OECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDE

FOREWORDINTRODUCTION

HYDROGEN CHLORIDECAS N°: 7647-01-0

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

1OECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDESIDS Initial Assessment Report
For
SIAM 15
Boston, USA, 22-25th, October, 2002

1. Chemical Name:

Hydrogen chloride

2. CAS Number:

7647-01-0

3. Sponsor Country:

Japan
National SIDS Contact Point in Sponsor Country:
Mr. Yasuhisa Kawamura
Director
Second Organisations Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan
2-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100

4. Shared Partnership with:
5. Roles/Responsibilities of
the Partners:•

Name of industry sponsor/consortium

Mr. Katsuji Ito
ASAHI GLASS CO., LTD.
E-mail: katsuji-itoh@om.agc.co.jp•

Process used

The industry consortium collected new data and prepared draft
versions of the Dossier, Robust Study Summary, SIAR and SIAP.
Japanese government peer-reviewed the documents, audited
selected studies.

6. Sponsorship History•

How was the chemical or
category brought into theOECD HPV Chemicals
Programme ?

This substance is sponsored by Japan under the ICCA Initiativeand is submitted for first discussion at SIAM 15.

7. Review Process Prior to
the SIAM:
8. Quality check process:2

No testing (X) Testing ( )UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
9. Date of Submission:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
13, August, 2002

10. Date of last Update:
11. Comments:

The industry contact point is Mr. Ito, ASAHI GLASS CO., LTD.
acting on behalf of the consortium members (ASAHI KASEICORP., CENTRAL GLASS CO., LTD., DAISO CO., LTD.,
HOKKAIDO SODA CO., LTD., KANEKA CORPORATION,
KANTO DENKA KOGYOU CO., LTD., MITUBISHICHEMICAL CORPORATION, MITUI CHEMICALS, INC.,MITUI TAKEDA CHEMICAL CO.,LTD., MITUI DUPONTFLUORO CHEMICL CO.,LTD., NANKAI CHEMICALINDUSTRY CO., LTD., NIPPON SODA CO., LTD., SHINETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD., SUMITOMO CHEMICAL CO.,LTD., TOAGOSEI CO., LTD., TOKUYAMACORPORATION, TOSOH CORPORATION, TSURUMI
SODA CO., LTD., V-Tech Corporation, Euro Chlor).
The SIDS Initial Assessment Documents were prepared by
Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute (CERI), Japan.

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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OECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDESIDS INITIAL ASSESSMENT PROFILECAS No.

7647-01-0

Chemical Name

Hydrogen chloride

Structural Formula

H-Cl
SUMMARY CONCLUSIONS OF THE SIAR

Human HealthHydrogen chloride will rapidly dissociate and its effects are thought to be a result of pH change (local deposition ofH+) rather than effects of hydrogen chloride/hydrochloric acid.
The acute oral LD50 values were determined to be 238-277 mg/kg bw for female rats, and the inhalation LC50 values
were determined to be 23.7-60.9 mg/L/5min, 5.7-7.0 mg/L/30min and 4.2-4.7 mg/L/60min for rats, 20.9 mg/L/5min,
3.9 mg/L/30min and 1.7 mg/L/30min for mice. Hydrogen chloride is corrosive to the skin and severe effects can be
expected from exposure to the eyes. No skin sensitisation has been reported.
There are few detailed studies reported for human exposure. The irritation of hydrogen chloride to mucous is so
severe that workers evacuate from the work place shortly after detecting its odor. A relation between concentrations
from accidental exposure and health effects have not been reported in detail.
For repeated dose toxicity, local irritation effects were observed in the groups of 10 ppm and above in a 90-day
inhalation study in compliance with FDA-GLP. The NOAEL for systemic toxicity has been determined to be 20 ppm
for rats and mice.
For genetic toxicity, a negative result has been shown in the Ames test. A positive result, which is considered to be
an artifact due to the low pH, has been obtained in a chromosome aberration test using Hamster ovary cells. The
effects of low pH in in vitro studies are not a problem in vivo as the proton level is regulated systemically.
For carcinogenicity, no pre-neoplastic or neoplastic nasal lesions were observed in a 128-week inhalation study with
SD male rats at 10 ppm hydrogen chloride gas. No evidence of treatment related carcinogenicity was observed either
in other animal studies performed by inhalation, oral or dermal administration. In humans, no association betweenhydrogen chloride exposure and tumor incidence was observed.
No reliable studies have been reported regarding toxicity to reproduction and development in animals after oral,
dermal or inhalation exposure to hydrogen chloride/hydrochloric acid. Because protons and chloride ions are normal
constituents in the body fluid of animal species, low concentrations of hydrogen chloride gas/mist or solution do notseem to cause adverse effects to animals. In fact, the cells of gastric glands secrete hydrochloric acid into the cavityof the stomach and orally administered sulfuric acid, which results in pH change as well, did not cause
developmental toxicity to laboratory animals. These facts indicate that hydrogen chloride/hydrochloric acid is notexpected to have developmental toxicity. In addition, no effects on the gonads were observed in a good quality 90day inhalation study up to 50 ppm.
Environment
Hydrogen chloride is a colourless gas which has a pungent odor, and has a vapour pressure of 42,200 hPa at 20°C
and a water solubility of 823 g/L at 0°C, 673 g/L at 30°C. Its aqueous solution (called hydrochloric acid) possesses
strong acidity, and reacts with most metals producing explosive hydrogen gas. Hydrogen chloride is readily
dissociated in water into hydrated protons and chloride ion.
The physico-chemical properties indicate that hydrogen chloride released into the environment is distributed into the
air and water.

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UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDE

Hydrogen chloride can react with hydroxyl radicals to form chloride free radicals and water and its half-life time iscalculated as 11 days. No accumulation of hydrogen chloride per se in living organisms is expected due to its highsolubility and dissociation properties.
The toxicity values to Selenastrum capriornutum 72h-EC50 is pH 5.1 (0.780 mg/L) for biomass, pH 5.3 (0.492mg/L) for growth rate and the 72h-NOEC is pH 6.0 (0.097 mg/L) for biomass and growth rate. The 48h-EC50 for
Daphnia magna is pH 5.3 (0.492 mg/L) based on immobilization.
The hazard of hydrochloric acid for the environment is caused by the proton (pH effect). For this reason the effect ofhydrochloric acid on the organisms depends on the buffer capacity of the aquatic ecosystem. Also the variation inacute toxicity for aquatic organisms can be explained for a significant extent by the variation in buffer capacity ofthe test medium. For example, LC50 values of acute fish toxicity tests varied from 4.92 to 282 mg/L.
It is not considered useful to calculate a PNEC for hydrochloric acid because factors such as the buffer capacity, thenatural pH and the fluctuation of the pH are very specific for a certain ecosystem.
There is a possibility that the emission of hydrochloric acid could locally decrease the pH in the aquatic
environment. Normally, the pH of effluents is measured very frequently to maintain the water quality. In addition tothat, water quality including the range of pH could be managed properly to prevent adverse effects on the aquatic
environment based on the criteria of the pH in rivers and lakes. Therefore, a significant decrease of the pH of thereceiving water is not expected. Generally the changes in pH of the receiving water should stay within the naturalrange of the pH, and for this reason, adverse effects on the aquatic environment are not expected due toanthropogenic or naturally occurring hydrochloric acid.
Exposure
The production volume of hydrogen chloride in 1999 was 1,155,259 tonnes (Production; 1,144,779 tonnes, import;
10,480 tonnes) in Japan and approximately 7,150,000 tonnes (6,500,000 metric tonnes) in the U.S.A. The production
capacity in the U.S.A. in 1999 was approximately 2,242,000 tonnes excluding the capacity for by-product HCl thatis generated and recycled in integrated systems such as ethylene dichloride/vinyl chloride monomer (EDC/VCM)
production plants. The market of the aqueous solution occupies only about 20% of the total demand in the U.S.A.
Hydrogen chloride is produced by the direct reaction of hydrogen and chlorine, by reaction of metal chlorides andacids, and as a by-product from many chemical-manufacturing processes such as chlorinated hydrocarbons. A large
quantity of hydrogen chloride is recycled in a same line for other material production processes such as ethylene
dichloride production.
Hydrogen chloride/hydrochloric acid is commercially available in a gaseous form and solutions at various
concentrations. The anhydrous hydrogen chloride is mainly used for ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride
monomer production etc. In aqueous form, there are various uses such as oil well acidising and steel pickling.
Hydrogen and chlorine, which is the source of formation for hydrogen chloride, are commonly found in theenvironment. Thus, hydrogen chloride occurs in nature through the reaction of sea salt aerosol and acidic sulphate in
the ocean, and through atmospheric or aquatic (hydrolysis or biodegradation) degradation of organo-halogens etc.
Volcano eruption injects hydrogen chloride of 400,000-11,000,000 tonnes into the atmosphere. Additionallymammalian constantly secrets the gastric juice, which contains H+ concentration equivalent to 0.17 N HCl (pHs as
low as 0.87) into the stomach cavity.
Hydrogen chloride may be released into air from artificial source such as production and use sites. Unwantedhydrogen chloride is released into the environment from garbage incineration plants and by open burning or fire.
Practically, the emission of hydrogen chloride into air is controlled, for instance, by the absorption in water andneutralisation before the emission into the environment if significant release is expected.
For workers, a maximal concentration of hydrogen chloride in the atmosphere at the working place of 5 ppm (7.5mg/m3) is established by ACGIH (TLV-ceiling limit). Since hydrogen chloride/hydrochloric acid is irritating or
corrosive depending on the concentrations, exposure control such as ventilation should be provided and acidresistant protective equipment for eyes and skin, respiratory protective equipment and face shield should be ready touse.
The products using hydrochloric acid as food-processing agents are neutralized or buffered in the products, and noeffects of the pH are expected. Action to reduce consumer exposure has also been taken for products such as toilet

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

5OECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDE

cleaners containing high-level hydrochloric acid which produce hydrogen chloride gas or cause irritancy.
Hydrogen chloride which occurs in nature and exists in the atmosphere could be inhaled by the general population.
Also, indirect expose to hydrated protons and chloride ions occur via drinking surface water or food consumption
occurs since both ions are commonly found in the environment. The significant acidic effect as hydrochloric acid,however, is not expected due to the buffering capacity in the environment.

RECOMMENDATIONThe chemical is currently of low priority for further work.

RATIONALE FOR THE RECOMMENDATION AND
NATURE OF FURTHER WORK RECOMMENDED
The chemical possesses corrosive properties indicating a hazard for human health and the environment. No further
work is recommended if sufficient control measures are in place to avoid significant human exposure andenvironmental impact, including prevention of accidental exposure. In situations where this is not the case, risk
assessment and if necessary, risk reduction measures are recommended.

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UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDESIDS Initial Assessment Report
1

IDENTITY

1.1

Identification of the Substance

CAS Number:
IUPAC Name:
Molecular Formula:
Molecular Weight:
Synonyms:

1.2

Purity/Impurities/Additives

Purity:Impurities:
Additives:
1.3

Hydrogen chloride
7647-01-0
H-Cl
36.46
Anhydrous hydrochloric acid
Chlorohydric acid
Dilute hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid gas
Hydrochloric acid (6CI, 7CI, 8CI, 9CI)
Muriatic acid

> 99.7 % as anhydrous hydrogen chloride
Water< 0.02%
Remarks: Standard quality criteria for anhydrous hydrogen chloride
None

Physico-Chemical properties
Table 1

Physical and chemical properties of hydrogen chloride

Items

Protocols

Results

Reference

Melting Point

Unknown-114.22°C

The Merck Index,
13th Ed. (2001)

Boiling Point

Unknown-85.05°C (1,013 hPa)

The Merck Index,
13th Ed. (2001)

Vapour Pressure

Measured

42,200 hPa (20°C)

BASF AG (1994)

Water Solubility

Unknown

823 g/L (0°C)
673 g/L (30°C)

The Merck Index,
13th Ed. (2001)

DensityCalculated

1.491 mg/cm3(25°C, 1,013hPa)

CERI (2002)

Note: The log Pow is not applicable to inorganic compounds such as hydrogen chloride.

Hydrogen chloride is a colorless gas which has a pungent odor. The aqueous solution of hydrogenchloride is called hydrochloric acid. Hydrogen chloride is very soluble and completely dissociates
into protons and chloride ions in water. It is a strong acid and reacts with most metals producing
explosive hydrogen gas.

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OECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDE

2

GENERAL INFORMATION ON EXPOSURE

2.1

Production Volumes and Use Pattern

Estimated national production: The production volume of hydrogen chloride in 1999 was 1,155,259
tonnes (Production; 1,144,779 tonnes, import; 10,480 tonnes) in Japan (METI, Japan, 1999, The
Chemical Daily, 2000) and approximately 7,150,000 tonnes (6,500,000 metric tons) in the U.S.A(CMAI, 2000). In Japan, hydrogen chloride and hydrochloric acid are manufactured at 23 and 8
companies, respectively. The production capacity in the U.S.A. in 1999 was approximately
2,242,000 tonnes excluding the capacity for by-product HCl that is generated and recycled in
integrated systems such as ethylene dichloride/vinyl chloride monomer (EDC/VCM) production
plants (Chemical Market Reporter, 1999).
According to CMAI, the market of the aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride occupies only about
20% of total demand in the U.S.A (CMAI, 2000).
Hydrogen chloride is produced by direct reaction of hydrogen and chlorine, by reaction of metal
chlorides and acids, and as a by-product from chlorine-using processes to manufacture chlorinatedhydrocarbons and so on. In the U.S.A. more than 95% of hydrogen chloride/hydrochloric acid is
produced as a by-product and a large quantity of hydrogen chloride is recycled for other material
production processes such as ethylene dichloride (EDC) production (CMAI, 2000).
Commercially, hydrogen chloride is available in its gaseous form and as a solution at various
concentrations.
Use categories and/or functions (HSDB, CMAI, 2000)
The main uses of hydrogen chloride or hydrochloric acid are as follows;- In chemical industry•

Production of inorganic salts•

Production of vinyl chloride from acetylene, alkyl chlorides from olefins, dyes, artificial
silk, pigment, pesticides, pharmaceutical hydrochloride•

As catalyst and solvent in organic syntheses•

Alcohol chlorination reagent•

Nitration reaction•

Manufacture of phosphoric acid and in the production of ammonium chloride•

Neutralization of basic systems•

Cleaning agents- Manufacture of fertilizers- Hydrolysing of starch and proteins in the preparation of various food products
8

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDE- Pickling and cleaning of metal products- Refining ore- Leather deliming / tanning agents- Oil- and gas-well treatment- Textile scouring agents- Removing scale from boilers and heat-exchange equipment- In the brewing industry- Water treatment (pH control etc.)- As laboratory reagents- etc.
The hydrogen chloride gas is mainly used for EDC and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) production
etc. In aqueous form, there are various uses such as oil well acidification and steel pickling.
2.2

Environmental Exposure and Fate

2.2.1

Sources of Environmental Exposure

Potential sources
Hydrogen and chlorine, which is the source of formation for hydrogen chloride, are commonly
found in the environment. Thus, hydrogen chloride occurs in nature through the reaction of sea salt
aerosol with acidic sulphate in the ocean surface and through the atmospheric or aquatic (hydrolysis
or biodegradation) degradation of organo-halogens etc. (European Commission- European
Chemical Bureau 2000, WHO 1982). Also, volcano eruption injects approximately 400,00011,000,000 tonnes/year of hydrogen chloride into the atmosphere.
Hydrogen chloride may be released into air from artificial sources such as production and user sites.
Unwanted hydrogen chloride generated at garbage incineration plants and by open burning or fire isreleased into the environment. In case of emissions from chemical plants or waste incinerators, theconcentration of hydrogen chloride depends on the technology and control methods used in suchplants. Under Air Pollution Control Law in Japan, the emission standard is established as 700
mg/m3 (0°C, 1 atm) for waste incinerator facilities and 80 mg/m3 (0°C, 1 atm) for hydrogenchloride gas absorption or chemical chlorination facilities (MOE, Japan). Practically, the emissionof hydrogen chloride into air is controlled, for instance, by the absorption in water andneutralisation before the emission if significant release is expected. The pH of effluents is alsoestablished as within the range of 5.8-8.6 for the water quality standard under the Water Pollution
Control Law in Japan (MOE, Japan).

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Hydrogen chloride/hydrochloric acid will be released from the consumer products such as acleaners containing hydrochloric acid.
Most animals constantly secrete gastric juice, which contains a H+ concentration equivalent to 0.17
N HCl (pHs as low as 0.87) into the stomach cavity (Ganong, 2001).
2.2.2

Other Information on Environmental Fate

Hydrogen chloride can exist is its gaseous form at normal temperature and pressure (vapour
pressure: 42,200 hPa at 20°C), and is very soluble in water (water solubility: 823 g/L at 0°C) in theform of protons and chloride ions. These physico-chemical properties indicate that hydrogenchloride/hydrochloric acid released into the environment is distributed into the air and water. The
Fugacity model cannot be applied for ionised substances like this chemical.
Hydrogen chloride can react with hydroxyl radicals to form free chloride radicals according to thefollowing equation:
HCl + OH· → H2O + Cl· (rate constant; 7 x 10-13 cm3/molecule/s)
The half-life of hydrogen chloride in air through the reaction with 106 molecule/cm3 of hydroxyl
radicals is calculated to be 11 days (Solvay S.A., 2002). However, this reaction cannot occur in thepresence of moisture since hydrogen chloride is dissolved into moisture and exists in its dissociatedform. No accumulation of hydrogen chloride per se in living organisms is expected due to its highwater solubility and dissociation properties.
Monitoring data
The UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) reported the mean, the 10th-pecentile and the90th-percentile of chloride concentrations in 77 rivers were 41.1, 1.1 and 64.8 mg/L, respectively.
This global water quality monitoring was conducted in North America, South-America, Asia,
Africa, Europe and Oceania. (UNEP, 1995). The chloride concentration is tightly related to thegeological parameters and human activities and chloride is also extensively distributed into theenvironment. Thus the chloride concentration is not only related to the release of hydrogenchloride/hydrochloric acid into the environment. Regarding the H+ concentration measured as pH,
UNEP reported that the average annual pH values were between 6.5 and 8.3 (UNEP, 1995).
Buffer capacity in the aquatic ecosystem
The increase of the concentration of hydrochloric acid in water decreases the pH in the aquatic
ecosystem. Generally, the buffer capacity to maintain the pH in the aquatic ecosystem is importantand the equilibrium between CO2, HCO3- and CO32- in the aquatic ecosystem is mainly responsible
for the buffer capacity of receiving water.
CO2 + H2O ↔ HCO3- + H+

(pKa1 = 6.35)

HCO3- ↔ CO32- + H+

(pKa2 = 10.33)

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UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDE

According to UNEP (1995), the mean, the 10th-percentile and the 90th-percentile of bicarbonate
concentrations for 77 rivers in North-America, South-America, Asia, Africa, Europe and Oceania
were 106, 20 and 195 mg/L, respectively (UNEP, 1995). The amount (expressed as a concentration)of hydrochloric acid, which has to be added to bicarbonate solutions to obtain pH values of 6.0 and
4.0, is given in Table 2-1. The data of Table 2-1 were based on calculations but they wereconfirmed by experiments, and found that the decrease of the pH depends on the buffer capacity(bicarbonate concentration) of the receiving water. The buffering capacity for neutralization ofreceiving water with bicarbonate concentration of 20, 106 and 195 mg/L is calculated to be 2.19,
11.60 and 21.3 mg/L, respectively.
Table 2-1 Buffer capacity to maintain the pH based on bicarbonate concentration from UNEP
monitoring data (Groot de W.A. and Dijk van N.R.M. 2002)
Initial concentration of HCO3-

Final pH

Concentration of HCl required toobtain the final pH value
Calculated [mg/L]-

20 mg/L HCO3
(10th percentile 77 rivers)-

106 mg/L HCO3
(mean value of 77 rivers)-

195 mg/L HCO3
(90th percentile 77 rivers)

6.0

8.28

4.0

11.9

6.0

43.9

4.0

63.2

6.0

80.7

4.0

116.3

The pH of effluents is frequently measured to maintain the water quality because the pH is a key
parameter in water quality (WHO 1998), and can be adapted easily to the aquatic ecosystem.
Significant decrease of the pH of the receiving water, therefore, is not expected.
2.3

Human Exposure

2.3.1

Occupational Exposure

Table 2-2. Occupational exposure levels (OELs) in several countries

ACGIH
EU

Type*

Value

Reference

STEL (Ceiling)

5 ppm (7.5 mg/m3)

ACGIH, 2001

TLV

5 ppm (8 mg/m3)
3

EuropeanCommission
2000/39/EC, 2000

Directive

STEL

10 ppm (15 mg/m )OEL-Japan

STEL

5 ppm (7.5 mg/m3)

Japan Society for Occupational Health, 2001

OEL-German

MAK

5 ppm (7 mg/m3)

TWA

1 ppm (2 mg/m3)

European Commission- European Chemical
Bureau, 2000

STEL

5 ppm (7 mg/m3)

OEL-United Kingdom* STEL: Short-Term Exposure Limit, TLV: Threshold Limit Value,
TWA: Time-Weighted Average, MAK: = TWA.

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OECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDE

Occupational exposure to hydrogen chloride which possesses irritating or corrosive properties
depending on its concentration has long been controlled in each country by the establishment ofstandard concentrations at the working place. Although hydrogen chloride is produced in a closed
system, attention should be paid to leakages. The workers at user sites such as steel industry may
inhale the gas or mist of hydrogen chloride, and may come into contact with its aqueous solution.
Although dermal absorption of hydrogen chloride is not expected, hydrochloric acid is irritating or
corrosive depending on the concentrations.
In the worst case estimation of intake by inhalation exposure to hydrogen chloride, workers may
inhale air that contains hydrogen chloride at 7.5 mg/m3 (ACGIH TLV-ceiling limit), the daily
intake through inhalation during an 8-hour working day will amount to 108 mg/day (breathing rate:
30 L/min.).
Generally, workers who are at indoor work are expected to use protective equipments (gas mask,
gloves, safety glasses) and drivers who transport the chemical have to always have thoseequipments ready. For any situation where potential exposure is expected, the use of acid resistant
protective equipments for eyes and skin, respiratory protective equipment and face shield isrecommended because of its irritating or corrosive properties.
2.3.2

Consumer Exposure

Hydrochloric acid is widely used as a food processing agent and is dissociated into its ions. Its
acidity is neutralised or buffered in the products. Thus, effects of hydrochloric acid via suchproducts are not expected.
In Japan, a cleaning agent containing hydrochloric acid at 9.5% is available to consumers andexposure to hydrogen chloride or hydrochloric acid may occur. In order to avoid consumer
exposure from the effect of hydrogen chloride gas and hydrochloric acid, the following cautions are
mentioned on the label of the product as product information (DAINIHON JOCHUGIKUCorporation, 2002);
Danger of chloride gas if mixed with other chloride contained cleaner;
Don’t use for other usage;
Use rubber gloves or handled brush for use;
Don’t grasp the bottle to open;
Don’t leave the liquid.
Thus, actions to reduce the potential of consumer exposure have been taken.
Indirect Exposure via Environment
Hydrogen chloride, which occurs in the environment or is released from anthropogenic sources,
could be inhaled by the general population. Also, indirect exposure to hydrated protons and chloride
ions occurs via drinking surface water or food consumption since both ions are ubiquitous in the
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environment. The significant acidic effect of hydrochloric acid, however, is not expected due to thebuffering capacity of the environment.

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3

HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS

3.1

Effects on Human HealthHydrogen chloride has been used in a dispersive way for a long time, and therefore its exposure andeffects on humans are well known. The major human health hazard and mode of action of hydrogenchloride is local irritation and/or corrosion. Irritation of the upper airways appears to be the mostsensitive indicator of exposure.
3.1.1

Toxicokinetics, Metabolism and Distribution

Hydrogen chloride or its aqueous solution, hydrochloric acid is corrosive and irritating and causes
direct local effects on the skin, eyes and gastro-intestinal tract after direct exposure to sufficiently
high concentrations. Vapour of hydrogen chloride or small droplets (aerosol /mist) of hydrochloric
acid can also be inhaled and cause direct local effects on the respiratory tract. Hydrogen chloride
will rapidly dissociate and the anion will enter the body electrolyte pool. That is, hydrogen chloride
per se is not expected to cause effects to the body. The local effects of the aqueous solution ofhydrogen chloride are the effects of the H+ ion (local deposition of protons, pH change) rather thaneffects of the chloride ion. Inhaled hydrogen chloride is partially neutralized before it reaches thelower respiratory tract by naturally occurring ammonia gas in the respiratory system (Soskolne etal., 1989). Under normal handling and use conditions (non-irritating), an aqueous solution ofhydrogen chloride is not expected to be systemically available in the body. Immediate defence
against pH changes is provided by body buffers that can take up or release protons instantaneously
in response to changes in acidity of body fluids. Regulation of pH ultimately depends on the lungs(carbon dioxide excretion) and kidneys (bicarbonate regeneration through proton secretion in
urine).
Chloride is a normal constituent of the blood and the excess is expected to be excreted into the urine(Ganong, 2001). The uptake of sodium chloride via food is about 3.5-9 gram per person per day(Battarbee and Meneely, 1978; FASEB, 1979). It means 2.1-5.5 g chloride is taken into the body
via food. The daily intake through inhalation during an 8-hour work shift is estimated to be only
108 mg/day under the worst case at the working place. The body pool of this anion (Cl-) is large,
and the uptake of chloride via exposure to hydrogen chloride/ hydrochloric acid is much less thanthe uptake of chloride via food, it is therefore unlikely that occupational aerosol exposuressignificantly alter the normal body load.
The uptake of protons via exposure to hydrogen chloride/ hydrochloric acid is not expected tochange the pH in the blood under normal handling and use conditions (non-irritating). The pH of
the extracellular fluid is regulated within a narrow range to maintain homeostasis. Via urinary
excretion and exhalation of carbon dioxide, the pH is maintained at the normal pH of 7.4 (Ganong,2001).

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3.1.2

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE

Acute Toxicity

There are no studies that have been carried out recently, under national or international guidelines,
and in compliance with GLP. However, available studies are presented in Table 3-1, despite theirpoor reliability. Although there are no valid studies for the acute inhalation route, the available
studies provide reasonably consistent information on lethality.
Table 3-1.
Species

Route

Endpoint

Value

Reliabiliti
esReferences

Rat

Oral

LD50

238-277 mg/kg
700 mg/kg

2
4

Hoechst AG(1966)
Monsanto (1976)

RabbitOral

LD50

900 mg/kg

3

Loewy and Munzer(1923)

Rat

Inhalation
(Gas)

LC50

23.7 mg/L･5min

3
3Hartzell et al. (1987)
Darmer et al. (1974a)

Inhalation
(Gas)

LC50

3
3

Hartzell et al. (1987)
Darmer et al. (1974a)

Inhalation
(Gas)

LC50

4.7 mg/L･60min

3
3

Hartzell et al. (1990)
MacEwean et al. (1974)

Rat
Rat

60.9 mg/L･5 min
5.7 mg/L･30min
7.0 mg/L･30min
4.2 mg/L･60min

Mouse

Inhalation
(Gas)

LC50

20.9 mg/L･30min

3Darmer et al. (1974b)

Mouse

Inhalation
(Gas)

LC50

3.9 mg/L･30min

3Darmer et al. (1974b)

Mouse

Inhalation
(Gas)

LC50

1.7 mg/L･60min

3

MacEwean et al. (1974

RabbitDermalLD50>5,010 mg/kg

4

Monsanto (1976)

Studies in Animals
Inhalation
In the studies in which rats and mice were exposed to hydrogen chloride (gas) and observed for 14days, LC50 values were determined depending on exposure period. The LC50 values are reported
to be 23.7-60.9 mg/L/5min, 5.7-7.0 mg/L/30min and 4.2-4.7 mg/L/60min for rats, 20.9 mg/L/5min,
3.9 mg/L/30min and 1.7 mg/L/60min for mice (Darmer et al., 1974a; Hartzell et al., 1990;
MacEwean et al., 1974). Clinical signs observed were irritation and corrosion to the eye (cloudinessand erosion of cornea) and skin (especially, ulceration of scrotum), and animals died from
respiratory failure (alveolar emphysema, atelectasis, and oedema of the lungs) shortly after
exposure. As for hydrochloric acid aerosol, because hydrogen chloride gas is thought to be rapidly
dissolved into water in the air or on the tissue, lethal concentrations (LC50 value: 45 mg/L/5min.,
8.3 mg/L/30min for rats, 16.5 mg/L/5min, 3.2 mg/L/30min for mice), clinical signs and theobservations at necropsy did not differ from those observed at exposure to the gas (Darmer et al.,1974a).
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OECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDE

Although there are several experiments with rabbits, guinea pigs, monkeys, cats and dogs, thatshow clinical signs caused by irritation and death from respiratory failure, the details of theexperiments were not described.
DermalAlthough, the details of the experiment, such as the concentration of the solution applied, were notreported, the lethal dose was above 5,010 mg/kg for the rabbits (Monsanto, 1976).
Oral
In an oral administration test, the LD50 value for hydrogen chloride has been determined to be 238277 mg/kg bw for female rats (Hoechst AG, 1966). In this test, hydrogen chloride was given to four
different dose groups as 3.3% aqueous solution to minimize the corrosive effect, other data such as
clinical or pathological observation were not reported. Although, ulceration of stomach, acuteinflammation of intestine, discoloration of the liver and hyperemia of the lung were observed inanother acute oral study with rats, the details of the experiment including concentration of the solution
administered were not reported (Monsanto, 1976). The oral LD50 value was also reported to be 900
mg/kg bw for rabbits, but the details of the experiment were not reported (Loewy and Munzer, 1923).
Studies in Humans
Inhalation
There are few detailed studies reported for human exposure. The irritation of hydrogen chloride gas/ hydrochloric acid mist to mucosa is so severe that workers evacuate from the work place shortly
after detecting a smell. The relation between concentration during accidental exposure and healtheffects were not reported in detail.
It is reported that acute exposure of 1,300 ppm (1.95 mg/L) hydrogen chloride gas for 30 minutes or
3,000 ppm (4.5 mg/L) for 5 minutes did not cause any death in a human experiment (Marchi
Industry, 2000), and short-term exposure to airborne concentration up to 1.8 ppm did not cause
irritation to the respiratory tract of sensitive asthmatic volunteers (Stevens et al. 1992).
Oral
In a suicide case, it is reported that a woman died 29 hours after ingestion of 60 mL of 35%
hydrochloric acid (Hashimura et al., 1996). In the three cases of hydrochloric acid ingestion patients
admitted to an Indian Hospital, gastric scarring was observed (Subbarao, 1988). The volume andconcentration of the solution intake was not reported. They received gastroectomy and recovered.
Conclusion
None of the available studies have been carried out recently or under national/internationalguidelines, and in compliance with GLP. Although few reliable studies are available, the studies
presented here can explain the nature of the acute toxicity of this chemical.
The oral LD50 value of hydrogen chloride is reported to be 238-277 mg/kg bw for female rats, and
900 mg/kg bw for rabbits and the LC50 values of hydrogen chloride (gas) by inhalation exposure are
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23.7-60.9 mg/L/5min, 5.7-7.0 mg/L/30min and 4.2-4.7 mg/L/60min for rats, 20.9 mg/L/5min, 3.9
mg/L/30min and 1.7 mg/L/60min for mice. The lethal dose by dermal exposure was above 5,010
mg/kg bw for rabbits.
3.1.3

Irritation

Skin Irritation
Studies in Animals
There are several studies with reliability 1 or 2 available (see table 3-2). Concentrations above 3.3%
cause irritation and concentrations above 17% cause corrosion in animal studies.
According to Annex I of the Directive 67/548/EEC, hydrochloric acid is classified as C; R34:
Corrosive; Causes severe burns for concentration C >= 25% and Xi; R37: Irritation; Irritating to therespiratory system for concentration 10% <= C < 25%.
Table 3-2.
SpeciesResults

Remarks

Reliabilities

Reference

RabbitCorrosive

37% hydrochloric acid aq. (1h, 4h) caused
severe damage.

2

Potokar et al. (1985)

RabbitCorrosive

0.5 mL of 17% hydrochloric acid aq. wasapplied for 4h.

3Vernot et al. (1977)

RabbitModeratel
y irritating

0.5 mL of 3.3% hydrochloric acid aq.
applications for 5 days was moderately
irritating.

2

Hoechst AG (1966)

RabbitNot
irritating

0.5 mL of 1% hydrochloric acid aq.
applications for 5 days was not irritating.

2

Hoechst AG (1966)

Studies in Humans
An aqueous solution (4%) of hydrogen chloride was slightly irritating (Agner and Serup, 1988), anda 10% solution was determined to be ‘Irritating to skin’ for the EU Dangerous Preparations
Directive, in human volunteer experiments (York et al., 1996).
Eye Irritation
There are several studies with reliability 1 or 2 available (see table 3-3). Concentrations above 3.3% cause irritation, and higher concentrations or prolonged exposure cause damage of the tissue inthe animal studies. Conflicting results may be observed in eye irritation studies depending on the
protocol used. The severity of the effects is influenced by the exposure amount, concentration,
duration and the treatment, because tears induce buffering and diluting effects.

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Table 3-3.
SpeciesResults

RabbitHighlyirritating(OECD 405)

3.1.4

Remarks

Reliabilities

Reference

0.1 mL of 10% hydrochloric acid aq.
severe irritation with corneal injury which
may result in permanent impairment ofvision.

2

Jacobs (1992)

RabbitCorrosive

0.03 mL or more of 5% hydrochloric acid aq.
was severely irritating or corrosive.

3

Griffith et al.
(1980)

RabbitSlightly
irritating

0.1 mL of 3.3% hydrochloric acid aq. wasapplied into the conjunctival sac; 48hobservation period.

2

Hoechst AG(1966)

RabbitNot
irritating

0.1 mL of 0.33% hydrochloric acid aq. wasapplied into the conjunctival sac; 48hobservation period.

2

Hoechst AG(1966)

Sensitisation

Studies in Animals
There are no studies that have been performed recently or under national/international guidelines,
and in compliance with GLP. However, both guinea pig maximization test (1% HCl in EtOH
[undefined concentration] was used in both sensitization and challenge phase) and mouse ear
swelling test (MEST; 1% HCl in 70% EtOH for sensitization phase, 5% HCl for challenge phase
was used) showed negative results (Gad et al., 1986). The concentration levels used were expected
to refer to “not irritating (1%)” and “slightly irritating (5%)”.
Studies in Humans
In a human study, fifty volunteers were given nine 24-hour covered applications of an aqueous
solution of hydrogen chloride of unspecified concentration over 3 weeks. None gave positive
reactions in a challenge application, 10–14 days after the final induction application (Gad et al.,1986).
3.1.5

Repeated Dose Toxicity

Studies in Animals
Inhalation
For repeated dose toxicity, 13 inhalation and 7 oral dose studies has been reported. Among those,
only the inhalation studies reported by CIIT (1984) were reliable. They were performed incompliance with FDA-GLP, and they are considered to be the critical studies for assessment. Fourgroups of 10 males and 10 females (mice: B6C3F1; rats: SD and F344) individually housed were
exposed to hydrogen chloride gas at concentrations of 0, 10, 20 and 50 ppm for 90 days (6hours/day, 5 days/week). For male and female mice at 50 ppm, a decrease in body weight gain,
food consumption and liver weight (male) was noted. For male SD rats at 50 ppm, a decrease infood consumption was observed. For F344 rats, a decrease in body weight gain was observed inmales at 50 ppm and a decrease in food consumption was observed in both sexes at 20 and 50 ppm.
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No biologically significant difference was observed in urinalysis, haematology and serum
chemistry. Inflammatory histo-pathological changes in lips or nasal cavity were observed in
B6C3F1 mice and F344 rats above 10 ppm or in SD rats above 20 ppm. In addition, thehistopathological examination of reproductive organs (testis, epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicle;
ovary, uterus, oviduct, mammary glands) could not find any exposure related effects. The NOAEL
for repeated dose inhalation toxicity, except for the local effects of irritation, is considered to be 20
ppm for rats and mice. Other inhalation studies with rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs and monkeys
are not appropriate for initial assessment, as the methods of the experiments had some defects.
DermalThere are no repeated dose dermal studies with hydrogen chloride.
Oral
For oral effects, groups of rats were fed diets containing 280-1250 mmol/kg diet (10.2-45.6 mg/kg
diet) for 7-12 weeks (Upotn and L’Estrange, 1977). In the groups fed diet containing 280 mmol/kg
and above, an increase in water intake was observed. At higher doses, all animals fed dietcontaining 937 mmol/kg and above for 9 weeks, and half of the animals fed diet containing 900
mmol/kg for 12 weeks died, and decreased body weight, food consumption, blood pH, femur
length, rate of ash in bone were also observed. In an experiment with rats, hydrochloric acid wasadministered via drinking water (pH 2-3). Decreased protein levels in urine and decreased urine
volumes were observed in the treatment groups (Clausing and Gottschalk, 1989). Other oral studies
with rats and rabbits are not appropriate for initial assessment, as the methods of the experiments
had some defects or the details of the results were not reported (Burns, 1929).
Studies in Humans
In a personal exposure monitoring program at a zinc galvanizing plant in the Netherlands, using
15% hydrochloric acid solution for pickling process, atmospheric concentrations of 1.8-12.4 mg/m3(geometric mean) were observed at 6 sites (ca. 50 samples for each site) (Remijn et al., 1982). It
was calculated that workers were exposed to hydrochloric acid concentrations above 7 mg/m3 for
27% of their work shift (length of employment is not shown). Erosion in more than one incisor wasobserved in 90% of the 38 workers examined in the plant.
Conclusion
From the result of the inhalation study in compliance with FDA-GLP in which rats and mice were
exposed to hydrogen chloride gas at concentrations of 0, 10, 20 and 50 ppm (0, 15, 30, 75 mg/m3)
for 90 days (6 hours/day, 5 days/week), the NOAEL for systemic toxicity has been determined to be
20 ppm for B6C3F1 mice.
As hydrogen chloride/hydrochloric acid is a direct acting irritant and adverse effects are caused at
the site of contact, exposure by inhalation, dermal or oral route at high concentration is not
appropriate. Lower concentration of gas or mist is neutralized before it reaches the lower respiratory
tract by naturally occurring ammonia gas in the respiratory system (Soskolne et al., 1989).
Solutions of lower concentration, that might not cause skin irritation, are not expected to be
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absorbed from the skin and are not expected to be available systemically in the body. And as thecells of the gastric glands secrete hydrochloric acid (H+ concentration is equivalent to 0.17 N HCl,with pH as low as 0.87) into the stomach cavity (Ganong, 2001), it is empirically known that small
volumes or lower concentrations of ingested hydrochloric acid do not cause systemic effects.
3.1.6

Mutagenicity

In vitro Studies
Bacterial test
There are results available from six bacterial studies. Among those, the Ames test reported by
Isquith et al. (1988) and Litton Bionetics, Inc. (1978) was performed according to a good quality
method, and is considered to be a critical study for the initial assessment. Negative results werereported. In the same report, negative results have been also reported from a Mitotic recombination
test using S. cerevisiae (D4) and Rec assay using E. coli (W3110, P3078) (Isquith et al.，1988;
Litton Bionetics, Inc., 1978). Negative results were also reported from an E. coli reverse mutation
assay, in which the survival rate of the bacteria widely varied and the result is not reliable (Demerec
et al, 1951).
In the other in vitro studies, Rec assay using B. subtilis or E. coli, though the method is notquantitative, the former shows negative results, and the latter shows positive results, but which were
not relating to DNA damage (McCarroll et al., 1981a, b).
Non-bacterial test
There are results available from six non-Bacterial studies. Among those the chromosome aberration
test using Chinese hamster ovary K1 (CHO-K1) cells (Morita et al., 1989) is a critical study forassessment, because the test method used met the OECD-TG and GLP except for a single doselevel of pH 5.3 and 5.5 used with and without metabolic activation, respectively. Positive results
were obtained in both systems (Morita et al., 1989). Positive results were also observed in the
Chromosome aberration test (pH 5.25, with metabolic activation) using Chinese hamster ovary
cells, but experimental details were missing (Brusick, 1986). In a mammalian cell gene mutation
assay using Mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells, positive results at cytotoxic conditions (below pH 6.3)
were also found (Cifone et al., 1987).
In the other in vitro studies, Chromosome aberration test, Sister chromatid exchange assay or
Mammalian cell gene mutation assay using Fischer L5178Y mouse-lymphoma cells (Isquith etal.，1988; Litton Bionetics, Inc., 1978), negative results have been obtained at dose levels of 0.10.8 uL(36.5-38% hydrochloric acid)/mL, 0.1-0.8 uL/mL and 0.4-1.6 uL/mL, respectively.
Conclusion
While consistent negative results have been obtained in the bacterial systems, positive results havebeen obtained in the non-bacterial systems. The positive results were observed at highconcentration, but they were considered to be artifacts due to low pH.

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In vivo Studies
Mutagenic effects of hydrochloric acid were obtained in the sex linked recessive lethal study with
D. melanogaster by inhalation of vapour or larval feeding of the solution (only one dose level
tested) (Stumm-Tegethoff, 1969).
Conclusion
Positive results were obtained in a Sex Linked Recessive Lethal study with D. melanogaster. There
are no mammalian studies on in vivo mutagenicity with hydrogen chloride
3.1.7

Carcinogenicity

Inhalation
In a 128-weeks inhalation study (6h/d, 5d/w) at 10 ppm hydrogen chloride gas with SD male rats,
although hyperplasia of the larynx and trachea were observed in treated animals (22/99 and 26/99,
respectively), no pre-neoplastic or neoplastic nasal lesion were observed in any group (Sellakumar
et al., 1985). Because this test was performed along with the carcinogenicity study of formaldehyde,
only one experimental group was set for hydrogen chloride. But, as the concentration (10 ppm)
used was high enough (irritation effects were observed in a 90-day inhalation toxicity study (CIIT,
1984) and it is also the maximum tolerable dose for human exposure) and furthermore, as enoughanimals (100 animals/group) were used, the result is considered to be appropriate for assessment.
The following test supports the above-described result. In a study in which 20 male SD rats were
exposed to hydrogen chloride gas for 588 days, there were no carcinogenic responses in exposed
animals (Albert et al., 1982).
DermalFor dermal administration, results are available from an experiment with mice administered 3-5%hydrochloric acid for 25-46 weeks (Narat, 1925). Though no malignant tumor was reported, it is not
appropriate for the assessment of carcinogenicity. Because the methods (no negative control,
shortage of administration period) used were not appropriate.
Oral
For oral administration, results are available from an experiment with mice administeredhydrochloric acid for ten months (Dyer et al., 1946). Because the methods such as strain used,
duration and dose of administration, presence of co-administration substance, were not appropriate,
it cannot be used for the assessment of carcinogenicity of hydrogen chloride.
Studies in Humans
In some case-control studies, no association between hydrogen chloride exposure and preleukemia(Farrow et al., 1989), lung cancer (Bond et al., 1986, 1991), intracranial neoplasms (Bond, 1983),
renal cancer (Bond, 1985) could be found. On the one hand, although there are some reports thathydrogen chloride exposure increases risk of respiratory cancers (ANON, 1987) or lung cancer
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OECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDE(Beaumont, 1987), the effect of exposure of other acids or smoking habit cannot be excluded. The
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reviewed the epidemiology studies andreported in a Monograph, "There is an inadequate evidence for carcinogenicity in humans and inexperimental animals of hydrochloric acid", and concluded to classify hydrochloric acid as Group 3(The agent is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans) carcinogenic activity (IARC,
1992).
3.1.8

Toxicity for Reproduction

Studies in Animals
Effects on Fertility
No reliable studies were identified regarding reproductive toxicity in animals after oral, dermal or
inhalation exposure to hydrogen chloride/hydrochloric acid.
The following data related to reproduction has been obtained, though it is not appropriate forassessment. The experiment was based on an assumption that target organs of a toxic chemical
substance in pregnant dams would be the same as in offspring. Female rats were mated 12 days
after a single exposure of hydrogen chloride vapour (302 ppm, 453 mg/m3) for 1 hour. Death fromsevere dyspnea and cyanosis occurred in one third of the dams, functional disorders of the lungs,
the kidneys, the liver were observed in surviving dams and offspring, decreased bodyweight wasobserved in offspring (Pavlova, 1976).
Developmental Toxicity
No reliable studies were identified regarding developmental toxicity in animals after oral, dermal or
inhalation exposure to hydrogen chloride/hydrochloric acid.
The following data related to developmental toxicity has been obtained, though it is not appropriate
for assessment. The experiment was based on an assumption that target organs of a toxic chemical
substance in pregnant dams would be the same as in offspring. Pregnant female rats (9th day ofgestation) were exposed to hydrogen chloride vapour for 1 hour. Death from severe dyspnea andcyanosis occurred in one third of the dams, functional disorders of the lungs, the liver wereobserved in surviving dams and offspring, increased mortality was observed in offspring.
Conclusion
No reliable studies were identified regarding toxicity to reproduction and development in animals
after oral, dermal or inhalation exposure to hydrogen chloride/hydrochloric acid.
3.2

Other data

Increased urinary excretion of the chloride ion were observed in rats and dogs intravenously
injected 0.15 M hydrochloric acid solution (Kotchen et al., 1980).

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3.3

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE

Initial Assessment for Human HealthHydrogen chloride will rapidly dissociate and its effects are thought to be a result of pH change(local deposition of H+) rather than effects of hydrogen chloride/hydrochloric acid.
The acute oral LD50 values were determined to be 238-277 mg/kg bw for female rats, and theinhalation LC50 values were determined to be 23.7-60.9 mg/L/5min, 5.7-7.0 mg/L/30min and 4.24.7 mg/L/60min for rats, 20.9 mg/L/5min, 3.9 mg/L/30min and 1.7 mg/L/60min for mice.
Hydrogen chloride is corrosive to the skin and severe effects can be expected from exposure to theeyes. No skin sensitisation has been reported.
There are few detailed studies reported for human exposure. The irritation of hydrogen chloride tomucous is so severe that workers evacuate from the work place shortly after detecting its odor. A
relation between concentrations from accidental exposure and health effects have not been reported
in detail.
For repeated dose toxicity, local irritation effects were observed in the groups of 10 ppm and above
in a 90-day inhalation study in compliance with FDA-GLP. The NOAEL for systemic toxicity has
been determined to be 20 ppm for rats and mice.
For genetic toxicity, a negative result has been shown in the Ames test. A positive result, which isconsidered to be an artifact due to the low pH, has been obtained in a chromosome aberration test
using Hamster ovary cells. The effects of low pH in in vitro studies are not a problem in vivo as the
proton level is regulated systemically.
For carcinogenicity, no pre-neoplastic or neoplastic nasal lesions were observed in a 128-weekinhalation study with SD male rats at 10 ppm hydrogen chloride gas. No evidence of treatment
related carcinogenicity was observed either in other animal studies performed by inhalation, oral ordermal administration. In humans, no association between hydrogen chloride exposure and tumor
incidence was observed.
No reliable studies have been reported regarding toxicity to reproduction and development inanimals after oral, dermal or inhalation exposure to hydrogen chloride/hydrochloric acid. Because
protons and chloride ions are normal constituents in the body fluid of animal species, lowconcentrations of hydrogen chloride gas/mist or solution do not seem to cause adverse effects toanimals. In fact, the cells of gastric glands secrete hydrochloric acid into the cavity of the stomach
and orally administered sulfuric acid, which results in pH change as well, did not cause
developmental toxicity to laboratory animals. These facts indicate that hydrogenchloride/hydrochloric acid is not expected to have developmental toxicity. In addition, no effects on
the gonads were observed in a good quality 90-day inhalation study up to 50 ppm.

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4

HAZARDS TO THE ENVIRONMENT

4.1

Aquatic Effects

The toxicity of hydrochloric acid is summarized in Table 4-1. Each toxicity result is related to 12N
HCl.
Toxicity to Aquatic Plants / Algae
There is only one study available on acute and chronic toxicity to unicellular green algae. For
Selenastrum capricornutum, 72h EC50 and NOEC based on growth rate are pH 5.3 (equivalent to a
substance concentration of 0.492 mg/L) and pH 6.0 (0.097 mg/L), respectively (MLIT, Japan,1999). This study was conducted according to OECD guideline 201.
Toxicity to Invertebrates
The results from studies conducted according to OECD guideline 202 are a 48h EC50 of pH 5.3(0.492 mg/L) for Daphnia magna (MLIT, Japan, 1999). No long-term or chronic toxicity data on
invertebrates have been reported.
Toxicity to Fish
Several studies on acute toxicity to fish have been published. The lowest 96h LC50 reported is pH
4.3 (4.92 mg/L) for Cyprinus carpio, which was conducted according to OECD guideline 203(MLIT, Japan, 1999). The 96h LC50 for Oncorhynchus mykiss is pH 4.12 (7.45 mg/L) for hardwater and pH 3.98 (10.3 mg/L) for soft water (Graham and Wood, 1981). Ellgaard and Gilmore(1984) reported that 96h LC50 on Lepomis macrochirus was pH 3.25 - 3.5 (55.1–30.9 mg/L) andlow pH caused a reduction in the oxygen carrying capacity of haemoglobin and excessive secretionof mucus from the gills which in turn interfered with gas exchange.
Generally, the results of toxicity test with acid or base depend on the buffer capacity of the test
medium. Dechlorinated tap water was used as a test medium in the three tests described above.
Furthermore, a 96h LC50 of pH 3.5-3.6 (30.9-24.6 mg/L) for Lepomis macrochirus using artificial
water prepared from distilled water and analytical or reagent grade chemicals (Cairns and Scheier,1959), and a 96h LC50 of 282 mg/L for Gambusia affinis (Wallen et al., 1957) and a 16h LC100
value of pH 5.3 (0.492 mg/L) for the pike perch fry, Lucioperca lucioperca (Stangenberg, 1975)
conducted with pond water (pH 6.0-8.2) are reported. A 24h LC50 value of 60-80 mg/L for
Semotitus astromaculatus with river water (pH 8.3) is also reported (Gillette et al., 1952).
No long-term or chronic toxicity data on fish have been reported.

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Table 4-1. Summary of toxicity test results to aquatic organisms
Test medium
Species
Age/SizeStat/
Temp Dissolved
Flow
(°C)
oxygen(mg/L)
Algae /plants
Selenastrum
1x104
Static21.1OECD medium
capricornutum* cells/mL
22.0

Daphnids
Daphnia magna

Fish
Cyprinus carpio

Oncorhynchus
mykiss< 24hSemistatic

20.120.5

8.7-8.8

4.6 ± 0.3 cm
1.1 ± 0.1 g

Semistatic

23.024.0

7.2-8.4

7.6 ± 0.3 cm
3.5 ± 0.1 g

Recirculated

15 ± 2pH

Endpoint

ResultTest
methodReference

3.5-8.872h EC50
biomass
72h NOEC
biomass
72h EC50
growth rate
72h NOEC
growth rate

pH 5.1(0.780 mg/L)
pH 6.0(0.097 mg/L)
pH 5.3(0.492 mg/L)
pH 6.0(0.097 mg/L)

OECD
201

MLIT,
Japan, 1999

48h EC50

pH 5.3(0.492 mg/L)

OECD
202

MLIT,
Japan, 1999

OECD
203

MLIT,
Japan, 1999

Dechlorinatedtap water,(hardness; 52 mg
CaCO3/L)

3.7-7.8

Dechlorinatedtap water,(hardness; 52 mg
CaCO3/L)
Dechlorinatedtap water,(hardness;
140 mg CaCO3/L
14 mg CaCO3/L)

4.0-7.3

96h LC50

pH 4.3(4.92 mg/L)

3.0-8.096h LC50
hard water

pH 4.12(7.45 mg/L)

soft water

pH 3.98(10.3 mg/L)

immobilization

Graham andWood, 1981

*now Pseudokircheneriella subcapitata
The values in parentheses express converted 12N HCl (mg/L).Table 4-1. Summary of toxicity test results to aquatic organisms (continued)

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OECD SIDS
Species

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
Age/Size

Stat/
Flow

Temp
(°C)

4 cm

Static23 ± 2

Small;(3.88 cm,
0.96g),
Medium;(6.09 cm,
2.80g),
Large;(14.24 cm,
54.26g)Flowthrough

20±1

Static21-23

Dissolved
oxygen(mg/L)

Test medium

pH

Endpoint

ResultTest
methodReference

Dechlorinatedtap water

3.0-7.5

96h LC50

pH 3.25 - 3.5(55-31 mg/L)

Ellgaard andGilmore,1984

96h LC50

Small;
pH 3.6(24.6 mg/L)
Medium;pH 3.6(24.6 mg/L)
Large;
pH 3.5(30.9 mg/L)

Cairns andScheier, 1959

96h LC50

282 mg/L

Wallen et al.,1957

Pond water(hardness; 130
mg CaCO3/L)

16h LC100

pH 5.3(0.492 mg/L)

Stangenberg,
1975

River water(hardness; 98.0
mg CaCO3/L)

24h LC50

60-80 mg/L

Gillrette etal., 1952

Fish
Lepomismacrochirus

Gambusia
affinisLucioperca
lucioperca

Fry,
11.5 mm

StaticSemotitus
astromaculatus

7.6-10.2 cm

Static15-21

5-9

Artificial water
prepared fromdistilled waterand analytical orreagent chemicals

Pond water(turbidity; 114 < 25ppm)

6.0-8.2

The values in parentheses express converted 12N HCl (mg/L).

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Toxicity to Microorganisms
Results with aquatic microorganisms are not available. It is generally known that acids havebiocidal properties. Acidification is also used in the preservation of food. However, informationfrom standard guideline tests with hydrochloric acid has not been found.
4.2

Terrestrial Effects

Data on terrestrial organisms are not available.
4.3

Initial Assessment for the Environment

PNEC derivation
Short-term studies with algae, invertebrates including Daphnia and fishes have been reported. The
lowest results obtained from OECD guideline studies are: 72h EC50 of pH 5.3 (equivalent to a
substance concentration of 0.492 mg/L) for Selenastrum capricornutum, 48h EC50 of pH 5.3 (0.492mg/L) for Daphnia magna and 96h LC50 of pH 4.3 (4.92 mg/L) for Cyprinus carpio.
A long-term toxicity test has been performed on Selenastrum capricornutum. The 72h NOEC on
biomass and growth rate was pH 6.0 (0.097 mg/L).
In these data algal medium and dechlorinated tap water were used as test medium and the values arevery low. These data may be not representative for normal ecosystems. The amount (expressed as aconcentration) of hydrochloric acid which has to be added to a bicarbonate solution of 20-195 mg/L
in the environment to obtain a pH of 6.0 is 8.3-81 mg/L (see section see 2.1). Thus, the observed
variation in L(E)C50 values can be explained by the buffer capacity of the testing water that wasused (see 4.1.1).
Aquatic ecosystems are characterized by a pH and the organisms of the ecosystem are adapted tothese specific natural conditions. Based on the natural pH of waters, organisms will have different
optimum pH conditions, ranging from poorly buffered waters with a pH of 6 to very hard waters
with pH values up to 9. A lot of information is available about the relationship between pH andecosystem structure and also natural variation in pH of aquatic ecosystems have been quantified andreported extensively in ecological publications and handbooks.
Based on the available data it is not considered useful to derive a PNEC for hydrochloric acidbecause the buffer capacity, pH and the fluctuation of the pH are very specific for a certain aquatic
ecosystem.
Comparison on toxicity between HCl and H2SO4
The toxicity of hydrochloric acid probably results from the hydrogen ion (pH effect) because
chloride toxicity values to aquatic organisms are much higher (most toxicity values are greater than
100 mg/L, which are derived from some chlorides such as sodium chloride, calcium chloride,potassium chloride.). Therefore, the hydrochloric acid hazard assessment seems to be the hazard
assessment of acidity. All the observations and results would be the same for any other strong acidsuch as sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
A comparison of acute aquatic toxicity results between hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid is shownin Table 4-2.
For a given species the toxicity results for both substances are similar. This means that the hazard ofhydrochloric acid is caused by the pH effect. The long-term toxicity of hydrochloric acid seems tobe the same as that of sulfuric acid, if it is assumed that the test medium used is the same.
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

27

OECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDE

Therefore, the data required (e.g. long-term toxicity) of hydrochloric acid with aquatic organisms
might be estimated from the value of sulfuric acid or other acids.
Table 4-2. Comparison on toxicity between HCl and H2SO4
Species

Unit

HCl

H2SO4

LepomismacrochiruspH

3.25-3.5

3.5

mg/L

(55-31)(16)

Oncorhynchus
mykiss

pH

4.12

3.98

mg/L

(7.45)(5.29)

Lucioperca
lucioperca
fry

pH

5.3

5.2

mg/L

(0.49)(0.32)

pH(3.20)(2.76)

mg/L

62

88

pH

(3.0-3.5)(2.7-3.2)

mg/L

100-33100-33End point
Test medium

Reference

96h LC50
Dechlorinated tap water

Ellgaard andGilmore (1984)96h LC50
Dechlorinated tap water

Graham andWood (1981)

16h LC100 for HCl,
1h LC100 for H2SO4
Pond water

Stangenberg(1975)

32h EC100
Lake Erie water

Anderson (1944)

Fish

DaphnidDaphnia magna
Other
Ophryotrocha
diadema

Parker (1984)
48h LC50
Sea water including metal ion

The values in parentheses express converted 12N HCl (97% H2SO4) concentration or pH.

Effects on terrestrial organisms
The toxicity data on terrestrial organisms are not available. In general the results of terrestrial
toxicity test will depend stronger on the buffer capacity of the soil than the surface water.

28

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS

5HYDROGEN CHLORIDERECOMMENDATIONS

The chemical is currently of low priority for further work.
The chemical possesses corrosive properties indicating a hazard for human health and theenvironment. No further work is recommended if sufficient control measures are in place to avoid
significant human exposure and environmental impact, including prevention of accidental exposure.
In situations where this is not the case, risk assessment and if necessary, risk reduction measures arerecommended.

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

29

OECD SIDS

6HYDROGEN CHLORIDEREFERENCESACGIH (2001) Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices 7thed.
Agner, T. and Serup, J. (1988) Contact Thermography for assessment of Skin Damage Due toexperimental irritants., Acta. Dermatol. Venerol., 68, 192-195.
Albert, R.E. et al. (1982) Gaseous formaldehyde and hydrogen chloride induction of nasal cancer inthe rat. J Natl Cancer Inst, 68, 597-604.
Anderson B.G. (1944) The Toxicity Thresholds of Various Substances Found in Industrial Wastes
as Determined by the Use of Daphnia magna. SEWAGE WORKS JOURNAL, 16(6): 1156-1165.
ANON, ed. (1987) Pestic. Toxic. Chem. News., 15(43), 6.
BASF AG (1994) cited in European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000)
Battarbee, H.D., Meneely, G.T. (1978) The toxicity of salt. CRC Crit. Rev. Toxicol. 5(4):355-376.
Beaumont, J. J. et al. (1987) Lung cancer mortality in workers exposed to sulfuric acid mist andother acid mists. J. Natl. Cancer Inst., 79, 911-921.
Bond G.G. et al. (1983) A case-control study of brain tumor mortality at a Texas chemical plant. J.
Occup. Med., 25, 377-386.
Bond G.G. et al. (1985) A case-control study of renal cancer mortality at a Texas chemical plant.
Am. J. Ind. Med., 7, 123-139.
Bond G.G. et al. (1986) Nested case-control study of lung cancer among chemical workers. Am. J.
Epidermiol., 124, 53-66.
Bond G.G. et al. (1991) Lung cancer and hydrogen chloride exposure: Results from a nested casecontrol study of chemical workers. J. Occup. Med., 33, 958-961.
Brusick, D.(1986) Genotoxic effects in cultured mammalian cells produced by low pH treatment
conditions and increased ion concentrations., Environ. Mutagen., 8, 879-886.
Burns, C. M. (1929) The effect of the continued ingestion of mineral acid on growth of body andbone and on the composition of bone and of the soft tissues. Biochem. J., 23, 860-867.
Cairns, J. and Scheier, A. (1959) The relationship of bluegill sunfish body size to tolerance forsome common chemicals. Proc. 13th Ind. Waste Conf., Purdue Univ. Eng. Bull., 96, 243-252.
CERI (2002) Chemicals Evaluations & Research Institute, Japan, unpublished data.
Chemical Market Reporter (1999) Chemical Profile ‘Hydrochloric acid’ November 22, 1999.
(http://63.236.84.14/news/newsframe.cfm?framebody=/news/profile.cfm)
Cifone, M.A., Myhr, B., Eiche, A. and Bolcsfoldi, G. (1987) Effect of pH shifts on the mutant
frequency at the thymidine kinase locus in mouse lymphoma L5178Y TK+/- cells. Mutat. Res.,
189, 39-46.
CIIT (1984) Ninety-day Inhalation Toxicity Study of Hydrogen chloride gas In B6C3F1 mice,
Sprague-Dawley and Fischer-344 rats, ToxiGenics 420-1087.
Cipollaro M. et al. (1986) Sublethal pH decrease may cause genetic damage to eukaryotic cell: astudy on sea urchins and Salmonella typhimurium., Terat. Carc. and Mutagen Teratog., 6, 275-287.
30

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDE

Clausing, P. and Gottschalk, M. Z. (1989) Effects of drinking water acidification, restriction ofwater supply and individual caging on parameter of toxicological studies in rats. Versuchstierkd.,
32, 129-134 .
CMAI (2000) World Petrochemical Conference, Fifteenth Annual, March 29&30.
DAINIHON JOCHUGIKU Corporation (2002) Product information.
Darmer, K.I. et al. (1974a) Acute toxicity in rats and mice exposed to hydrogen chloride gas andaerosol. Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J., 35, 623-631.
Darmer, K.I. et al. (1974b) Hygienic assessment of the hydrogen ion content in the atmosphere.
Giginea I Sanitariya, 38(3), 6-9.
Demerec, M. et al. (1951) A survey of chemicals for mutagenic action on E. coli. Am. Nat., 85, 119136.
Dyer, H.M. et al. (1946) Effect of administration of hot water, acids, alkali, mecholyl chloride, or
atropine sulfate upon the gastric mucosa of mice. J Natl Cancer Inst, 7, 67.
Ellgaard, E.G. and Gilmore, J. Y. III (1984) Effects of different acids on the bluegill sunfish,
Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque. J. Fish Biol., 25(2): 133-137.
European Commission Directive 2000/39/EC (2000) Commission Directive 2000/39/EC of 8 June
2000 establishing a first list of indicative occupational exposure limit values in implementation ofCouncil Directive 98/24/EC on the protection of the Health and safety of workers from the risks
related to chemical agents at work, 2000 O.J. (L 142) 47, 16 June 2000.
European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000)
Farrow, A. et al. (1989) Myelodysplasia, chemical exposure, and other environmental factors.
Leukemia, 3, 33-35.
FASEB (1979). Evaluation of the health aspects of sodium chloride and potassium chloride as foodingredients. Report No. FDA7BF-79/112. Federation of American Societies for Experimental
Biology, Bethesda, Maryland.
Fujita, H. Sumi, C. and Sasaki, M.(1992) Mutagenicity test of food additives with Salmonella
typhimurium T97 and TA102., Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health Annual
Reports, 43, 219-227.
Gad, S.C., Dunn, B.J., Dobbs, D.W., Reilly, C., and Walsh, R.D. (1986) Development andvalidation of an alternative dermal sensitisation test: the mouse ear swelling test (MEST)., Toxicol.
Appl. Pharmacol. 84, 93-114.
Ganong, W. F. (2001) Review of medical physiology. 20th ed. McGraw-Hill Professional
Publishing, California.
Gillette, L. A., Miller, D. L. and Redman, H. E. (1952) Appraisal of a Chemical Waste Problem by
Fish Toxicity Tests. SEWAGE AND INDUSTRIAL WASTERS, 24 (11): 1397-1401.
Groot de W.A. and Dijk van N.R.M. .(2002) Addition of hydrochloric acid to a solution withsodium bicarbonate to a fixed pH. Solvay Pharmaceuticals; Study No. A SOL.S.027
Graham, M. S. and Wood, C. M. (1981) Toxicity of environmental acid to the rainbow trout:interactions of water hardness, acid type, and exercise., CAN.J. ZOOL., Vol. 59, 1518-1526.

