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Corrosive

Definition

• A corrosive material is a highly reactive substance that causes obvious damage to living tissue. Corrosives act either directly, by chemically destroying the part (oxidation), or indirectly by causing inflammation.

  Acids and bases are common corrosive materials. Corrosives such as these are also sometimes referred to as caustics.

  Typical examples of acidic corrosives are hydrochloric (muriatic) acid and sulfuric acid. Typical examples of basic corrosives are sodium hydroxide and lye.

• The OSHA definition of corrosive in 29 CFR 1910.1200 App A is:
  "Corrosive: A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. For example, a chemical is considered to be corrosive if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the method described by the U.S. Department of Transportation in appendix A to 49 CFR part 173, it destroys or changes irreversibly the structure of the tissue at the site of contact following an exposure period of four hours. This term shall not refer to action on inanimate surfaces."

• Rust and electrochemical oxidation are forms of corrosion that occur on metals, but a) these occur on a much slower time scale and b) these are not a health effect and, therefore, are not usually noted on an MSDS. The U.S. Department of Transportation includes metal in their definitions.

MSDS Relevance

Corrosive materials pose serious immediate risk to skin, tissues, eyes and other parts of the body. Any body part coming in contact with a corrosive material must be flushed with water IMMEDIATELY for at least 15 minutes and then medical attention should be sought. Corrosives that are inhaled or ingested (eaten) must be dealt with by medical professionals. DO NOT induce vomiting for ingestion of a corrosive material as additional damage to the esophagus, throat and mouth will occur upon regurgitation. Consult the MSDS, an emergency room and/or your poison control center for first aid procedures in the event of ingestion. As required by Paragraph e of the OSHA Hazard Communication standard, workplaces using any hazardous chemical must have a written plan that includes labeling, information, MSDS's, and training in the hazards associated with those chemicals. In addition, a number of additional OSHA standards for eye protection etc. also apply to the use of corrosive chemicals. See our PPE entry for more information. Note: Although this is not explained on most MSDS's, corrosives can also etch or pit metals such as stainless steel. This can occur without visible surface damage, but stress cracks invisible to the naked eye can form. These microscopic cracks can severely weaken or degrade the material, leading to unexpected failure (or explosions in the case of pressure vessels).

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Further Reading

Working Safely With Corrosive Chemicals at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. List of corrosive chemicals courtesy of Columbia University. U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Hazardous Materials Safety home page. Dozens of electrochemistry and corrosion links at steelynx.net. Corrosion as presented in freshman chemistry by Michael Blaber at Florida State U. See also: acid, base, pH, PPE, vesicant.

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.