Occupational Exposure Risks to Sulfuric Acid and Other Industrial Chemicals in Puerto Rico

Sulfuric acid is a mineral acid composed of the elements sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) describes it as a corrosive substance, destructive to the skin, eyes, teeth and lungs, with severe exposure potentially resulting in death.
 
Many industries use sulfuric acid. 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 a worker gets sulfuric acid in the eyes, it will cause the eyes to water and 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,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “To protect workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for sulfuric acid and NIOSH has a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL). Companies and institutions in Puerto Rico that utilize sulfuric acid, and other potentially harmful chemicals, can turn to the industrial hygiene professionals at Zimmetry Environmental. We offer testing, monitoring, consulting and training services to identify and mitigate these types of occupational exposure risks. These services also help with regulatory compliance efforts.”
 
Zimmetry recently sponsored an educational video about sulfuric acid and occupational exposure hazards that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/R0AJv0vr_E8
 
To learn more about Zimmetry’s industrial hygiene, environmental, air quality, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail