priority
         Pollutants under the CWA.
         None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Toxic Pollutants
         under the CWA.
    OSHA:
         None of the chemicals in this product are considered highly hazardous
         by OSHA.
STATE
    Formic Acid can be found on the following state right to know lists:
    California, New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania, Minnesota,
    Massachusetts.
    Water is not present on state lists from CA, PA, MN, MA, FL, or NJ.
    California No Significant Risk Level:
    None of the chemicals in this product are listed.
European/International Regulations
    European Labeling in Accordance with EC Directives
         Hazard Symbols: C
         Risk Phrases:
                      R 34  Causes burns.
         Safety Phrases:
                      S 23C Do not breathe vapour.
                      S 26  In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately
                      with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
                      S 45  In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek
                      medical advice immediately (show the label where
                      possible).
  WGK (Water Danger/Protection)
         CAS# 64-18-6: 1
         CAS# 7732-18-5: No information available.
  United Kingdom Occupational Exposure Limits
         CAS# 64-18-6: OES-United Kingdom, TWA 5 ppm TWA; 9.6 mg/m3 TWA

  Canada
         CAS# 64-18-6 is listed on Canada's DSL List.
         CAS# 7732-18-5 is listed on Canada's DSL List.
         This product has a WHMIS classification of B3, E.
         CAS# 64-18-6 is listed on Canada's Ingredient Disclosure List.
         CAS# 7732-18-5 is not listed on Canada's Ingredient Disclosure List.
  Exposure Limits
         CAS# 64-18-6: OEL-ARAB Republic of Egypt:TWA 5 ppm (9 mg/m3)
         OEL-AUSTRALIA:TWA 5 ppm (9 mg/m3)
         OEL-AUSTRIA:TWA 5 ppm (9 mg/m3)
         OEL-BELGIUM:TWA 5 ppm (9.4 mg/m3)
         OEL-DENMARK:TWA 5 ppm (9 mg/m3)
         OEL-FINLAND:TWA 5 ppm (9 mg/m3);STEL 10 ppm (18 mg/m3);Skin
         OEL-FRANCE:STEL 5 ppm (9 mg/m3)
         OEL-GERMANY:TWA 5 ppm (9 mg/m3)
         OEL-HUNGARY:TWA 5 mg/m3;STEL 8 mg/m3
         OEL-JAPAN:TWA 5 ppm (9.4 mg/m3)
         OEL-THE NETHERLANDS:TWA 5 ppm (9 mg/m3)
         OEL-THE PHILIPPINES:TWA 5 ppm (9 mg/m3)
         OEL-RUSSIA:TWA 5 ppm;STEL 1 mg/m3;Skin
         OEL-SWITZERLAND:TWA 5 ppm (9 mg/m3);STEL 10 ppm (18 mg/m3)
         OEL-UNITED KINGDOM:TWA 5 ppm (9 mg/m3)
         OEL IN BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN, KOREA check ACGIH TLV
         OEL IN NEW ZEALAND, SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGI TLV

                 **** SECTION 16 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ****

    MSDS Creation Date:  7/23/1999  Revision #5 Date:  5/14/2001

    The information above is believed to be accurate and represents the best
    information currently available to us. However, we make no warranty of
    merchantability or any other warranty, express or implied, with respect to
    such information, and we assume no liability resulting from its use. Users
    should make their own investigations to determine the suitability of the
    information for their particular purposes. In no way shall the company be
    liable for any claims, losses, or damages of any third party or for lost
    profits or any special, indirect, incidental, consequential or exemplary
    damages, howsoever arising, even if the company has been advised of
    the possibility of such damages.