What is Hydrochloric Acid

Hydrochloric acid is a solution of hydrogen chloride (HCL) in water, that is a highly corrosive and a strong mineral acid with many industrial uses. It is found naturally in gastric acid. Hydrochloric Acid is a strong mineral acid with many uses in industry. Generally, the more industrialized a nation is, the greater the use of Hydrochloric Acid. Hydrochloric Acid in its concentrated form is also commonly known as HCl, Muriatic Acid and Fuming Hydrochloric Acid. All these names refer to essentially the same material. Hydrochloric Acid has an interesting history, which can be traced back to the middle Ages when alchemists who were trying to trace the philosopher's stone used it. Large-scale production of Hydrochloric Acid was first developed around the time of the Industrial Revolution and today Hydrochloric Acid is one of the most important acids in industry.

Hydrochloric acid is widely used in the chemical industry and in steel-making, where it is used to remove rust scale from iron or steel before it is processed. HCl is widely used in the food industry, both for canning foodstuffs and in the manufacture of corn syrups and soft drinks. Muriatic Acid or Fuming Hydrochloric Acid is also a key component in the production of PVC. Hydrochloric Acid is found in many household cleaning products. For further details of Hydrochloric Acid uses and Hydrochloric Acid in the Laboratory, please refer to the relevant pages of this website. Hydrochloric acid packaging and labeling requirements are governed by legislation according to the 'CHIP Regulations' whose full title is 'The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009. Hydrochloric acid is classified as 'Corrosive' or 'Irritant' according to its concentration.
Dangerous substances such as Hydrochloric Acid must be labeled with the full name, address and telephone number of the supplier, together with the name of the substance. All Risk and Safety Phrases should be listed, together with the EC number. Potential Hydrochloric Acid hazards include serious burns to the skin and eyes, with the risk of causing long-term or permanent damage. Ingestion of Hydrochloric Acid can cause burns to the mouth, esophagus and gastro-intestinal tract. The vapors of hydrochloric acid may damage mucous membranes and pulmonary edemas may occur. Coughing and irritation to the bronchial tract may result from inhalation of the material.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must always be worn when working with or handling Hydrochloric Acid. This should include protective clothing, footwear and appropriate eye protection, together with respiratory equipment, as appropriate. The manufacture, use and corrosiveness of hydrochloric acid can also be compared to that of nitric acid which is a common laboratory reagent and an important industrial commodity. It is mainly used in making ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) for fertilizers. It is also used for the manufacture of explosives (such as nitroglycerin), nitro cotton or guncotton, plastics, and dyes.

Both acids are highly flammable and corrosive. Incase of swallowing or inhalations seek quick medical advice and attention. Also before handling any acid read instructions and labels carefully. How well a patient does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a patient gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.