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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OECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDE

Griffith, J.F. et al. (1980) Dose-response studies with chemical irritants in the albino rabbit eye as abasis for selecting optimum testing conditions for predicting hazard to the human eye. Toxicol.
Appl. Pharmacol., 55, 501-513 .
Hartzell, G.E. et al. (1987) Modeling of toxicological effects of fire gases: VI. Further studies on
the toxicity of smoke containing hydrogen chloride. J. Fire Sci., 5, 368-391.
Hartzell, G.E. et al. (1990) Toxicity of smoke containing hydrogen chloride. ACS Symp. Ser., 425,
12-20.
Hashimura, Y. et al. (1996) Japanese Journal of Toxicology, 9, 353.
Hoechst AG (1966) Farbwerke Hoechst AG Report 150/66.
HSDB (2001) Hazardous Substances Data Bank; Updated on 08/09/2001
IARC (1992) Hydrochlroic acid, 54, 189-211.
Isquith, A., Matheson, D., and Slesinski, R. (1988) Genotoxicity studies on selected organosiliconcompounds: in vitro assays. Fd. Chem. Toxic. 26, 255-261.
Jacobs, G. A. (1992) OECD eye irritation tests on two acids. J. Am. Coll. Toxicol. 11(6), 734.
Japan Society for Occupational Health (2001)
Kotchen, T.A. et al. (1980) Inhibition of rennin secretion by HCl is related to chloride in both dog
and rat. Amer. J. Physiol., 239, F44-F49.
Loewy, A and Munzer, E. (1923) Beiträge zur von der experimentellen Säurevergiftung., Bioch. Z.
134, 437-441.
Litton Bionetics, Inc. (1978) Mutagenicity evaluation of Hydrochloric acid, Final report. LBI
Project No. 20893.
MacEwean, J.D. et al. (1974) Toxic Hazard Research Unit, Annual Technical Report, NTIS ADA011-559.
Marchi Industry ( 2000) MSDS of Hydrochloric acid 32% solution.
McCarroll, N.E., Keech, B.H., and Piper, C.E. (1981a) An E coli microsuspension assay for thedetection of DNA damage induced by direct-acting agents and promutagens., Environ.
Mutagenesis, 3, 429-444.
McCarroll, N.E., Keech, B.H., and Piper, C.E. (1981b) A microsuspension adaptation of the
Bacillus subtilis “rec” assay. Environ., Mutagenesis, 3, 607-616.
METI, Japan (1999) Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (former MITI), unpublished data.
MLIT (1999). Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Japan
MOE, Japan. Ministry of Environment, Japan
Monsanto (1976), unpublished report YO-76-0404 of Monsanto cited in European CommissionEuropean Chemical Bureau (2000)
Morita, T., Watanabe, Y., Takeda, K. and Okumura, K. (1989) Effects of pH in the in vitro
chromosomal aberration rest. Mutat. Res., 225, 55-60.

32

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDE

Murray, F. J. (1979) Embryotoxicity of inhaled sulfuric acid aerosol in mice and rabbits. J. Environ.
Sci. Health, C13(3), 251-266.
Narat, J. K. (1925) Experimental production of malignant growths by simple chemicals. J. Cancer.
Res., 9, 135-147.
Parker, J.G. (1984) The effects of Selected Chemicals and Water Quality on the Marine Polychaete
Ophryotrocha diadema. Water Res., 18(7): 865-868.
Pavlova T.E. (1976) Disturbances in the development of the progeny of rats subjected to the
influence of hydrogen chloride. Byull. Eksp. Biol. Med., 82, 866-868.
Potokar, M. et al. (1985) Studies on the design of animal tests for the corrosiveness of industrial
chemicals. Fd. Chem. Toxic., 23, 615.
Remijn, B., Koster, P., Houthuijs, D., Boleij, J., Willems, H., Brunekreef, B., Biersteker, K. andvanLoveren, C. (1982) Zinc chloride, zinc oxide, hydrochloric acid exposure and dental erosion in azinc galvanizing plant in the Netherlands. Ann. Occup. Hyg., 25, 299-307.
Sellakumar, A.R. et al. (1985) Carcinogenicity of formaldehyde and hydrogen chloride in rats.
Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol., 81, 401-406.
Soskolne, C.L.et al (1989) Epidemiologic and toxicologic evidence for chronic health effects andthe underlying biologic mechanisms involved in sub-lethal exposures to acidic pollutants Arch.
Environ. Health, 44, 180-191.
Solvay S.A. (2002) ATOMOSPHERIC FATE OF HYDROGEN CHLORIDE. Unpublished report.
Stangenberg, E. (1975) The influence of the chemical composition of water on the pike perch(Lucioperca lucioperca L.) fry from the lake Goplo. Limnologica, 9(3): 421-426.
Stumm-Tegethoff, B.F.A. (1969) Formaldehyde-induced mutations in Drosophila melanogaster
independence of the presence of acids. Theor. Appl. Genet., 39, 330-334.
Subbarao, K.S.V.K. (1988) Cicatrical gastric stenosis caused by corrosive ingestion. Aust. N.Z.
Surg., 58, 143-146.
The Chemical Daily (2000) 13700 Chemical Products, p26-27, 276 (in Japanese).
The Merck Index, 13th Ed. (2001)
UNEP (1995) Water quality of world river basins, UNEP Environment Library No.14.
Upotn, P. K. and L’Estrange, J. L. (1977) Effects of chronic hydrochloric and lactic acid balanceand bone composition of the rat. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Physiology, 62, 223-235.
Wallen, I. E., Greer, W. C. and Lasater, R. (1957) Toxicity to Gambusia affinis of Certain Pure
Chemicals in Turbid Water. SEWAGE AND INDUSTRIAL WASTERS, 29 (6): 695-711.
WHO (1982) World Health Organization Environmental Health Criteria 21 (Chlorine and Hydrogenchloride)
WHO (1998) Guidelines for drinking-water quality, second edition, Vol.2
York, M. H., Griffiths, A. E., Whittle, E. and Basketter, D. A. (1996) Evaluation of a human patch
test for the identification and classification of skin irritation potential. Contact Dermatitis, 34(3),204-212.
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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OECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDE

Zeiger, E., Anderson, B., Haworth, S., Lawlor, T. and Mortelmans, K. (1992) Salmonellamutagenicity tests: V. Results from the testing of 311 chemicals., Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 19
Suppl. 21, 2-141.

34

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSHYDROGEN CHLORIDESIDS DOSSIER
Including
Robust Study Summary
Hydrogen chloride

CAS No. 7647-01-0

Sponsor Country: Japan
DATE: August 9, 2002

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

35

OECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATIONHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

1.01

SUBSTANCE INFORMATIONA.

CAS-number

7647-01-0

B.

Name (IUPAC name)

Hydrogen chlorideC.

Name (OECD name)

Hydrogen chlorideD.

CAS Descriptor

E.

EINECS-Number

231-595-7

F.

Molecular Formula

HCl

G.

Structural Formula

H-Cl

H.

Substance GroupNot applicable

I.

Substance Remark

None

J.

Molecular Weight

36.46

1.02

OECD INFORMATIONA.

Sponsor Country:

B.

Lead Organisation:
Name of Lead Organisation: ASAHI GLASS CO., LTD.
Contact Person:
Katuji Ito
Address:
Postal code:
100-8405
Town:
1-12-1, Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, TokyoCountry:Japan

C.

Name of responder
Address:
Postal code:
Town:
Country:
Tel:
Fax:
E-mail:36

Japan

Katuji Ito (same as above contact person)
290-8566
10, Goikaigan, Ichihara-shi,CHIBA
Japan+81-436-23-3871+81-436-22-5710
katsuji-itoh@om.agc.co.jp

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATIONHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

1.1

GENERAL SUBSTANCE INFORMATION

A.

Type of Substance
Element [ ]; Inorganic [ X ]; Natural substance [ ]; Organic [ ];Organometallic [ ]; Petroleum product [ ]B.

Physical State
Gaseous [ X ]; Liquid [ X ]; Solid [ ]C.

PurityRemarks:

1.2

SYNONYMS

1.3

IMPURITIES> 99.7 %Standard quality for anhydrous hydrogen chloride

Anhydrous hydrochloric acid,
Chlorohydric acid,
Hydrochloride, Hydrochloric acid,
Muriatic acid

Water
Remarks:

1.4< 0.02%Standard quality criteria for anhydrous hydrogen chloride

ADDITIVES
No additives

1.5

QUANTITY(a)1,155,259 tonnes (Production; 1,144,779 tonnes, import; 10,480 tonnes) inJapan in 1999
Remarks:
Reference:(b)
Remarks:

There are twenty-three and eight companies manufacturing hydrochloric acidand anhydrous hydrochloric acid, respectively, in Japan.
METI, Japan (1999).
The Chemical Daily (2000)- HCl demand in U.S.
Demand growth for total HCl is forecast to average 1.7 percent per year
through 2003 and hydrochloric acid demand is expected to remain at about
20 percent of total consumption.
- HCl supply in U.S.

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

37

OECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATIONHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

More than 95% of HCl is produced as a by-product from chlorine related
processes. Many HCl producers are also HCl consumers, therefore a large
portion of the HCl produced in the U.S. never makes it to the merchantmarket. Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) production accounts for 65% of
total production but is not a source of hydrochloric acid because all of theHCl produced in this process is recycled in ethylene dichloride (EDC)
production. Significant source of hydrochloric acid include isocyanate andfluorocarbon production, as well as on-purpose production from burner acid.
U.S. HCl Source in 1999 (production=6,500,000 metric tons)
Capative

Merchant

Sources

Percentage

HCl from VCM

65%

Methyl Chloride HCl

6%

Magnesium Chloride HCl

5%

Isocyanate to EDC

6%Net Isocyanate to EDC

6%

HCl form burner

5%

Fluorocarbon HCl

5%

By-product HCl

2%

U.S. HCl demand Sectors in 1999 (demand=6,500,00 metric tons)
Demands
Percentage
Captive
EDC/VCM66%*MDI-TDI to EDC
6%Methyl Chloride/Magnesium
10%Chloride
Merchant
Steel Pickling
3%
Brine Treating
2%
Oil Well Acidifying
1%
Food Grade4%
Calcium Chloride
4%
Other
4%
*MDI; Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate
TDI; Toluene diisocyanate
Reference:

CMAI (2000)(c)
The production capacity 1999 was 2,471,000 short tons per year (=approx.
2,242,000 tonnes) excluding the data for by-product HCl which is generated
and recycled in integrated systems such as ethylene dichloride/vinyl
chloride monomer (EDC/VCM) plants.
Reference:

38

Chemical Market Reporter (2002)

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.6

Use PatternA.

GeneralType of Use:
(a)
Main

Industrial

Use
Remarks:(b)
Main
Industrial

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Category:
Use in a closed system or
Non dispersive use
Basic industry: basic chemicals;
Chemical industry: used in synthesis;
Polymers industry;
Other: pharmaceutical industry, food processing
Intermediates; process regulators
Production of inorganic chlorides, vinyl chloride, alkyl chlorides, dyes,
artificial silk, pigment, pesticides, pharmaceuticlas, plasticizer,hydrochlorinated rubber etc. and processing in food processing of starch,corn syrup, gelatin, proteins, sodium glutamate etc.

Non dispersive use
Electrical/electronic engineering industry;
Leather processing industry;
Textile processing industry;
Paper, pulp and board industry;
Other: water treatment (pH regulation and resins regeneration)

Use

(c)
Main
Industrial

Semiconductors;
Other: etching tanning agents; bleaching agents pH-regulating agents;
Other: regeneration of ion-exchange resin

Wide dispersive use
Fuel industry;
Metal extraction, refining and processing of metals

Use

Other: oil well acidifying; reducing agent;
Other: pickling in steel manufacture;
Other: stripping metals

Reference:

European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000)
HSDB (2001)
The Chemical Daily (2000)

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

39

OECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATIONB.

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Uses In Consumer Products
Function
Toilet-bowl cleaner

Amount present
ca. 9.5%

Physical statesolution

Remarks:
Reference:
1.7

DAINIHON JOCHUGIKU Corporation.

Sources of Exposure(a)Media of release:
Media of release: Air or water from natural sources
Quantities per media:
Remarks:- The most important source of atmospheric hydrogen chloride is the ocean
surface, which through the actions of wind, waves and bubbles, injects sea
salt particles. An amount of 2 to 20 % of the chlorine in sea salt aerosol isprobably released as hydrogen chloride by reaction with acidic sulfate.
- Volcanoes eruptions inject 0.4-11 Tg (400,000-11,000,000 tonnes) hydrogenchloride per year into the atmosphere; 10 % of this is injected into thestratosphere in large explosive eruptions.
- Hydrogen chloride is the ultimate product from the atmospheric or aquatic(hydrolysis or biodegradation) degradation of organo-halogens.
Reference:
European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000)(b)
Media of release:
Quantities per media:
Remarks:

Reference:

Air or water from combustion- Combustion of fuels (organic chlorides and gasoline) produce hydrogenchloride.
- Hydrochloric acid is produced from refuse incineration and the secondary
metals industry (smelting of scrap, not of ore).
- Hydrochloric acid is produced from thermo-decomposition of gases: frompyrolysis of some wire insulation materials such as polyvinyl chloride, also
chlorinated acrylics and retardant treated materials.
- The emissions from municipal incinerators depend on the technology andthe control methods used.
European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000)
World Health Organization (1982)(c)
Media of release:
Air or water from consumer product
Quantities per media:
Remarks:
Consumer products containing hydrochloric acid may be released into theeffluent. Hydrogen chloride may, also, be released from the product by
evaporation.
(d)Remarks:

40

Most of the mammalian constantly secrete the gastric juice, which contains

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATIONHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

H+ concentration equivalent to 0.17 N HCl (pHs as low as 0.87) into thecavity of stomach.

1.8

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONA.

Classification and Labelling(a) Hydrogen chloride
Classification
Type:
Category of danger:
R-phrases:
Remarks:

Directive67/548/EEC
Toxic, corrosive
23-35
Text of R-phrase, toxic by inhalation, causes severe burns

LabellingType:
Specific limits:

Symbols:
Nota:
R-phrases:
S-phrases:
Text of S-phrases:

Remarks:

Directive67/548/EEC
Table of Limit Concentrations for Hydrogen Chloride
C >= 5%

T; C; R23-35

1% <= C< 5%

C; R20-35

0.5% <= C< 1%%

C; R20-34

0.2% <= C < 0.5%

C; R34

0.02% <= C <0.2%

Xi; R36/37/38

T, C
23-35
1/2-9-26-36/37/39-45
Keep locked up and out of the reach of children.
Keep container in a well-ventilated place.
In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water andseek medical advice.
Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection.
In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately.
(Show the label where possible.)
Note 5 is applied
Note 5; the concentration limits for gaseous preparation are expressed asvolume percentage.

(b) Hydrochloric acid
Classification
Type:
Directive67/548/EEC
Category of danger:
Corrosive, IrritantR-phrases:
34-37
Remarks:
Text of R-phrase, Cause burns, Irritant to respiratory system

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

41

OECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION

LabellingType:

Directive67/548/EEC

Specific limits:

Symbols:
Nota:
R-phrases:
S-phrases:
Text of S-phrases:

Remarks:

Reference:B.

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Table of Limit Concentrations for Hydrochloric Acid
C >= 25%

C; R34-37

10% <= C< 25%

Xi; R36/37/38

C, Xi
34-37
1/2-9-26-45
Keep locked up and out of the reach of children.
In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water andseek medical advice.
In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately.
(Show the label where possible.)
Note B is applied
Note B; Some substances (acids, bases, etc.) are placed on the market inaqueous solutions at various concentrations and therefore require different
labelling since the hazards vary at different concentrations.
European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000)

Occupational Exposure Limits(a)Exposure Limit ValueType:
MAC (NL)
Value:
7 mg/m3
Remarks:
Ceiling value
References:
European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000)(b)
Exposure limit valueType:
MAK (DE)
Value:
7 mg/m3
Short term exposure limit value
Value:
14 mg/m3
Length of exposure period: 5 minutes
Frequency:
8 times
Remarks:
References:
European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000)(c)
Exposure limit value
Type:
OES (UK)
Value:
1 ppm (2 mg/m3)
Short term exposure limit value

42

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATIONHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Value:
5 ppm (7 mg/m3)
Length of exposure period: 15 minutes
Frequency:
1 timeRemarks:
as gas or aerosol mist
United Kingdom
References:
European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000)(d)
Exposure limit value
Type:
Value:
Remarks:
References:

TLV
5 ppm (7.5 mg/m3)
Ceiling value. Critical effects are irritation and corrosion.
ACGIH (2001)(e)Exposure limit value
Type:
Value:
Remarks:
References:

OEL
5 ppm (7.5 mg/m3)
Ceiling value
Japan Society for Occupational Health (2001)(f)
Exposure limit valueType:
OEL (EU)
Value:
5 ppm (8 mg/m3)
Short term exposure limit value
Value:
10 ppm (15 mg/m3)
Length of exposure period: 15 minutes
Frequency:
1 timeRemarks:
United Kingdom
References:
European Commission Directive 2000/39/EC (2000)

C.

OPTIONS FOR DISPOSAL

D.

Other Remarks
None

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

43OECD SIDS
2. PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL DATA

2.1

MELTING POINT(a)
Value:
Decomposition:
Sublimation:
Method:GLP:
Remarks:
Reliabilities:
Flag:
Reference:(b)
Value:
Decomposition:
Sublimation:
Method:GLP:
Remarks:
Reliabilities:
Reference:

44

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

-114.22 °C
Yes [ ] No [X] Ambiguous [ ]Yes [ ] No [X] Ambiguous [ ]Unknown
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X](2) Reliable with restrictions
Critical study for SIDS
The Merck Index, 13th Ed. (2001)-114.4 °C
Yes [ ] No [X] Ambiguous [ ]Yes [ ] No [X] Ambiguous [ ]OtherYes [ ] No [ ] ? [X](2) Reliable with restrictions
Elvers et al. (1989)(c)
Value:
Decomposition:
Sublimation:
Method:GLP:
Remarks:
Reliabilities:
Reference:ca. -30 °C
Yes [ ] No [X] Ambiguous [ ]Yes [ ] No [X] Ambiguous [ ]OtherYes [ ] No [X] ? [ ]Hydrochloric acid, 37%(2) Reliable with restrictions
Hoechst AG (1994)(d)Value:
Decomposition:
Sublimation:
Method:GLP:
Remarks:
Reliabilities:
Reference:-42 °CYes [ ] No [X] Ambiguous [ ]Yes [ ] No [X] Ambiguous [ ]OtherYes [ ] No [X] ? [ ]Hydrochloric acid, 32%(2) Reliable with restrictions
Dow Europe S.A. (1993)

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
2. PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL DATA
2.2

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

BOILING POINT(a)
Value:
Pressure:
Decomposition:
Method:GLP:
Remarks:
Reliabilities:
Flag:
Reference:

2.3-85.05 °C
at 1,013 hPa
Yes [ ] No [X] Ambiguous [ ]Unknown
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X](2) Reliable with restrictions
Critical study for SIDS
The Merck Index, 13th Ed. (2001)(b)
Value:
Pressure:
Decomposition:
Method:GLP:
Remarks:
Reliabilities:
Reference:(2) Reliable with restrictions
Elvers et al. (1989)(c)
Value:
Pressure:
Decomposition:
Method:GLP:
Remarks:
Reliabilities:
Reference:

108.5 °C
at 1,013 hPa
Yes [ ] No [X] Ambiguous [ ]otherYes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Hydrochloric acid, ca. 37%(2) Reliable with restrictions
Hoechst AG (1993)-85 °C
at 1,013 hPa
Yes [ ] No [X] Ambiguous [ ]otherYes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]†DENSITY (relative density)
(a)
Type:
Value:
Temperature:
Method:GLP:
Remarks:
Reliabilities:
Reference:

Bulk density [ ]; Density [X]; Relative Density [ ]1.491 mg/cm3
25 °C
Calculation
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]
Type: gas density Pressure: 1,013 hPa(2) Reliable with restrictions
CERI (2002)(b)

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

45

OECD SIDS
2. PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL DATA

2.4

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Type:
Value:
Temperature:
Method:GLP:
Remarks:
Reliabilities:
Reference:

Bulk density [ ]; Density [X]; Relative Density [ ]0.42 g/cm3
51.4 °C
Unknown
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]
Type: liquid density Pressure: 81.6 atm Critical density(2) Reliable with restrictions
The Merck Index, 13th Ed. (2001)

(c)
Type:
Value:
Temperature:
Method:GLP:
Remarks:
Reliabilities:
Reference:

Bulk density [ ]; Density [X]; Relative Density [ ]1.187 g/cm3-85 °Cother
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]
Type: liquid density(2) Reliable with restrictions
Elvers et al. (1989)

(d)
Type:
Value:
Temperature:
Method:GLP:
Remarks:
Reliabilities:
Reference:

Bulk density [ ]; Density [X]; Relative Density [ ]1.183 - 1.187 g/cm3
20 °C
other
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Hydrochloric acid, ca. 37%(2) Reliable with restrictions
Hoechst AG (1993)

VAPOUR PRESSURE(a)
Value:
Temperature:
Method:GLP:
Remarks:

Reliabilities:
Flag:
Reference:

42,200 hPa
20 °C
calculated [ ]; measured [X]Other (measured)Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Vapour pressure at 40 °C is 65,400 hPa.
The vapour pressure at 25 °C of 47,350 hPa was estimated by using thelinear regression equation between logarithm of vapour pressure andreciprocal of temperature (Clausius-Clapeyron equation), drawn from twovapour pressure values at 20 and 40 °C.
(2) Reliable with restrictions
Critical study for SIDS
BASF AG (1994)

(b)

46

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
2. PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL DATA
Value:
Temperature:
Method:GLP:
Remarks:
Reliabilities:
Reference:

2.5

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

31.33 hPa
20 °C
calculated [X]; measured [ ]OtherYes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Hydrochloric acid, 32% HCl(2) Reliable with restrictions
Dow Europe S.A. (1993)PARTITION COEFFICIENT log10Pow
Not applicable

2.6

WATER SOLUBILITYA.

