acetic acid

Acetic acid was qualitatively detected in 2 of 12 human milk samples collected from volunteers in four US cities(1). Acetic acid at 19.9 mg/day was measured from non-specified human emissions(2). Humans exude <90mg/day of volatile fatty acids in exhaled breath and perspiration, 80% of which is acetic acid(3); in a confined environment, as much as 15-20 mg/cu m can accumulate and such concentrations can become serious in submarines or space capsules(3).

Pesticide Ecotoxicity Data from EPA: 3

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), acetic acid, which has a vapor pressure of 15.7 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. The pure compound is a solid below 68 °F(3). Particulate-phase acetic acid will be removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition. Vapor-phase acetic acid is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 22 days(SRC), calculated from its measured rate constant of 7.4X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(4). Particulate-phase acetic acid will be removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition. Acetic acid does not absorb l...

In 24 hr aqueous adsorption studies using montmorillonite and kaolinite clay adsorbents, 2.4-30.4% of added acetic acid was observed to be in the adsorbed phase(1). In adsorption studies using the adsorbent hydroxyapatite (a mineral which occurs in the environment as a result of the diagenesis of skeletal apatite), only 5% of added acetic acid (in aqueous solution, pH 8.0) became adsorbed to the hydroxyapatite(2). Acetic acid has been noted to leach from biological disposal areas(3).

ANAEROBIC: In a biofilm column study, 95% removal of acetic acid under aerobic conditions, and 99% removal under methanogenic conditions was observed(1).

Acetic acid shows no potential for biological accumulation or food chain contamination.

The Henry's Law constant for acetic acid has been experimentally determined to be 1.43X10-7 atm-cu m/mole at 25 °C(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that acetic acid is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water surfaces(2). Acetic acid's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC). Acetic acid is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 15.7 mm Hg at 25 °C(3).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of acetic acid with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been measured as 7.40X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 22 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(2). Acetic acid is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3). Acetic acid does not absorb light with wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

RAIN/SNOW: Rainwater collected in Wilmington, NC between 1987 and 1990 contained acetic acid at concentrations of 1.3 to 8.4 uM; concentrations were highly correlated with hydrogen ion, nitrate, and non-sea-salt sulfate(1). Higher concentrations were reported for local thunderstorms and were lowest in maritime storm rain(1). Rainwater collected by event during January to March 1985 at Brookhaven National Laboratory, NY, contained acetic acid at concentrations from 0.1 to 0.4 ppm; snow contained acetic acid at concentrations from trace quantities to 0.3 ppm(2). Rainwater and snow collected at different locations, both urban and nonurban, in southern California from 1982 to 1984 contained acetic acid at 0.37 to 13.45 uM(3). Acetic acid was measured in cloud water obtained at a forested ri...

Twenty-two acids in ground roast coffees and instant coffees were determined by GLC (gas liquid chromatography) of their silyl derivatives (after preseparation by gel electrophoresis or isotachophoresis). The contribution to the total acidity (which was estimated by titration to pH 8 after cation exchange of the coffee solutions) was calculated for each individual acid. The acids contribute 67% (roast coffee) and 72% (instant coffee) to the total acidity. Citric acid (12.2% in roast coffee/10.7% in instant coffee), acetic acid (11.2%/8.8%) and the high MW acids (8%/9%) contribute to the total acidity.

Acetic acid was qualitatively detected in 2 of 12 human milk samples collected from volunteers in four US cities(1).

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Ten Mosquito fish were exposed to test concentrations for a period of 96 hours. The concentrations used for the first experiment were 10, 18, 32, 56 and 100 ppm. When deaths did not occur at these concentrations within 96 hours the same series was run between 100 and 1,000 ppm. The temperature, turbidity, and pH of the experimental water were measured after the test substance was added and daily throughout the experiment. Survivor observations were made at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. Test water was maintained at pH 6.9 -8.7 and 16-25 °C. Fish transferred to concentrations between 100 and 1,000 ppm swam frantically and at 100 and 180 ppm returned to normal in 24 hours. At 320 ppm and higher all fish were dead at 24 hours.

Acetic acid was identified as a component of poultry manure (at concentrations from 9.17 to 464 mg/kg)(1) and was responsible for a vinegar-like odor(2).

Acetic acid was emitted from burning polyethylene as an oxidative degradation product(1). Acetic acid was found in oil-shale gas-condensate retort water and in process retort water at 3.4 mg/L and 1188 mg/L, respectively(2). Acetic acid was identified in the stack emission during waste incineration(3). Acetic acid concentrations were measured in smoke condensates of Ponderosa pine wood (4.4 g/kg smoldering; 0.34 g/kg flaming), needles (7.6 g/kg smoldering), bark (5.4 g/kg smoldering; 3.3 g/kg self-substained smoldering), litter (2.4 g/kg smoldering; 1.3 g/kg self-substained smoldering), duff (0.85 g/kg smoldering; 0.66 g/kg self-substained smoldering), and humus (0.19 g/kg smoldering)(4). Acetic acid was measured in active compost blower exhaust at 2574 ug/cu-m from a wastewater treatme...

The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.