SOLUBILITY(a)
Value:
Temperature:
Description:

Method:GLP:
Remarks:

Reliabilities:
Flag:
Reference:B.

823 g/L
0 °C
Miscible [ ]; Of very high solubility [X];Of high solubility [ ]; Soluble [ ]; Slightly soluble [ ];Of low solubility [ ]; Of very low solubility [ ]; Not soluble [ ]unknown
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]
Solubility in water:
at 30 °C = 673 g/L
at 60 °C = 561 g/L(2) Reliable with restrictions
Critical study for SIDS
The Merck Index, 13th Ed. (2001)

pH VALUE, pKa VALUE(a)
pH Value:
Concentration:
Temperature:
Method:GLP:
pKa value
Remarks:
Reliabilities:
Reference:

0.10
0.1N
unkownunkownYes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]at 25°C
Hydrogene chloride is completely ionised in water(2) Reliable with restrictions
The Merck Index (1996)

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

47

OECD SIDS
2. PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL DATA
2.7

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

FLASH POINT
No data available

2.8

AUTO FLAMMABILITY
No data available

2.9

FLAMMABILITY(a)
Results:

Method:GLP:
Remarks:
Reliabilities:
Reference:

2.10

Extremely flammable [ ]; Extremely flammable - liquified gas [ ];Highly Flammable [ ]; Flammable [ ]; Non flammable [X];Spontaneously flammable in air [ ]; Contact with water liberates highly
flammable gases [ ]; Other [ ]other: DIN 51 584
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Hydrochloric acid, ca. 37%(2) Reliable with restrictions
Hoechst AG (1993)

EXPLOSIVE PROPERTIESNo data available

2.11

OXIDISING PROPERTIESNo data available

2.12

OXIDATION: REDUCTION POTENTIAL
No data available.

2.13

ADDITIONAL DATA

A.

Partition co-efficient between soil/sediment and water (Kd)No data available

B.

Other data
No data available

48

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYS
3.1

STABILITY

3.1.1

PHOTODEGRADATIONHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

(a)
Type:
Air [X]; Water [ ]; Soil [ ]; Other [ ]Indirect Photolysis:
Type of sensitizer:
OH radical
Concentration of sensitizer: 1,000,000 molecules/cm3
Method:calculated [X]; measured[ ]GLP:Yes [ ] No [X] ? [ ]Test substance: .
hydrogen chloride
Remarks:
Hydrogen chloride reacts with OH-radical to form chloride free radical
according to the following reaction;
HCl + OH· H2O + Cl· (Rate constant=7 x 10-13 cm3/molecule/s)
Half-life of troposheric gaseous HCl calculated from a mean concentrationof OH-radicals of 1,000,000 molecules/cm3 is 11 days.
Reliabilities:(2) Reliable with restrictions
Reference:
Solvay S.A. (2002)
3.1.2

STABILITY IN WATER(a)
Remarks:
Reliabilities:
Reference:

3.1.3

STABILITY IN SOIL
Remarks:

Reliabilities:
Reference:

3.2

In water, hydrogen chloride is ionised and neutralisation is depending on thebuffer capacity of the receiving water.
(2) Reliable with restrictions
European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000)

In water hydrogen chloride is ionised and neutralisation is depending on thebuffer capacity of the soil/water. The high water solubility indicates a highmobility in soil.
(2) Reliable with restrictions
European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000)

MONITORING DATA (ENVIRONMENTAL)(a)
Type of Measurement: Background [ X ]; At contaminated site [ ]; Other [ ]Media:
Surface water
Results:[Chloride statistics]
In North America Rivers (N=12)
Mean: 17.5 mg/L
Min.: 0.1 mg/L, Max.: 82.0 mg/L
10th percentile: 1.1 mg/L, 90th percentile: 29.7 mg/L

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

49

OECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYSHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

In South America Rivers (N=6)
Mean: 6.1 mg/L
Min.: 0.9 mg/L, Max.: 14.3 mg/L
10th percentile: 1.6 mg/L, 90th percentile: 13.9 mg/L
In Asian Rivers (N=25)
Mean: 19.7 mg/L
Min.: 0.3 mg/L, Max.: 59.7 mg/L
10th percentile: 1.2 mg/L, 90th percentile: 48.2 mg/L
In African Rivers (N=7)
Mean: 4.3 mg/L
Min.: 0.9 mg/L, Max.: 10.6 mg/L
10th percentile: 1.0 mg/L, 90th percentile: 8.1 mg/L
In European Rivers (N=21)
Mean: 102.7 mg/L
Min.: 1.1 mg/L, Max.: 1233 mg/L
10th percentile: 2.1 mg/L, 90th percentile: 173 mg/L
In Oceania Rivers (N=6)
Mean: 39.2 mg/L
Min.: 0.1 mg/L, Max.: 171 mg/L
10th percentile: 0.3 mg/L, 90th percentile: 102.5 mg/L
The WHO drinking water guideline for chloride ion is 200 mg/L.
Remarks:
Reliabilities:
Reference:(1) Reliable without restrictions
UNEP (1995) Water quality of world river basins, UNEP Environment
Library No.14.

(b)Type of Measurement: Background [ X ]; At contaminated site [ ]; Other [ ]Media:Air
Results:
Continental: 0.0 - 22.9 ppb
Maritime: 12.6 – 1,780 ppb
Remarks:
Concentration of Cl – in precipitation
Reliabilities:(2) Reliable with restrictions
Reference:
Galloway et al. (1982)

3.3

TRANSPORT AND DISTRIBUTION BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMPARTMENTS
INCLUDING ESTIMATED ENVIRONMENTAL CONCENTRATIONS AND
DISTRIBUTION

3.3.1

TRANSPORT

50

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYSType:Media:
Method:Results:

Reliabilities:
Reference:
3.3.2

Adsorption [ ]; Desorption [ ]; Volatility [X]; Other [ ]water - air.
other: Calculation for KH (thermodynamic equilibrium constant) [mol2·kg2·atm-1]
When the partitioning of a strong acid HX between aqueous and gas phases
is most simply represented as an equilibrium between gaseous HX and its
dissociation forms into ions
HXg = H+aq + X-aq .
The thermodynamic equilibrium constant KH is given by
KH = mH+ · mX- · γ2HX / pHX;
where m is total concentration (mol kg-1)
γ2HX is the mean activity coefficient of H+ and X- ion in solution and pHX isthe equilibrium partial pressure of HX.
γ can be callog(γ) = -0.5108 m1/2 / (1 + 1.525 m1/2) + 1.0494 x 10-1 m +6.5360 x 10-3 m2 -4.2058 x 10-4 m3 -4.070 x 10-6 m4 + 5.258 x 10-7 m5(m=0 – 16)
KH was calculated from available partial pressure and other thermodynamic
parameters, over the temperature range 0 to 40 °C.
T (°C)

KH (mol2·kg-2·atm-1)

02.95 x 107

51.68 x 107

109.71 x 106

155.68 x 106

203.37 x 106

25

2.04 x 10630

1.23 x 106

35

7.54 x 105

40

4.66 x 105(2) Reliable with restrictions
Brimblecombe P and Clegg SL (1988)

THEORETICAL DISTRIBUTION (FUGACITY CALCULATION)
Remarks:

Reliabilities:

3.4

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Fugacity calculation is not applicable for ionised substance.
Based on its physicochemical properties (water solubility: 823 g/L at 0°C,
vapour pressure: 42,200 hPa at 20°C), the chemical is mainly distributed into
air and water compartments. In water, the hydrogen chloride is present as
ionised forms.
(2) Reliable with restrictions

IDENTIFICATION OF MAIN MODE OF DEGRADABILITY IN ACTUAL USE
No data available.

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

51

OECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYS
3.5

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

BIODEGRADATION
Not applicable

3.6

BOD5, COD OR RATIO BOD5/COD
No data available

3.7

BIOACCUMULATION
No data available

3.8

ADDITIONAL REMARKSA.

Sewage treatment
Remarks:
References:

B.

Other information
Remarks:

References:

52

Under Water Pollution Control Law in Japan, the effluent standard isestablished as within the range of pH 5.8-8.6
MOE, Japan

Under Air Pollution Control Law in Japan, the emission standard ofhydrogen chloride is established as 700 mg/m3 (0°C, 1 atm) to waste
incinerator facilities and 80 mg/m3 (0°C, 1 atm) to hydrogen chloride gas
absorption or chemical chlorination facilities
MOE, Japan

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

4.

ECOTOXICOLOGICAL DATA

4.1

ACUTE/PROLONGED TOXICITY TO FISH(a)Type of test:
static [ ]; semi-static [ X ]; flow-through [ ]; other (e.g. field test) [ ] opensystem [ X ]; closed-system [ ]Species:
Cyprinus carpio (Common carp)
Exposure period:
96 hour(s)Unit:pH
Analytical monitoring: Yes [ X ] No [ ] ? [ ]
LC50
4.3
Year:
1999
Method:OECD TG 203 (1992)
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Test substance:
12N (37.2%) hydrochloric acid
Method:-Test Organisms:a) Average Size: 4.6±0.3 cm in body length, 1.1±0.1 g in body weightb) Pretreatment: acclimated for 7days before testing; any groups showing>5% mortality during this period were not used for testing, fish wereselected at random.
c) Supplier/Source: Sugishima fish hatchery in Kumamoto prefecture,Japan- Test Conditions:a) Dilution Water Source: Dechlorinated tap waterb) Dilution Water Chemistry: Hardness: 52.0 mg/L as CaCO3; alkalinity:
33.0 mg/L as CaCO3, pH: 7.5, DO: 8.4c) Exposure Vessel Type: 50-L glass tank (60 x 29.5 x 36 cm)d) Nominal Concentrations: Five pH series (4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0) anda dilution water control were tested.
e) Stock and Test solutions: The dilution water was added into the test
vessel and the test solutions were prepared by adjusting to desired pHwith hydrochloric acid.
f) Number of Replicates, fish per replicate: 1, 10 fish per replicateg) Renewal Rate of Test Water: Renewed once per dayh) Water Temperature Range: 23.0±2°C (Containers used for testing wereplaced in a incubator)i) Light Condition: 16h:8h light-darkness cycle- Statistical Method:a) Data Analysis: Graphical method using logarithmic probability paper
Results:- Measured concentrations (as mg/L): Not described- Water chemistry in Test: DO= 7.2-8.4 mg/l; Temp. = 23.0-24.2°C

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

53

OECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
Table 1 Measured pH of test solutions
Measured pH
Nominal pH

0-24h24-48h48-72h

72-96h

new

old

new

old

new

old

new old

Control

7.3

7.2

7.3

7.3

7.3

7.1

7.3

7.3

6.0

6.0

6.1

6.0

6.2

6.0

6.3

6.0

6.1

5.5

5.5

5.7

5.5

5.6

5.5

5.7

5.5

5.6

5.0

5.0

5.2

5.0

5.1

5.0

5.2

5.0

4.8

4.5

4.5

4.7

4.5

4.7

4.5

4.7

4.5

4.7

4.0

4.0

4.1

*

*

*

*

*

*

*All fish died in this treatment
new: freshly prepared test solutions
old: test solutions after 24h exposure- Unit [results expressed in what unit]: % survival after 24, 48, 72, 96h-LC50:
Table 2. LC50 of hydrochloric acid with Common carp
Hours of exposure

LC50 (pH)*LC50 (mg/L)**

24

4.3

4.92

48

4.3

4.92

72

4.3

4.92

96

4.3

4.92

*Values based on nominal pH**Converted values as 12N HCl- Cumulative mortality:
Table 3. Cumulative mortality
pH
Cumulative mortality (%)
24h
48h
72h
Control
0
0
0
6.0
0
0
0
5.5
0
0
0
5.0
0
0
0
4.5
0
0
0
4.0
100
100
100

Reliability:
Flag:
Reference:

54

96h
0
0
0
0
0
100

(2) valid with restrictions
Test procedure according to national standards
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Japan (1999).
Test was conducted by Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, Japan.

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002(b)
Type of test:

static [ ]; semi-static [ ]; flow-through [ ]; other (e.g. field test) [ X ] opensystem [ X ]; closed-system [ ]Species:Oncorhynchus mykiss (Rainbow trout)Exposure period:
7 day
Unit:
pH
Analytical monitoring: Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]LC50
4.46 (hard water)
4.06 (soft water)
Method:Not described
Year:
1981
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Test substance:
Hydrochloric acid
Method:-Test Organisms:a) Average Size: Weight 3.50±0.09 g, Length 7.59±0.30 cmb) Pretreatment: Acclimated to the experimental temperature and watertype for at least 7daysc) Supplier/Source: Spring Valley Trout Farm, Canada- Test Conditions:a) Dilution Water Source: Dechlorinated tap waterb) Dilution Water Chemistry:
Hard water (hardness; 140mg/L as CaCO3)
2.0-4.0 meq/L
Ca+Na+
0.8-2.0
0.8-2.0
Cl¯
+
< 0.1
K
Soft water (hardness; 14mg/L as CaCO3)
0.2-0.4 meq/L
Ca+Na+
0.2-0.8
Cl¯
0.2-1.2< 0.1
K+c) Exposure Vessel Type: 60-L system recirculated at 10 mL/mind) Nominal Concentrations: pH 3.0-4.8 in 0.2 incrementse) Number of Replicates: 1f) Individuals per Replicates: 10g) Water Temperature Range: 15±2 °Ch) Light Condition: Not described- Statistical Method:a) Data Analysis: Graphical method using log/probit paper for LC50,
nomographic method of Litchfield for 95% confidence limit
Results:-LC50:
Table The LC50 for two hardness water-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Soft water LC50*
Day
Hard water LC50*-----------------------------------------------------------------------------4
4.12±0.08 (7.45 mg/L)** 3.98±0.16 (10.3 mg/L)**

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

55

OECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
7
4.46±0.04 (3.39 mg/L)** 4.06±0.08 (8.55 mg/L) **-----------------------------------------------------------------------------* pH ± 95% confidence limits** Converted values as 12N HCl

Reliability:
Reference:(2) valid with restrictions
Well documented study
Graham, M. S. and Wood, C. M. (1981)(c)Type of test:

static [ X ]; semi-static [ ]; flow-through [ ]; other (e.g. field test) [ ] opensystem [ X ]; closed-system [ ]Species:
Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill)
Exposure period:
96 hour(s)Unit:pH
Analytical monitoring: Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]3.25-3.5
LC50
Method:Not described
Year:
1984
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Test substance:
Hydrochloric acid
Method:-Test Organisms:a) Average Size: Approximately 4cmb) Pretreatment: Maintained at pH7.5 for 7daysc) Supplier/Source: A fish hatchery in Louisiana, USA- Test Conditions:a) Dilution Water Source: Dechlorinated tap waterb) Exposure Vessel Type: 38-L tank (51 x 32 x 27 cm)c) Nominal Concentrations: pH 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and
7.5(control)d) Number of Replicates: 1e) Individuals per Replicates: 8f) Renewal Rate of Test Water: Not renewedg) Water Temperature Range: 23±2 °Ch) Light Condition: Not described
Results:-LC50:
Table 1. LC50 of hydrochloric acid with Bluegill
Hours of exposure

LC50 (pH)LC50 (mg/L)*

24

3.25-3.5

55.1-30.9

48

3.25-3.5

55.1-30.9

96

3.25-3.5

55.1-30.9*Converted values as 12N HCl- Cumulative mortality:

56

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
Table 2. Cumulative mortality
pH

Reliability:
Reference:

Cumulative mortality (%)
24h

48h

96h

Control

0

0

0

5.0

0

0

0

4.5

0

0

0

4.0

0

0

0

3.5

0

0

0

3.25

75

75

80

3.0

100

100

100

- Water chemistry in Test: Maintained a constant pH value throughout thetest period(2) Valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Ellgaard, E. G. and Gilmore III J. Y. (1984)(d)
Type of test:

static [ ]; semi-static [ ]; flow-through [ X ]; other (e.g. field test) [ ] opensystem [ X ]; closed-system [ ]Species:
Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill)
Exposure period:
96 hour(s)UnitpH
Analytical monitoring: Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]LC50
3.5-3.6
Method:Not described
Year
1959
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Test substance:
Hydrochloric acid
Method:-Test Organisms:a) Average Size: Small (3.88cm 0.96g), medium (6.09cm 2.80g), large(14.24cm 54.26g)b) Pretreatment: Acclimated for 7days with dilution water before usec) Supplier/Source: A fish hatchery in Pennsylvania or Pennsylvania
Fish Commission, USA- Test Conditions:a) Dilution Water Source: Prepared from distilled water and analytical orreagent chemicalsb) Dilution Water Chemistry:KCl
0.02 g/L
Na2SiO3
0.02
NaHCO3
0.04
0.04
MgSO4_7H2O
Ca(NO3)2
0.03
0.01
CaCO3
K2HPO4
0.002

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

57

OECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITY

Results:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
Fe+++
0.004
c) Exposure Vessel Type: 5 gallon glass jar with cork stopperd) Nominal Concentrations: not describede) Number of Replicates: 1 or 2f) Individuals per Replicates: 10g) Renewal Rate of Test Water: The rate of flow was 30.6 L per 24h.
h) Water Temperature Range: 20±1 °Ci) Light Condition: Not described- Statistical Method:a) Data Analysis: Doudoroff method-LC50:The 96 h LC50s for three size ranges of fish-------------------------------------------------------------------Size(Length, Weight)
96h LC50 (pH)-------------------------------------------------------------------small( 3.88cm, 0.96g)
3.6 (24.6 mg/L)*
medium
( 6.09cm, 2.80g)
3.6 (24.6 mg/L)*
large(14.24cm, 54.26g)
3.5 (30.9 mg/L)*-------------------------------------------------------------------* Converted values as 12N HCl

Reliability:
Reference:(2) Valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Cairns, J. Jr. and Scheier, A. (1959)(e)Type of test:

static [ X ]; semi-static [ ]; flow-through [ ]; other (e.g. field test) [ ] opensystem [ X ]; closed-system [ ]Species:
Gambusia affinis (Mosquitofish)
Exposure period:
96 hour(s)Results:
LC50 (24h) = 282 mg/L
LC50 (48h) = 282 mg/L
LC50 (96h) = 282 mg/L
Analytical monitoring: Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Method:Not described
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Test substance:
Hydrochloric acid
Remarks:
Lethal concentrations for hydrochloric acid were determined on groups of 10
fish at 23±2 °C. The fish (4 cm TL) were exposed to 100, 180, 320, 560 and1000 mg/L of hydrochloric acid. Pond water with turbidity was used as
dilution water and pH was 6.0-8.2. Artificial aeration from compressor
served to maintain the oxygen level and to disperse the turbidity-producing
soil as long as possible in the mixture.
The LC50 (24h, 48h, 96h) for hydrochloric acid was 282 mg/L.
Reliability:

58(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITY
Reference:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
Wallen, I. E. et al. (1957)(f)
Type of test:

static [ X ]; semi-static [ ]; flow-through [ ]; other (e.g. field test) [ ] opensystem [ X ]; closed-system [ ]Species:
Lucioperca lucioperca (Pike perch)
Exposure period:
16 hour(s)Results:
LC100 (16h) = pH 5.3
Analytical monitoring: Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Method:Not described
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Test substance:
Hydrochloric acid
Remarks:
Fish with the total length 11.5-16 mm were used for the experiment.
Pond water was used as dilution water. Dilution water chemistry;
Color
Total hardness
Carbonate hardness
Noncarbonate hardness
Ammonium
Nitrates
Iron
Chlorides
Phosphates
Oxydability
Total residue
Loss on ignition
Rest on ignition

55.0 mg/l Pt
130.0 mg/l as CaCO3
110.0 mg/l as CaCO3
20.0 mg/l as CaCO3
0.04 mg/l N (NH3)0.030 mg/l N (NO3)0.20 mg/l Fe
9.0 mg/l
0.30 mg/l PO4
11.8 mg/l O2
204.0mg/l
34.0 mg/l
170.0 mg/l

Solutions of hydrochloric acid in pond water killed the fry in 20% after 16 h
at the pH 6.4, in 60% at pH 6.0 and total at pH 5.3.
Reliability:
Reference:

The LC100 (16h) was equivalent to 0.492 mg/L as 12N HCl concentration.
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment
Stangenberg, E. (1975)(g)Type of test:

static [ X ]; semi-static [ ]; flow-through [ ]; other (e.g. field test) [ ] opensystem [ X ]; closed-system [ ]Species:
Semotitus astromaculatus (Creek chub)Exposure period:
24 hour(s)Results:
LC50 (24h) = 60-80 mg/L
Analytical monitoring: Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Method:Not described
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Test substance:
Hydrochloric acid
Remarks:
Lethal concentrations for hydrochloric acid were determined on groups of 4
fish (3 to 4 in.). The fish were exposed to 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/L of test

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59

OECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
solution at 15-21°C. River water was used as dilution water. Dilution waterchemistry;
SiO2
2.9 ppm
Fe
0.02
Ca
27.0
7.3
Mg
Na
6.7
2.2
K
0.0
Mn
CO3
6.0
88.0
HCO3
14.0
SO4
Cl
9.0
0.10
F
0.60
NO3
Dissolved solids 120.0
Total hardness 98.0
Color
3.0
pH
8.3
Specific conductance at 25°C
218
The LC50 (24h) was 60-80 mg/L.

Reliability:
Reference:(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment
Gillette, L. A. et al. (1952)

4.2

ACUTE TOXICITY TO AQUATIC INVERTEBRATESA.

Daphnia(a)Type of test:

static [ ]; semi-static [ X ]; flow-through [ ]; other (e.g. field test) [ ]; opensystem [ X ]; closed-system [ X ]Species:Daphnia magna Straus
Exposure period:
48 hour(s)Unit:pH
Analytical monitoring: Yes [ X ] No [ ] ? [ ]
EC50
5.3
Year:
1999
Method:OECD TG 202 (1984)
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Test substance:
12N (37.2%) hydrochloric acid
Method:-Test Organisms:a) Age at study initiation: neonates (<24h old)b) Supplier/Source: Laboratory bred daphnids which was basicallysupplied by the University of Sheffield (Sheffield S10 2UQ, UK) wereused.
- Test Conditions:a) Dilution Water Source: Dechlorinated tap water

60

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4. ECOTOXICITY

Results:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002b) Dilution Water Chemistry: Hardness: 52.0 mg/L as CaCO3; alkalinity:
33.0 mg/L as CaCO3, pH: 7.5, DO: 8.4c) Exposure Vessel Type: 200 mL test solution in a 250 mL glass beaker;
4 beakers per treatmentd) Nominal Concentrations: Five pH series (4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0) anda dilution water control were tested.
e) Stock and Test solutions: The dilution water was added into the test
vessel and the test solutions were prepared by adjusting to desired pHwith hydrochloric acid.
f) Number of Replicates: 4 replicatesg) Individuals per Replicates: 5 daphnids per replicateh) Renewal Rate of Test Water: Renewed once a dayi) Water Temperature Range: 20.0±1°C (Containers used for testing wereplaced in a incubator)j) Light Condition: <1,200 lx, 16h:8h light-darkness cycle- Statistical Method:a) Data Analysis: Graphical method using logarithmic probability paper- Water chemistry in Test: DO= 8.7-8.8 mg/l; Temp.= 20.1-20.5°C
Table 1 Measured pH of test solutions
NominalpH

Measured pH
0h(new)

24h(old)

24h(new) 48h(old)Control

7.8

7.8

7.5

7.5

6.0

6.0

6.0

5.8

6.1

5.5

5.5

5.3

5.3

5.8

5.0

4.9

5.2

4.9

5.2

4.5

4.3

4.5

4.3

4.6

4.0

3.8

3.7

*

*

*All daphnids died in this treatment
new: freshly prepared test solutions
old: test solutions after 24h exposure- Unit [results expressed in what unit]: % immobilization after 24, 48h-EC50:
Table 2. EC50 of hydrochloric acid with Daphnia magna
Hours of exposure

EC50 (pH)*

EC50 (mg/L)**

24

5.3

0.492

48

5.3

0.492

*Values based on nominal pH**Converted values as 12N HCl- Cumulative immobilization:
Table 3. Cumulative immobilization

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61

OECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
pH

Reliability:
Flag:
Reference:

Cumulative numbers of immobilized Daphnia(Percent immobility)
3h

24h

48h

Control

0(0)

0(0)

0(0)

6.0

0(0)

0(0)

0(0)

5.5

0(0)

0(0)

0(0)

5.0

0(0)

11(55)

20(100)

4.5

4(20)

20(100)20(100)4.020(100)20(100)20(100)(2) valid with restrictions
Test procedure according to national standards
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Japan (1999).
Test was conducted by Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, Japan.

(b)Type of test:

static [ ]; semi-static [ X ]; flow-through [ ]; other (e.g. field test) [ ]; opensystem [ X ]; closed-system [ X ]Species:Daphnia magna
Exposure period:
32 hour(s)Results:
EC100 (32h) = 62 mg/L
Analytical monitoring: Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Method:Not described
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Test substance:
Hydrochloric acid
Remarks:
Immobility for hydrochloric acid was determined on groups of 10 daphnids
at 25°C. Dilution water source was grass-wool filtered University Lakewater.
The EC100 (32h) was 62 mg/L.
Reliability:(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment
Reference:
Anderson, B. G. (1944)
B.

OTHER AQUATIC ORGANISMS
Type of test:

static [ X ]; semi-static [ ]; flow-through [ ]; other (e.g. field test) [ X ];open-system [ ]; closed-system [ ]Species:
Ophryotrocha diadema (polychaete)
Exposure period:
48 hour(s)Results:
LC50 (48h) = 33-100 mg/L
Analytical monitoring: Yes [ ] No [X ] ? [ ]Method:Not described
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Test substance:
Hydrochloric acid
Remarks:
The 48h LC50 test was carried out using 10 organisms at each concentration

62

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4. ECOTOXICITY

Reliability:
Reference:

4.3

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
in duplicated trials. The test medium was filtered sea water (3.2%). For thisexperiment, a batch of sea water made up with the following addedconcentrations of metal:
Hg2+ (as mercuric chloride) 0.001 mg/L
Cu2+ (as cupric chloride) 0.1 mg/L
Zn2+ (as zinc chloride) 0.001 mg/L
The test temperature was 21°C. The LC50 (48h) was 33-100 mg/L.
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment
Parker, J. G (1984)

TOXICITY TO AQUATIC PLANTS e.g. Algae
Species:Selenastrum capricornutum
End-point:
Biomass [ X ]; Growth rate [ X ]; Other [ ]Exposure period:
72 hour(s)Unit:pH
Analytical monitoring: Yes [ X ] No [ ] ? [ ]Biomass:
5.1
EC50
Growth rate:
5.3
NOEC
Biomass:
6.0
Growth rate:
6.0
Year:
1999
Method:OECD TG 201 (1984)
open-system [ X ]; closed-system [ ]GLP:Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Test substance:
12N (37.2%) hydrochloric acid
Method:-Test Organisms:a) Supplier/Source: Selenastrum capricornutum ATCC 22662- Test Conditionsa) Test Temperature Range: 21.1-22.0°Cb) Growth/Test medium: OECD mediumc) Shaking: 100 rpmd) Dilution water source: OECD medium
0.185 mg/L
H3BO3
MnCl2_4H2O
0.415 mg/L
0.003 mg/L
ZnCl2
0.08 mg/L
FeCl3_6H2O
Na2EDTA_2H2O
0.1 mg/L
0.0015 mg/L
CoCl2_6H2O
0.007 mg/L
Na2MoO4_2H2O
CuCl2_2H2O0.00001 mg/L
18 mg/L
CaCl2_2H2O
15 mg/L
NH4Cl
KH2PO4
1.6 mg/L
50 mg/LNaHCO312 mg/L
MgCl2_6H2O

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63

OECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITY

Results:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
MgSO4_7H2O
15 mg/Le) Exposure Vessel Type: 100 mL medium in a 300 mL conical flask witha cap that allow ventilationf) Water Chemistry in Test (pH) in one replicate of each concentration (atstart and end of the test): 8.0 at start and 8.8 at end of the test (72 h) in
the controlg) Stock and Test Solution: Stock solution was not prepared. Each test
medium was adjusted to pH with hydrochloric acid and filter-sterilizedwith 0.45µm membrane filter.
h) Light Levels and Quality during Exposure: 4300-4400 lx, continuous- Test design:a) Number of replicates: Triplicateb) Concentrations: Five pH series (3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 6.0) and a control
were tested.
c) Initial cell number in cells/mL: 1 x 104- Statistical Method:a) Data Analysis: Graphical method using logarithmic probability paper
for EC50, one-way analysis of variance for NOEC
- Measured pH: pH in one replicate of each concentration (at start and endof the test):
NominalpH

Measured pH
0h

72h

Control

8.0

8.8

6.0

6.0

7.9

5.0

5.0

5.1

4.5

4.5

4.8

4.0

4.0

4.3

3.5

3.5

3.7

- Unit [results expressed in what unit]: % growth inhibition after 24, 48,
72h- Cell density at each flask at each measuring point:
pH

Cell density for each exposure(x 104 cells/mL)
0h

24h

48h

72h

Control

1.00

2.96

15.5

70.6

6.0

1.00

2.81

15.7

67.7

5.0

1.00

2.42

10.1

16.7

4.5

1.00

0.986

1.07

1.24

4.0

1.00

0.827

0.925

0.926

3.5

1.00

0.634

0.551

0.508

- Percent biomass/growth rate inhibition per concentration:

64

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
pH

Percent growth inhibition
Area under thegrowth curve

Growth rate
(24-48h)

Growth rate
(0-72h)

6.0

2.72

-3.87

0.992

5.0

64.2

13.7

34.8

4.5

99.6

94.6

95.0

4.0

101

93.3

102

3.5

102

110

118

- EC50:
Hours ofexposure72

EC50 (pH)*Area under thegrowth curve(Biomass)

Growth rate
24-48h0-72h5.1(0.780 mg/L)

4.8(1.55 mg/L)

5.3(0.492 mg/L)*Values based on nominal pH
The values in parentheses express converted values as 12N HCl.
- NOEC:
Hours
ofexposure

72

NOEC (pH)*Area under thegrowth curve(Biomass)

Growth rate
24-48h0-72h

6.0(0.097 mg/L)

6.0(0.097 mg/L)

6.0(0.097 mg/L)*Values based on nominal pH
The values in parentheses express converted values as 12N HCl.
Reliability:
Flag:
Reference:(2) valid with restrictions
Test procedure according to national standards
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Japan (1999).
Test was conducted by Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, Japan.

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65OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY

5.1
5.1.1

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

ACUTE TOXICITYACUTE ORAL TOXICITY(1)
Test Substance
Identity (purity):
Remarks:

Hydrochloric acid, CAS No. 7647-01-0
15% (w/w) hydrochloric acid of normal laboratory quality

MethodMethod/guideline followed): According to internal guidelines of Hoechest AG
Type:
Acute oral toxicity study
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [X ]
Year:
1966
Species/Strain:
rat/ mixed strain albino
Sex:femaleNo. of animals per sex per dose: Ten rats were used per dose.
Vehicle:not described
Route of administration:
oral
Remarks:Age:
not described
Volume administered or concentration:
0.40, 0.63, 1.00 and 1.60 mL of 3.3 % HCl per 100 g body weight.
The rats received no more feed 12 hours before application.
Post dose observation period:
The post-application observation period was 6-7 days.
Results
Value ([LD50] with confidence limits if calculated):
7.2-8.4 mL/kg b.w. (238 – 277 mg/kg)
Number of deaths at each dose level:
4.0 mL/kg b.w.
0/10 rats died
6.3 mL/kg b.w.
3/10 rats died10.0 mL/kg b.w.
8/10 rats died
16.0 mL/kg b.w.
10/10 rats died
Remarks:
Time of death:
Description, severity, time of onset and duration of clinical signs at each dose level:
Necropsy findings, included doses affected, severity and number of animals affected:
Potential target organs:
If both sexes tested, results should be compared:
Conclusions
Remarks:
Data Quality

66

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N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Reliabilities:(2) Reliable with restrictions
Remarks:
Quality Check
Study with an internal guideline of a company.
References (Free Text)
Hoechst AG, (1966) Report 150/66
Other
Last changed:
Order number for sorting:Remarks(2)
Type:
Species/strain:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability
Reference:

:

(3)
Type:
Species/strain:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference::

LD0 [ ]; LD100 [ ]; LD 50 [X]; LDL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Rabbit
900 mg/kg b.w.
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [X ] ? [ ]Grade and purity not statedOral administration(3) Not reliable
Loewy, A. and Munzer, E. (1923)

LD0 [ ]; LD100 [ ]; LD 50 [ ]; LDL0 [ ]; Other [X]
Rat/CFY
No data
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [X ] ? [ ]Grade and purity not stated
Method: 22 mg HCl/animal (1 mL; 0.6M HCl) was applied to rats starved for
24 or 48 h, and to unstarved rats receiving 5 or 20% glucose solution; thenumber and severity of gastric mucosal lesions were significantly higher inthe rats starved for 24 or 48 h and in those fed 5% glucose than in thosereceiving 20% glucose; the tissue levels of ATP, ADP, AMP, adenylate pool,and cAMP were significantly decreased in 24 and 48 h starved rats incontrast with the unstarved animals; the energy charges in 24 and 48 h
starved rats were significantly higher than those in the unstarved rats; theanimals fed 20% glucose showed significantly highest levels of different
biochemical compounds, while the number of gastric lesions were the lowest:
the increased energy turnover in the gastric mucosa may produce a bettermetabolic adaptation against the necrotizing effect of hydrochloric acid.
(3) Not reliable
Moron, F. et al. (1984)

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67OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

(4)
Type:
Species/strain:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

:

(5)
Type:
Species/strain:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

:

(6)
Type:
Species/strain:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

5.1.2

LD0 [ ]; LD100 [ ]; LD 50 [ ]; LDL0 [ ]; Other [X]
Rat/Wistar
No data
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [X ] ? [ ]Grade and purity not stated
The concentrations of nonprotein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) were significantly
decreased in the gastric mucosa following the oral administration of 1 mL
of 2% hydrochloric acid.
(3) Not reliable
Parmer, N.S. et al. (1988)

LD0 [ ]; LD100 [ ]; LD 50 [X ]; LDL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Rat
700 mg/kg b.w.
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [X ] ? [ ]31.5% hydrochloric acid
Lung: hyperemia
Liver: discoloration
Gut: acute inflammation
Stomach: ulceration(4) Not assignable
Monsanto (1976) cited in European Commission- European Chemical
Bureau (2000)

ACUTE INHALATION TOXICITY
(1)
Type:
Species/strain:

68:

LD0 [ ]; LD100 [ ]; LD 50 [ ]; LDL0 [ ]; Other [X]
Rat/Wistar
No data
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [X ] ? [ ]Grade and purity not statedOral administration of 0.35 N HCl protected the gastric mucosa
of rats against 0.6 N HCl-induced gastric lesions for 2 h. The
pretreatment significantly increased prostaglandin concentrationsin the gastric fundic mucosa.
(3) Not reliable
Orihara, M. et al. (1989)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [X]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Rat/Wistar

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

:

(2)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:

Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability:
Reference:
(3)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

5 minutes
61 mg/L/5 min (40,989 ppm)
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
Observation period: 7 daysAt
30,000 ppm
At
32,000 ppm
At
39,850 ppm
At
45,200 ppm
At
57,290 ppm(3) Not reliable
Higgins, E.A. et al. (1972)

0/10 rats died
1/10 rats died
6/10 rats died
7/10 rats died
9/10 rats diedLC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [X]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Rat5, 10, 15, 22.5, 30, or 60 minutes
23.7 mg/L/5 min
12.5mg/L/10 min
10.3mg/L/15 min
8.8mg/L/22.5 min
5.7mg/L/30 min
4.2mg/L/60 min
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
Observation period: 14 days
(3) Not reliable
Hartzell, G.E. et al. (1987); (1990)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [X]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Rat/SD
5 or 30 minutes
Gas:
60.9 mg/L/5 min, 7.0 mg/L/30 min
Aerosol:
45.6 mg/L/5 min, 8.3 mg/L/30 min
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
Single-exposure, acute toxicity studies were conducted in rats with both HCl
gas and HCl aerosol. Hydrochloric acid was extremely irritating to the eyes,
mucous membranes, and exposed areas of the skin, such as the scrotum.
Corneal erosion and cloudiness occurred, and pathological examination ofanimals that died during or shortly following exposure showed that
respiratory tract was the primary target for the Hydrochloric acid. Alveolar
emphysema, atelectasis, and oedema of the lungs were observed; there wasalso severe injury to the epithelial lining of the nasotracheal passages.

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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY

Reliability
Reference:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

:

(4)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

:

(5)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability:
Reference:
(6)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:70

Necropsy examination of the animals surviving for 14 days after exposure
revealed residual injury in the respiratory tract. The death patterns observed
were similar for both the gas and the aerosol, with delayed deaths in bothcases.
(3) Not reliable
Darmer, K.I. et al. (1974a)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [X]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Rat/SD
60 minutes
4.7 mg/L/60 min
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
Gross pathological examination of animals dying from exposure showedpulmonary congestion and intestinal hemorrhages with exhibiting thymic
hemorrhages. Surviving animals sacrificed after 14-day observation period
demonstrated multifocal areas of red hepatisation in lungs of rats andoccasional engorged or pale livers.
(3) Not reliable
MacEwean, J.D. et al. (1974); Wohlslagel, J. et al. (1976);
Vernot, E.H. et al. (1977)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [X]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Rat
60 minutes
Aerosol:
1.68 mg/L/60 min
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
(3) Not reliable
Vernot, E.H. et al. (1977)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ X ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Mouse/ICR
5 minutes
20.5 mg/L/5 min (13,745 ppm)
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
Observation period: 5 days
At 3,200 ppm 0/15 rats diedAt 5,060 ppm 1/15 rats diedAt 6,145 ppm 2/15 rats died

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY

Reliability
Reference:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

:

(7)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

:

(8)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:
(9)
Type:

:

At 6,410 ppm 0/15 rats diedAt 7,525 ppm 6/15 rats diedAt 8,065 ppm 2/15 rats diedAt 9,276 ppm 5/15 rats diedAt 26,485 ppm 13/15 rats died
At 30,000 ppm 13/15 rats died(3) Not reliable
Higgins, E.A. et al. (1972)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ X ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Mouse/ICR
5 or 30 minutes
Gas:
20.9 mg/L/5 min, 3.9 mg/L/30 min
Aerosol:
16.5 mg/L/5 min, 3.2 mg/L/30 min
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
Single-exposure, acute toxicity studies were conducted in mice with both
HCl gas and HCl aerosol. HCl was extremely irritating to the eyes, mucous
membranes, and exposed areas of the skin, such as the scrotum. Corneal
erosion and cloudiness occurred, and pathological examination of animals
that died during or shortly following exposure showed that respiratory tract
was the primary target for the Hydrochloric acid. Alveolar emphysema,atelectasis, and oedema of the lungs were observed; there was also severe
injury to the epithelial lining of the nasotracheal passages. Necropsy
examination of the animals surviving for 14 days after exposure revealed
residual injury in the respiratory tract. The death patterns observed weresimilar for both the gas and the aerosol, with delayed deaths in both cases.
(3) Not reliable
Darmer, K.I. et al. (1974a)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [X]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Mouse/ICR
60 minutes
1.7 mg/L/60 min
Other
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
Gross pathological examination of animals dying from exposure showedpulmonary congestion and intestinal hemorrhages. Surviving animals
sacrificed after 14-day observation period demonstrated no gross lesions.
(3) Not reliable
MacEwean, J.D. et al (1974); Wohlslagel, J. et al. (1976)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X]

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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

:

(10)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

:

(11)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:72:

Mouse/SwissWebster
10 minutes
0.46 mg/L
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
Mice were exposed for 10 minutes to concentrations ranging from 0.06 to 1.4
mg/L, and dose-response curves were plotted, using the percentage decrease
in respiratory rate for each exposure as the reaction reflecting sensory
irritation of the upper respiratory tract. RD50 value (concentration that caused
a 50 % decrease in respiratory rate) was 0.46 mg/L.
(3) Not reliable
Barrow, C.S. et al. (1977)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X]
Mouse/Swiss-Webster
10 minutes
Not stated
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
0.025 mg/L: minimal superficial ulceration in the respiratory epithelium
and its junction with the squamous epithelium of the external nares
0.19-0.41 mg/L: mucosal ulceration of the adjacent respiratory epithelium
0.73 mg/L: mucosal ulceration of the respiratory epithelium and thesquamous epithelium of the external nares
2.90 mg/L and more: mucosal damage of the squamous respiratory andolfactory epithelium of the upper respiratory tract, followed by damage ofthe under-lying supportive tissues(3) Not reliable
Lucia, H.L. et al. (1977)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X]
Mouse/Swiss-Webstar
10 minutes> 12.0 mg/L
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
Mice were exposed to concentrations ranging from 0.03 to 29.0 mg/L withdeaths occurring above 12.0 mg/L. Histopathological changes noted inmice, killed 24 hours after the exposure, revealed that the target organs
included the upper respiratory tract and the eyes, with secondary changes
and passive congestion in the lungs, intestine, liver, and kidneys.
(3) Not reliable
Barrow, C.S. et al. (1979)