Acetic acid is found in ocean water, oilfield brines, rain, and at trace concentrations in many plant and animal liquids. It is central to all biological energy pathways. Fermentation of fruit and vegetable juices yields 2-12% acetic acid solutions, usually called vinegar. Any sugar-containing sap or juice can be transformed to dilute acetic acid by bacterial or fungal processes(1). Acetic acid has been detected in various plants including gum tragacanth, cacao, flax, linseed, purging croton, grapes, grapevine, merrill flowers, ginseng, licorice, parsley, cilantro, coriandor, myrtle, blueberry and pineapple(2).

Acetic acid occurs as a volatile emission product during fish processing(1). The volatile components of different meats of a commonly consumed crab in Asia (Charybdis feriatus) were investigated. It was determined that acetic acid concentrations (ug/kg dry weight) in the following crab meats were 74.4 (legs and claws), 85.9 (body), and 50.1 (carapace)(2).

Acetic acid's production and use in the manufacture of various acetates, acetyl compounds, cellulose acetate, acetate rayon, plastics and rubber in tanning; as laundry sour; printing calico and dyeing silk; as acidulant and preservative in foods; solvent for gums, resins, volatile oils and many other substances, wide use in commercial organic syntheses, aqueous and non-aqueous acid-base titrations, trace metal analysis, and as a pharmaceutic aid (acidifier)(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Its use in hydrofracking operations(2) will result in its direct release to the environment(SRC). Atmospheric emissions occur from combustion of biomass, plastics and refuse and in exhaust from gasoline and diesel engines(3-6).

SEDIMENT: Acetic acid concentrations of 17.3-48.5 mmol/kg wet mud were detected in bottom sediments of Lake Biwa in Japan; however, no acetic acid was found in the interstitial water(1). Concentrations of 0.133-1.836 mg/g (dry wt) were detected in sediments from Loch Eil in Scotland. Water removed from sediments contained levels of 0.244-0.251 mg/mL(2).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 907,205 workers (322,123 of these are female) are potentially exposed to acetic acid in the US(1). Occupational exposure to acetic acid may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where acetic acid is produced or used(SRC). Acetic acid occurs ubiquitously and is a normal metabolite in animals; therefore, the general population is continually exposed to the compound(SRC). Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to acetic acid via inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of food, and dermal contact with consumer products containing acetic acid(SRC).

Acetic acid is one of the major volatile acids in tobacco smoke with concentrations ranging from 35-1,700 ug/cigarette(1). Acetic acid has been reported as a primary VOC (volatile organic compound) emitted from dairy animal waste (eg manure) and feed(2). Acetic acid levels of 63.4 ug/cu m have been detected in air in the vicinity of swine manure(3).

Acetic acid's production and use in the in the manufacture of various acetates and other chemicals, food preservation, textile dyeing, and as a pharmaceutical aid may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Its use in hydrofracking operations will result in its direct release to the environment. Atmospheric emissions occur from combustion of biomass, plastics and refuse and in exhaust from gasoline and diesel engines. Acetic acid is a natural product of fermentation and widely used in the form of common vinegar. Acetic acid occurs in ocean water, oilfield brines, rain, and at trace concentrations in many plant and animal liquids. Formation of acetic acid can occur via the reaction of olefins with ozone in the atmosphere. Decomposition of solid biological...

Acetic acid is corrosive and can cause skin burns and irritation to the mucous membranes. These burns or blisters may not appear until hours after exposure. (L1885)

In cases of skin or eye exposure, the area should be flushed with water and burns covered with dry, sterile dressings after decontamination. If ingested, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist respiration if necessary. (A569)

Nine out bred white male rats weighing approximately 100 g were used in /this/ study. Rats were given either N-nitrosarcosin ethyl ester (NSEE) alone, NSEE with the acetic acid solution, or the acetic acid solution alone. doses (0.5 mL of 3% water solution of acetic acid (about 60 mg/kg bw/treatment) were given by intubation into the esophagus 3 times per week. Animals were killed by ether inhalation after 8 months of experiments and autopsied. As expected, rats treated with the carcinogen NSEE had high incidences of pre-neoplastic lesions of the esophagus and forestomach, as well as benign tumors, carcinomas and squamous cell cancer. Prolonged administration of acetic acid in combination with NSEE resulted in an increase in the number of benign and malignant tumors and carcinomas in th...

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, teeth

LD50: 3.53 g/kg (Oral, Rat) (T66) LD50: 525 mg/kg (Intravenous, Mouse) (T14) LD50: 1060 mg/kg (Dermal, Rabbit) (T14) LC50: 5620 ppm over 1 hour (Inhalation, Mouse) (A717)

Concentrated acetic acid is corrosive and can cause skin burns, permanent eye damage, and irritation to the mucous membranes. Ingestion can cause severe damage to the digestive system and a potentially lethal change in the acidity of the blood. (L1885)

Toxic Pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors.

Oral (L1886); ihalation (L1886); ingestion (L1886)

Acetic acid is toxic due to its corrosive nature. In addition to causing skin burns and irritation to the mucous membranes, ingestion can result in severe damage to the digestive system and a potentially lethal change in the acidity of the blood. (L1885)

No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).