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

(12)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

:

(13)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X]Rabbit90 or 360 minutes
not stated

Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

:

(14)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X ]Rabbit
5 -360 minutes
Not stated
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
5.5 mg/L (5 min): no deaths
6.4 mg/L (30 min): 100% deaths
1.0 mg/L (120, 360 min): 100% deaths
Groups of 3 rabbits were exposed to hydrogen chloride gas of various
concentration. Definite gross pathological acute changes in the lung and liver
were noted in the animals died within a week. But relation to doses were notclarified.
(3) Not reliable
Machle, M. et al. (1942):

Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
5 mg/L/90 min : Death occurred after 2-6 days
0.15 mg/L/360 min: Symptoms of toxicity: irritation of the nasal mucosa,
salivation (symptoms were reversible)
0.45 mg/L/360 min: Symptoms of toxicity: irritation of the cornea, catarrhs(4) Not assignable
Lehmann (1886) cited in European Commission- European Chemical
Bureau (2000)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [X]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Guinea pig
15 or 30 minutes
4.3 mg/L/15 min
2.0 mg/L/30 min
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
The guinea pig was considerably mor sensitive to hydrogen chloride,
presumably due to its tendency for bronchoconstriction.
(3) Not reliable

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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Reference:Hartzell, G.E. et al. (1988)

(15)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

:

(16)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:
(17)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

74:

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [X]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Guinea pig
30 minutes
3.8 mg/L
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
Observation period: 7 days
Symptoms of toxicity: high frequency of respiration, cough, foam-formingin the nasal area, retardation of movements, irritation of the eyes, opacity of
the cornea, reduced weight, reduced food consumption; autopsy: changes of
the respiratory tract, crusts in the noses, edema and emphysema of thelungs(3) Not reliable
Kirsch, V. and Drabke, P. (1982)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X ]Guinea pig
5 -360 minutes
No data
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
5.5 mg/L (5 min): No deaths.
6.4 mg/L (30 min): 100% deaths.
1.0 mg/L (120, 360 min): 100% deaths
Groups of 3 guinea pigs were exposed to hydrogen chloride gas of various
concentration. Definite gross pathological acute changes in the lung and liver
were noted in the animals died within a week. But relation to doses were notclarified.
(3) Not reliable
Machle, W. et al. (1942)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X]Guinea pig
30 minutes (head-only)
No data
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
Pulmonary effects of HCl-inhalation were determined in guinea-pigs during
and following exposure; HCl inhalation resulted in sensory and pulmonary
irritation; onset of sensory irritation: 6 minutes at 0.5 mg/L, < 1 minute at

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY

Reliability
Reference:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

:

(18)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X ]Baboon/Papio cynocephalus
15 minutes
No data
Other: The guidelines provided in the National Research Council’s Guide for
the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
Each of 4 groups of three anesthetized animals was exposed I ahead only
mode for 15 minutes to air or one of three hydrogen chloride concentrations(0.75, 7.5, 14.9 mg/L). The acute respiratory response considered of aconcentration-related increase in frequency and minute volume, with amarked decrase in blood PaO2 at the two highest concentrations. The
exposure did not cause significant alterations in any of the pulmonary
function parameters measured at 3 days and 3 months postexposure.
(3) Not reliable
Kaplan, H.L. et al. (1988)

GLP:
Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability :Reference:
(19)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/L; the onset of pulmonary irritation showed aconcentration-response relationship; HCl exposure also affected baseline
respiratory rate and tidal volume of the animals after exposure;
impairments of respiratory function were supported by evidence ofmorphological injury in the airways and the alveolar region; clinicalobservations: 2 deaths in the highest dose group during exposure , 2
animals died following exposure to 1.5 mg/L and 1 died following exposure
to 2.0 mg/L (observation period: 16 days), corneal opacities, reduction ofbody weight.
(3) Not reliable
Burleigh-Flayer, H. et al. (1985):

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X]Dog
10 minutes
No data
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
HCl was added to synthetic smoke composed of carbon
particles; anesthetized dogs were intubated and ventilated.
Dose-related pathological changes in the lungs;
0.1-1N HCl: focal mucosal degeneration, desquamation, acuteinflammation on the trachea, carina, and large bronchi:
6N HCl: transmural necrosis of the trachea and carina,
mucosal slough, inflammation, vascular thromboses.
(3) Not reliable
Hales, C.A. et al. (1988)

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5. TOXICITY

(20)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability:
Reference:
(21)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability:
Reference:

(22)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability:
Reference:
(23)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:

Method:
GLP:

76

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [X]; Other [ ]Rat
5 minutes
130.61 mg/L/5 min
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
(4) Not assignable
Kaplan, K.L. et al. (1989)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [X]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Rat
30 or 60 minutes
213 mg/L/30 min
283 mg/L/60 min
Other
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
(4) Not assignable
Cohen M. (1981) cited in European Commission- European Chemical
Bureau (2000)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [X]; Other [ ]Mouse
5 minutes
17.11 mg/L/5 min
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
(4) Not assignable
Kaplan .H.L.et al. (1989)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [X]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Mouse
5, 30 or 60 minutes
103 mg/L/5 min
96 mg/L/30 min
99 mg/L/60 min
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability:
Reference:

(24)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability:
Reference:
(25)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability:
Reference:
(26)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference::

Grade and purity not stated.
(4) Not assignable
Cohen M. (1981) cited in European Commission- European Chemical
Bureau (2000)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [X]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Mouse
10 minutes
15.1 mg/L/10 min
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
Method: observation period: 3 h(4) Not assignable
Hartzell et al. (1990)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [X]; Other [ ]Rabbit30 minutes
6.7 mg/L/30 min
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
(4) Not assignable
European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X ]Rabbit90 or 360 minutes
Not stated
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
0.149-0.209 mg/L (up to 6 h): slight nasal irritation, salivation
0.447 mg/L (6 h): slight corneal erosion, respiratory, irritation
2.012 mg/L (90 min): severe irritation, shortness of breath
5.066 mg/L (90 min): death within 2-6 days
Histopathology: pulmonary edema, hyperemia and occasionallyhaematemesis(4) Not assignable
Flury and Zernik (1931) cited in European Commission- European
Chemical Bureau (2000) and BIBRA (1990)

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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

(27)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

:

(28)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:

Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

(29)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:

Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability :Reference:78:

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X]Guinea pig
75 or 360 minutes
2 mg/L/75 min
0.45 mg/L/360 min
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
Symptoms of toxicity
2 mg/L/75 min:: severe irritation, shortness of breath, opacity of the cornea
0.45 mg/L/360 min: irritation of the cornea, catarrhs(4) Not assignable
Lehmann (1886) cited in European Commission- European Chemical
Bureau (2000)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [X]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Guinea pig
90 or 360 minutes
2.012 mg/L (90 min)5.066 mg/L (90 min)
0.447 mg/L (6 h)Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
2.012 mg/L (90 min): slight corneal erosion, respiratory irritation
5.066 mg/L (90 min): severe irritation, shortness of breath
0.447 mg/L (6 h): death within 2-6 days
Histopathology: pulmonary edema, hyperemia, and occasionallyhaematemesis(4) Not assignable
Flury and Zernik (1931) cited in European Commission- European
Chemical Bureau (2000) and BIBRA (1990)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [X]; Other [ ]Baboon5, 10, or 15 minutes
44.7 mg/L/5 min
22.35 mg/L/10 min
14.9 mg/L/15 min
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
(4) Not assignable
Kaplan H.L. et al. (1989)

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

(30)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability
Reference:

:

(31)
Type:
Species/strain:
Exposure time:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability:
Reference:

5.1.3

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X]Cat
360 minutes
0.12 mg/L/360 min
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
Symptoms of toxicity: irritation of the nasal mucosa, salivation (symptoms
were reversible)(4) Not assignable
Lehmann (1886) cited in European Commission- European Chemical
Bureau (2000)

LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X ]Cat
up to 360 minutes
No data
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
Only slight reaction (nasal irritation, salivation); no adverse effects(4) Not assignable
Flury and Zernik (1931) cited in European Commission- European
Chemical Bureau (2000) and BIBRA (1990)

ACUTE DERMAL TOXICITY
(1)
Type:
Species/strain:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference::

LD0 [ ]; LD100 [ ]; LD 50 [ X ]; LDL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Rabbit> 5,010 mg/kg
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]
31.5% hydrochloric acid
Exposure time: 24 hours
Lung: hyperemia
Liver: hyperemia
Gall bladder : slight enlargement
Spleen: darkened
Kidney: darkened(4) Not assignable
Monsanto (1976) cited in European Commission- European Chemical
Bureau (2000)(2)

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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Type:
Species/strain:
Value:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability
Reference:

5.1.4

LD0 [ ]; LD100 [ ]; LD 50 [ X ]; LDL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Mouse
1,449 mg/kg
Other: No data
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Grade and purity not stated.
This value is deleted from the latest database.
:(4) Not assignable
RTECS 86 (NIOSH) COREAF 256, 1043, 63 Comptes Rendus
Hebdomadaires des Seances, Academie des Sciences (Paris – France) V.1261, 1835-1965 cited in European Commission- European Chemical Bureau(2000)

ACUTE TOXICITY, OTHER ROUTES OF ADMINISTRATION
(1)
Type:
LD0 [X ]; LD100 [ ]; LD50 [ ]; LDL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Species/strain:
Mouse (strain, sex and number not given)
Route of Administration: i.m. [ ]; i.p. [ ]; i.v. [X]; infusion [ ]; s.c. [ ]; other [ ]Exposure time:
No data
Value:
LD0 > 0.7 mg/kg
Method:Other: No data
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Test substance:
Grade and purity not stated.
Remarks:
Reliability:(3) Not reliable

Reference:

Cosgrove, G.E. et al. (1965)

(2)
Type:
LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X]Species/strain:
Rat /F344
Route of Administration: i.m. [ ]; i.p. [ ]; i.v. [ ]; infusion [ ]; s.c. [ ]; other [X]Exposure time:
30 minutes
Value:No data
Method:Other: No data
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Test substance:
Grade and purity not stated.
Remarks:
Pseudo-mouth-breathing (MB): tracheal tubes connected to mouth
pieces were inserted into temporarily anesthetized rats.
Nose-breathers (NB): similarly pretreated rats were exposed without themouth piece. The rats were exposed to 1.94 mg/L hydrochloric acid for 30
minutes.
NB-exposure: tissue injury confined to the nasal region:
epithelial and submucosal necrosis, accumulations of inflammatory cells,

80

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
exudate, extravasation of erythrocytes.
MB-exposure: higher mortality rates (in comparison to NB), major tissue
disruption in the trachea including epithelial, submucosal, glandular andcartilage necrosis, accumulations of inflammatory cells and exudates;
more peripheral lung damage was manifested by lung gravimetricincreases and histopathologic changes primarily in the larger conducting
airways; the authors suggest that the injuries response profile of HClmarkedly differs as a function of the route by which they are inhaled.

Reliability:(3) Not reliable

Reference:

Starvert, D.M. et al. (1991)

(3)
Type:
LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X]Species/strain:
Rat (strain and sex not given)
Route of Administration: i.m. [ ]; i.p. [ ]; i.v. [ ]; infusion [ ]; s.c. [ ]; other [X ]Exposure time:
No data
Value:No data
Method:Other: No data
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Test substance:
Grade and purity not stated.
Remarks:
Hydrochloric acid of different pH (1, 1.5, 2) was instilled into the trachea
of 23 rats; 5 minutes after treatment a marked increase in tracheo-bronchial
Evans blue content was observed compared to controls; an acute, pHdependent protein extravasation in the lower airways could bedemonstrated upon local instillation of acidic solutions, no increased
extravasation was present 24 h after intratracheal injections; Evans blue,
when injected into systemic circulation, rapidly binds to macromolecules,
i.e. serum albumin; therefore an increased tissue content of Evans blue isconsidered to reflect increased extravasation of plasma proteins throughpostcapillary venules, subsequently leading to edema formation.
Reliability:(3) Not reliable
Reference:
Martling, C.R. and Lundberg, J.M. (1988)
(4)
Type:
LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X]Species/strain:
Dog
Route of Administration: i.m. [ ]; i.p. [ ]; i.v. [ ]; infusion [ ]; s.c. [ ]; other [X]Exposure time:
30 minutes
Value:No data
Method:Other: No data
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Test substance:
Grade and purity not stated.
Remarks:
Effect on oesophagus0.1% hydrochloric acid (pH 1.6) in contact with theoesophagus of dogs for 30 minutes caused local proliferation of epithelial
cells but no inflammation or damage.
Reliability:(3) Not reliable

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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY
Reference:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
De Backer, A. et al. (1985)

(5)
Type:
LC0 [ ]; LC100 [ ]; LC50 [ ]; LCL0 [ ]; Other [X]Species/strain:
Dog(strain, sex and number not given)
Route of Administration: i.m. [ ]; i.p. [ ]; i.v. [ ]; infusion [ ]; s.c. [ ]; other [X ]Exposure time:
No data
Value:No data
Method:Other: No data
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Test substance:
Grade and purity not stated.
Remarks:
Endpoint: lung damage and death
Lung damage and death occurred in dogs following insyillation
into the lungs of 2-3 mL of approximately 0.4% hydrochloric acidsolution.
Reliability:(3) Not reliable

Reference:

Greenfield, L.J. et al. (1969)

(6)
Type:
LD0 [ ]; LD100 [ ]; LD50 [X]; LDL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Species/strain:
Mouse (strain, sex and number not given)
Route of Administration: i.m. [ ]; i.p. [X]; i.v. [ ]; infusion [ ]; s.c. [ ]; other [ ]Exposure time:
No data
Value:
1,449 mg/kg
Method:Other: No data
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Test substance:
Grade and purity not stated.
Remarks:
Reliability:(4) Not assignable

Reference:

Anon (1963) cited in European Commission- European Chemical Bureau(2000)(7)Type:
LD0 [ ]; LD100 [ ]; LD50 [X]; LDL0 [ ]; Other [ ]Species/strain:
Mouse (strain, sex and number not given)
Route of Administration: i.m. [ ]; i.p. [X]; i.v. [ ]; infusion [ ]; s.c. [ ]; other [ ]Exposure time:
30 minutes
Value:
40.1 mg/kg
Method:Other: No data
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Test substance:
Grade and purity not stated.
Remarks:

82

Reliability:(4) Not assignable

Reference:

European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000)

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY

5.2.1

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

SKIN IRRITATION/CORROSION(a)
Test substance:
Hydrochloric acid, CAS No. 7647-01-0
Test Substance Remarks: The test solutions of 1 and 3.3 wt% were prepared by the dilution 1:14.5
and 1:4.5 of 15 wt% of hydrochloric acid (normal laboratory quality)pH:
Not described. The calculated value of pH does not correspond to thedefinition of pH.
Other: according to internal guidelines of Hoechst AG.
Method:Test type:
In vivo
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]
Year:
1966
Species:
RabbitStrain:Not describedSex:
Not described
Number of animals per sex per dose:Three animals
Total dose:
0.5 mL of 1 wt% of hydrochloric acid x 5 applications
0.5 mL of 3.3 wt% of hydrochloric acid x 5 applications
Vehicle:0.9% of NaCl solution
Exposure time period: Five applications in 5 days
Grading scale:Not described
Method remarks:- Test animals: Three yellow/silver strain animals were used for each test andkept in single cages during the test under constant observation. The
animals received standard ALTROMIN K of the Altrogge Company inLage/Lippe and effluent as feed.
- Applications: Five applications of 0.5 mL of test solution in 5 days were
given to the depilated and intact flank skin of animals in each test.
One-third of animals were responded to 3.3% of hydrochloric acid
Results:
treatment. While, no findings were observed in the group treated with 1
wt% of hydrochloric acid.
Primary irritation index: Not described
Results remarks:
Slight to marked reddening, isolated small necrosis, and flank skin slightly
cracked and slightly bloody in 1/3 animal were observed in 3.3% ofhydrochloric acid treatment group.
This experiment for HCl was conducted as a positive control for other test
Remarks:
substances.
The concentration of test solution could be calculated as follows;
1.075 g/cm3 (density of 15 wt%) x 1000 (L) x 0.15/36.5= 4.42 mol/L
1 wt% of hydrochloric acid = 4.42 mol/L /14.5 = 0.31 mol/L
3.3 wt% of hydrochloric acid = 4.42 mol/L /4.5 = 0.98 mol/L
Conclusions:Application of 3.3 wt% hydrochloric acid solution caused moderate skinirritation to the rabbit skin, while no skin damage by the 1 wt%
hydrochloric acid solution.
(2) Reliable with restrictions
Data Quality:
Quality Check:Comparable to guideline study with acceptable restrictions
Reference:
Hoechst AG, (1966) Report 150/66
General Remarks:
None

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5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002(b)
Test substance:
Hydrochloric acid, CAS No. 7647-01-0
Test Substance Remarks: 37% of hydrochloric acidpH:
Not described. The calculated value of pH does not correspond to thedefinition of pH.
Based on the OECD TG 404 (1981)
Method:Test type:
In vivo
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Year:
Not describedSpecies
RabbitStrain:New Zealand White
Sex:
Male/female
Number of animals per sex per dose:
Six animals
Total dose:
0.5 mL of 37% HCl
Vehicle:No
Exposure time period: 1, 4 hours
Grading scale:
The criteria used to define irritation and corrosion were those given in the
EEC directive (EEC, 1983).
Method remarks:- Test animals: Animals with healthy and intact skin were used.
- Test conditions: the dorsal and lateral parts of the trunk were shorn 15-24h
before treatment. The results were assessed 1, 24, 48 and 72 hr and 7
days after removal of the patch.
- Applications: Four samples were attached dorsally (laterally) to eachanimal. The local reactions were determined after both 1 and 4 hr exposure
both under occlusive and semi-occlusive conditions. 0.5 mL/patch wereapplied to gauze pads 3 cm x 3 cm. The patches were fixed on the
prepared skin areas of the flanks and covered by wrapping an airpermeable circular bandage (semi-occlusive method) or airtight plastic foil
(occlusive method) around the animals. After removal of the bandages andpatches the treated skin areas were rinsed with water and dried.
Results:
The test substance was corrosive after both 1 hr and 4 hr application of
occlusive or semi-occlusive exposure. However, the cumulative total
and percent responders were not described in the report.
Primary irritation index: Not described
Results remarks:
Classified as the material which causes buns according to EEC(1967).
Remarks:
The concentration of test solution could be calculated as follows;
1.185g/cm3 (density of 37 wt%) x 1000 (L) x 0.37/36.5 = 12 mol/L
Conclusions:Hydrochloric acid at 37% is corrosive to skin.
Reliability:(2) Reliable with restrictions
Quality Check:
Guideline study without detailed documentation.
Reference:
Potokar, M. (1985) Studies on the Design of Animal Tests for the
Corrosiveness of Industrial Chemicals. Fd. Chem. Toxic., 23, 615-617.
(c)Species/strain:
Sex:
Results:

84

Rabbit/New Zealand
FemaleHighly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ X ]; Highly irritating [ ]; Irritating [ ];UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Highly corrosive (causes severe burns) [ ]; Corrosive (caused burns) [ ];Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Other- Test animals: Six rabbits that had been clipped hair on backs and flanks 24
hr prior to exposure.
- Applications: The 0.5 mL of hydrochloric acid solution at 15 and 17 wt%
was applied for 4 h. The material was applied to the designated patchareas and covered by a 1-in. square of surgical gauze two single layers
thick. Test areas were evaluated for visible tissue destruction.
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acid
Result: 17 wt% of hydrochloric acid was corrosive. Solution ofhydrochloric acid in water at 15 wt % was not corrosive under the test
conditions. No further details.
- Criterion: When the skin damage causing visible tissue destruction wasobserved in at least two of six rabbits, the material applied was classified
as corrosive.
(3) Not reliable
Vernot et al. (1977)

Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability :Reference:(d)Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference::

Pig /Yorkshire
Highly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive []; Highly irritating [ ];Irritating [ X ]; Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Highly corrosive (causes severe burns) [ ]; Corrosive (caused burns) [ ];Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]OtherYes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acid, Fisher Scientific.
Method:- Test animals: The groups of 4 pig were used for each concentration applied.
- Application: The application of 200 uL of 2N, 4N or 6N hydrochloric acidto a 5 cm2 area on the lower abdominal region were conducted as apilot study. Macroscopic observations were recorded for 30 minutes,
and 6 mm biopsy samples were taken for light microscopy (LM).
Results:
The 2 N hydrochloric acid had no visual effects in 3/4 pigs. One pig
showed a slight erythema after 15 minutes of application, which thendisappeared by 30 minutes. LM observation showed normal histology
except for slight intracellular edema in the stratum basale, stratum
spinosum, and stratum granulosum layers of the epidermis.
The 4 N hydrochloric acid treated skin showed mild erythema after 5-10
minutes and intracellular edema was seen by LM in 2/4 pigs.
All pigs tested with 6N hydrochloric acid showed considerable erythemawithin 5-10 minutes with a slight increase in epidermal intracellular edema.
(3) Not reliable
Srikrishna V. and Monteiro-Riviere N.A. (1991)

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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002(e)Species/strain:
Sex:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability
Reference::(f)Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability
Reference:(g)Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:86:

Mouse/CF-1 (ICR derived)
MaleHighly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ ];Irritating [ X ]; Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Highly corrosive (causes severe burns) [ ]; Corrosive (caused burns) [ ];Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]OtherHydrogen chloride gas was mixed with a saturated water droplet mist inLongley exposure chamber to obtain hydrochloric acid aerosol atmospheres
and the tested concentration was analysed by a chloride ion specific electrodeanalysis. The groups of 10 mice were exposed to hydrochloric acid aerosol
at 13.3 - 27.6 mg/L (9,058 – 18, 773 ppm) for 5 minutes and 1.8 - 6.5 mg/L
(1,204 - 4,432 ppm) for 30 minutes.
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acid as aerosol, Matheson company
Results: The exposures caused skin irritation and ulceration with fur
discoloration to greenish hue.
(3) Not reliable
Darmer et al. (1974a)

Mouse/CF-1 (ICR derived)
Highly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ ];Irritating [ X ]; Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Highly corrosive (causes severe burns) [ ]; Corrosive (caused burns) [ ];Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]OtherDesired concentrations of hydrogen chloride were prepared by hydrogenchloride and pre-dried air. The groups of 15 mice were exposed tohydrochloric acid gas at 3,200 - 30,000 ppm for 5 minutes and 410 - 5,363
ppm for 30 minutes.
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrogen chloride, Matheson company
Results: Skin irritation and ulceration with fur discoloration to greenish hue
were occurred.
(3) Not reliable
Darmer et al. (1974a)

Rat / CFE (Sprague-Dawley derived)
Highly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ ];Irritating [ X ]; Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Highly corrosive (causes severe burns) [ ]; Corrosive (caused burns) [ ];Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Other: aerosol application
Hydrogen chloride gas was mixed with a saturated water droplet mist in

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

GLP:
Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability
Reference::(h)Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability
Reference:(i)
Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks::

Longley exposure chamber to obtain hydrochloric aerosol atmospheres. The
groups of 10 rats were exposed to hydrochloric acid as aerosol at 9.7 - 91.3
mg/L (6,571 - 62,042 ppm) for 5 minutes and of 4.3 - 9.8 mg/L (2,910 6,640 ppm) for 30 minutes.
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acid as aerosol, Matheson company
Results: The exposure caused skin irritation and ulceration with fur
discoloration to greenish hue.
(3) Not reliable
Darmer et al. (1974a)

Rat / CFE (Sprague-Dawley derived)
Highly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ ];Irritating [ X ]; Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Highly corrosive (causes severe burns) [ ]; Corrosive (caused burns) [ ];Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]OtherDesired concentrations of hydrogen chloride were prepared by hydrogenchloride and pre-dried air. The groups of 10 rats were exposed tohydrochloric acid gas at 30,000 - 57,290 ppm for 5 minutes and 2,078 - 6,681
for 30 minutes.
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrogen chloride, Matheson company
Results: Skin irritation and ulceration with fur discoloration to greenish hue
were observed.
(3) Not reliable
Darmer et al. (1974a)

Pig/ Danish Landrace
Highly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ ];Irritating [ X ]; Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Highly corrosive (causes severe burns) [ ]; Corrosive (caused burns) [ ];Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Other- Test animals: Seven young and fully anaesthetized pigs were used. Fivepigs were exposed to the test material and two pigs were treated withalkaline solution (pH 9.1).
- Test conditions: Abdominal skin of the pigs was exposed to 0.5N and 1Nhydrochloric acid. Biopsies were made and examined.
- Examination: punch biopsies were obtained immediately after exposure, atday1 and day 7 from one pig, while knife biopsies of the entire exposedarea were obtained immediately after the exposure, at day 4, day 6 andday7.
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acid
Results: 0.5 N hydrochloric acid showed no dermal changes immediately

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5. TOXICITY

Reliability
Reference:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
or after day 4 - day 7 but slight alteration was seen at biopsy on day 1. 1Nhydrochloric acid presented that collagen fibers just beneath the epidermis
were tightly packed and appeared slightly shrunken with increased affinity
to eosin immediately and on day 1. No dermal changes were observed on
day 4 - day 7 as well as by the application of 0.5 N HCl.
(3) Not reliable
Karlsmark T. et al. (1988):(j)Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:Test type:
GLP:
Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:(k)Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

88:

Pig /Yorkshire
Highly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ ];Irritating [ X ]; Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Highly corrosive (causes severe burns) [ ]; Corrosive (caused burns) [ ];Irritating [ ]; Not irritating []Other
In vitro
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acid, Fisher Scientific.
Method: The steady perfusion with hydrochloric acid (4N or 6N) for 8 h
were given to the isolated perfused porcine skin flap (n=4/dose), which wasraised from a pig from the ventral abdominal region.
Results: The skin wrinkled during the course of perfusion treated with 4
and 6 N hydrochloric acid.
The light microscopy revealed a homogenous intercellular edema, withsome intracellular epidermal edema in the stratum corneum with normal
desmosomes. The stratum spinosum showed typical nucleolar
pleomorphism, seen with perfused skin. Mitochondrial swelling in thestratum spinosum and stratum basale layers were occasionally present. The
basement membrane and the dermis appeared normal. Flaps treated with 6
N hydrochloric acid reacted similar to the 4 N hydrochloric acid. However,there was a slight increase in the occurrence of intercellular epidermal
edema and vacuoles.
(3) Not reliable
Srikrishna V. and Monteiro-Riviere N.A., (1991)

Rabbit/(strain not described)
Highly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ X ]; Highly irritating [ ]; Irritating [ ];Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [Highly corrosive (causes severe burns) [ ]; Corrosive (caused burns) [ ];Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]OtherOcclusive exposure for 24 hours was given to three rabbits with 0.5 mL of
31.5% hydrochloric acid.
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acid
Loosening about edges of scab in 10-14 days showing injury in depth wasobserved.

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY
Reliability :Reference:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
(4) Not assignable
Monsanto (1976) cited in European Commission- European Chemical
Bureau (2000) cited in IUCLIDUNEP PUBLICATIONS

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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

5.2.2 EYE IRRITATION/CORROSION(a)
Test substance:
Hydrochloric acid, CAS No. 7647-01-0
pH:
Not described.
Method:OECD 405
Test type:
In vivo
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Year:
1988 (when the study completed)
Method remarks:- Application: 100 uL of 10% hydrochloric acid in water was applied into
the lower conjunctival sac.
Species:
RabbitStrain:New ZealandSex:
Not described
Number of animals per sex per dose:
Six animals
Dose used:
10% in water (100uL)
Observation period:
96 hScoring method used: Draize scoring criteria
Corrosive:
yes/noIrritation score: Cornea/Iris 0-4 / 0-2
Irritation score: Conjunctivae (redness / Chemosis)
0-3 / 0-4
Overall irritation score: Not describedClassification according to EC (EEC (1983) Annex VI, Part IID of Council
Directive 79/831/EEC (19 September 1983))
Tool used to assess score: Application of one drop of 2% sodium fluorescein was given before
visual scoring of percentage corneal damage.
Description of lesions (if seen): Not described
Results remarks:

90

Table Results of the application to eyes by 10% HCl in water
Time after end of application (h)

4

24

48

72

96

Mean score of Conjunctivitis(3 maximum)

1.9

2.8

3.0

3.0

2.9

Mean score of Chemosis(4 maximum)

1.0

1.7

2.3

2.3

2.0

Mean score of Iritis (2 maximum)

1.0

1.3

1.7

1.7

1.7

Mean score of Corneal Opacity:(4 maximum)

1.3

2.0

2.7

3.3

3.0

Mean surface of Corneal Damage(100% maximum)

15

59

49

42

28

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY
Conclusions:

Data Quality:
Quality Check:
Reference:
General Remarks:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
In this report, hydrochloric acid was classified as ‘Risk of serious damage toeyes’ according to the EC Criteria (mean over 24/48/72 Hrs of iritis>1.5).
Hydrochloric acid may cause severe irritation with corneal injury that may
result in permanent impairment of vision.
(2) Reliable with restrictions
Guideline study without detailed documentation.
Jacobs, G. A., OECD Eye Irritation Tests on Two Strong Acids, J. Am. Coll.
Toxicol., 11, 6 (1992)
The calculated value of pH does not correspond to the definition of pH due
to high-concentration solution.

(b)
Test substance:
Hydrochloric acid, CAS No. 7647-01-0
pH:
pH 0 at 5.0 % (w/v) (1.39 mol/L), pH 1.28 at 0.3 % (w/v) (0.08 mol/L)
Test substance remarks: Reagent grade from Fisher Scientific Company, Fair Lawn, NJ
The pH of all solutions was measured with Corning Model 110 pH meter byusing the Beckman 4049 standard calomel reference glass electrode withceramic pin.
Method:Other, modified Draize test
Test type:
In vivo
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Year:
1973 and 1974 (when the study conducted)
Method remarks:
Modified Draize testing: The rights eye was used for testing. The lids of theeye were held apart and 0.1 mL of hydrochloric acid solution was instilled
onto the central portion of the cornea at 5.0 % (w/v) of pH 0 to 2 groups of
9 animals and 0.3 % (w/v) of pH 1.28 to 2 groups of 6 animals. The lids
were then gently brought together for approximately 1 sec. and released.
The eyes of each concentration of one group were washed with tap water 30
seconds after treatment. The left eye served as an untreated control.
- Examination: Each test and control eye was examined prior to instillationof the test material and graded at 1h and Days 1, 2, 3 and 7 after instillation.
Exposed eyes of the washed group were stained with 1 drop of a 2%
fluorescein solution 1h after the initial instillation; exposed eyes of bothgroups were stained at 24h and at 3 days. The stain was allowed to remainin the eye for 15-20s and then was flushed out with approximately 5-10 mLof sterile isotonic saline.
The eyes were examined grossly and the grades of damage and irritation to
the cornea, iris and conjunctiva were recorded at all observation times.
Species:
RabbitStrain:New Zealand WhiteSex:
Not described (Unselected as to sex)
Number of animals per sex per dose: 9 animals at 5.0 % (w/v) for unwashed or washed6 animals at 0.3% (w/v) for unwashed or washed
Dose used:
0.1 mL of 0.3% (w/v) and 5.0 % (w/v)
Observation period:
7 daysScoring method used: Draize method
Corrosive:
yes/noUNEP PUBLICATIONS

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5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Irritation score; Cornea/ Iris: 0-4 / 0-2
A cornea opacity of grade 1 or more, iritis of grade 1 or more are considered
as positive.
Irritation score; Conjunctivae: (redness / Chemosis)
0-3 / 0-4
Conjunctival redness and chemosis each of grade 2 or more are considered
as positive.
Overall irritation score: The following categories used.
Severe:Corneal opacity, iritis and conjunctivitis-positive at 24 h, one ormore of the treated eyes still exhibit opacity, iritis, and conjunctivitis at 7thday.
Moderate: Corneal opacity and/or iritis and conjunctivitis- positive at 24 72 h, conjunctivitis and iritis remaining at 7th day.
Irritant:
Iritis and/or conjunctivitis- positive at 24 h, eyes normal at 3rdday.
Non-irritant: No positive responses in any of the test animals at 24h.
Tool used to assess score:
2% fluorescein solution
Description of lesions (if seen): The area of corneal damage, pannus and keratoconus were notincluded in the scoring system but were recorded separately. Each portionof the eye was considered independently without reference to the total
score.
Results
Table. Number of animals with corneal opacities.
pH

Unwashed a)

Washed a)

0.3% (w/v)

1.28

0/6

0/6

5.0 % (w/v)

0.0

4/9

5/9

a) No. of positive response / No. animals used

Table. Corneal opacities and iritis scores (mean Draize intensity scores ± S.E.)
produced in eyes treated with 5.0 % (w/v) of HCl
Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Corneal Unwashedopacities
Washed0.3 ± 0.2

0.3 ± 0.3

0.8 ± 0.5

0.2 ± 0.2

0.2 ± 0.2

0.2 ± 0.2

0.7 ± 0.3

0.7 ± 0.5

IritisUnwashed

0.0 ± 0.0

0.5 ± 0.3

0.6 ± 0.3

0.0 ± 0.0

Washed

1.3 ± 0.4

0.7 ± 0.4

1.0 ± 0.5

0.5 ± 0.3

Results remarks:

Conjunctivitis was present in all animals tested and lasted through day 7.
One-half the animals treated with 5 % (w/v) hydrochloric acid were
fluorescein-positive at 24h in both unwashed and washed groups. In
unwashed group, 5% hydrochloric acid generated corneal opacities in lessthan 24h.

Conclusion:

Mild to moderate eye irritation occurred by 5% (w/v) hydrochloric acidinstillation, while mild irritation by 0.3% solution.
(2) Reliable with restrictions
Comparable to the guideline study with acceptable restrictions

Data Quality:
Quality Check:

92

1h

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY
Reference:
General Remarks:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
Murphy, J. C., Osterberg, R.E., Seabaugh, V.M. and Bierbower, G.W.,
Toxicology, 23, 281-291 (1982)
The authors did not give any categorized result to the tested solutions(c)
Test substance:
Hydrochloric acid, CAS No. 7647-01-0
Test Substance Remarks: The test solution of 0.33 wt% and 3.3 wt% were prepared by dilution
1:45 and 1:4.5 of 15 wt % of hydrochloric acid (normal laboratory quality)pH:
Not described. The calculated value of pH does not correspond to thedefinition of pH due to high-concentration solution.
Method:Other: according to internal guidelines of Hoechst AG
Test type:
In vivo
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]
Year:
1966
Method remarks:- Test animals: Three yellow/silver strain animals were used for each test
and kept in single cages during the test under constant observation. The
animals received standard ALTROMIN K of the Altrogge Company inLage/Lippe and effluent as feed. The animals were controlled for any
irritation phenomena occurring 1, 3, 7, 24 and 48 hours after application.
- Application: A single application of 0.1 mL of test solution was given into
the conjunctival sac of the rabbit eye.
Species/strain:
RabbitStrain:Not describedSex:
Not described
Number of animals per sex per dose:Three animals
Dose used:
0.1 mL of 0.33 and 3.3 wt% of hydrochloric acid
Observation period:
48 hScoring method used: Not conducted
Corrosive:
Not described
Irritation score: Cornea/Iris:
Not conducted
Irritation score: Conjunctivae:
Not conductedOverall irritation score: Not conducted
Tool used to assess score: No
Description of lesions (if seen): See Results Remarks
No findings were observed in the eyes treated with 0.33 wt% ofResults Remarks:hydrochloric acid solution. In 3.3 wt% treatment group, very slight to slight
reddening, and a slight glassy to more marked, somewhat opaque swellingof the conjunctiva, and a slight corneal opacity were observed.
Conclusions:
No eye irritation was caused by the application of 0.33 wt% hydrochloric
acid solution as reported. Mild irritation occurred at 3.3 wt% hydrochloric
acid solution.
This experiment for HCl was conducted as a positive control for other test
Remarks:
substances.
The concentration of test solution could be calculated as follows;
1.075 g/cm3 (density of 15 wt%) x 1000 (L) x 0.15/36.5= 4.42 mol/L
0.33 wt% of hydrochloric acid = 4.42 mol/L /45 = 0.1 mol/L

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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
3.3 wt% of hydrochloric acid = 4.42 mol/L /4.5 = 0.98 mol/L(2) Reliable with restrictions
Comparable to the guideline study with acceptable restrictions
Hoechst AG, (1966) Report 150/66

Data Quality:
Quality Check:
Reference:(d)Species/strain:
Sex:
Dose used:
Observation period:
Scoring method used:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:
Results:

Rabbit/New Zealand Albino
Male/Female
0.003, 0.01, 0.03 and 0.10 mL of 5% of hydrochloric acid
21 daysDraize score
Highly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ X ]; Irritating [ ];Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]; Risk of serious damage to eyes [ ]Other, modified Draize Test
Three young adult rabbit were used for the treatment. The test material
placed directly on the cornea. Only one eye of each animal was used in atest; the other eye being untreated served as a control. Eyes were examinedand scored according to the scale of Draize 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after
dosing.
Maximum score was not specified in the report.
Yes [ ] No [X ] ? [ ]Table Average maximum Draize score
Dose (mL)

0.003

0.01

0.03

0.10

Average maximum Draize score

1±1

0±0

90 ± 0-aAnimal 1

1

1

>21

Animal 2

1

1

>21

Animal 3

2

1

>21

Number of days toreturn to normal-aa: Animals sacrificed on Day2 or Day3 due to extent of injuries
which prevented scoring

Results remarks:
Conclusions:Remarks:
Reliability
Reference:(e)Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:94:

The application of 0.01 mL of 5% hydrochloric acid caused only slightirritation that cleared within a few days.
0.03 and 0.10 mL of 5% hydrochloric acid causes severe irritation or
corrosion.
In this experiment, the irritation of several substances was examined.
(3) Not reliable
Griffith et al. (1980)

RabbitHighly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ X ]; Highly irritating [ ]; Irritating [ ];Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]; Risk of serious damage to eyes [ ]Other

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

GLP:
Test substance:
Results:

Reliability
Reference::(f)Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability
Reference::(g)Species/strain:
Results:

Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability:

Twenty-eight adult animals were used for experiment. The applications of
10 uL of 0.000001 - 1 N hydrochloric acid were given to the upper limbus
corneae. Five or thirty minutes after application, the animals were killed andthe corneas fixed were examined with Stereoscan.
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Hydrochloric acid
Concentration of 0.001-1 N HCl result in cell desquamation withdestruction of all microstructure on the cell surface and even cause thedissolution of the cytoplasm.
Reaction with hydrochloric acid for 5 minutes:
0.1 - 1N (3,646 - 36,460 mg/L) :severe damage with the change to the lower lying cell.
0.001- 0.01N (36.46 - 364.6 mg/L):
desquamation of the surface epithelial cells.
0.0001 N:
did not produce signs of desquamation, massive cell damage
The morphological alterations in the corneal epithelium 30 min after
application of hydrochloric acid were not essentially different from thoseafter a reaction of 5 min.
(3) Not reliable
Brewitt & Honegger (1979)

RabbitHighly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ X ]; Highly irritating [ ]; Irritating [ ];Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]; Risk of serious damage to eyes [ ]OtherYes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acidContact with 0.5 mL of an approx. 1% (38 mg/L) solution for 5 minutes
caused corneal scarring.
(3) Not reliable
Harley R.D. (1952)

Rabbit, guinea pig
Highly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ ];Irritating [ X ]; Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating []Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]; Risk of serious damage to eyes [ ]OtherYes [ ] No [X ] ? [ ]Hydrogen chloride, generated by mixing commercial C.P. hydrochloric acidwith 10-15 times its volume of concentrated sulfuric acid.
The exposure to hydrogen chloride in concentrations ranging from 0.0520.5 mg/L for periods ranging form 5-7200 minutes caused irritation toeyes of animals.
(3) Not reliable

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95

OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Reference:

Machle, W. et al. (1942)(h)Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability:
Reference:(i)
Species/strain:
Results:

Mouse/CF-1 (ICR derived)
Highly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ ]; Irritating [ X ];Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]; Risk of serious damage to eyes [ ]OtherDesired concentrations of hydrogen chloride were prepared by hydrogenchloride and pre-dried air. The groups of 15 mice were exposed tohydrochloric acid gas at 3,200 - 30,000 ppm for 5 minutes and 410 - 5,363
ppm for 30 minutes.
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acid gas

Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability
Reference:(j)Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:96

Mouse/CF-1 (ICR derived)
Highly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ ]; Irritating [ X ];Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]; Risk of serious damage to eyes [ ]OtherHydrogen chloride gas was mixed with a saturated water droplet mist inLongley exposure chamber to obtain hydrochloric acid aerosol atmospheres
and the tested concentration was analysed by a chloride ion specific electrodeanalysis. The groups of 10 mice were exposed to hydrochloric acid aerosol at
13.3 - 27.6 mg/L (9,058 – 18, 773 ppm) for 5 minutes and 1.8 - 6.5 mg/L
(1,204 - 4,432 ppm) for 30 minutes.
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acid as aerosol
Results: There was evidence of corneal erosion and clouding in animals.
(3) Not reliable
Darmer et al. (1974a):

Results: There was evidence of corneal erosion and clouding in animals.
(3) Not reliable
Darmer et al. (1974a)

Rat/ CFE (Sprague-Dawley derived)
Highly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ ]; Irritating [ X ];Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]; Risk of serious damage to eyes [ ]OtherHydrogen chloride gas was mixed with a saturated water droplet mist inLongley exposure chamber to obtain hydrochloric aerosol atmospheres. The
groups of 10 rats were exposed to hydrochloric acid as aerosol at 9.7 - 91.3
mg/L (6,571 - 62,042 ppm) for 5 minutes and of 4.3 - 9.8 mg/L (2,910 6,640 ppm) for 30 minutes.

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

GLP:
Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability:
Reference:(k)Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability:
Reference:(l)Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:
Year:
Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference::(m)
Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability:

Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acid as aerosol
Results: There was evidence of corneal erosion and clouding in animals.
(3) Not reliable
Darmer et al. (1974a)

Rat/ CFE (Sprague-Dawley derived)
Highly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ ]; Irritating [ X ];Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]; Risk of serious damage to eyes [ ]OtherDesired concentrations of hydrogen chloride were prepared by hydrogenchloride and pre-dried air. The groups of 10 rats were exposed tohydrochloric acid gas at 30,000 - 57,290 ppm for 5 minutes and 2,078 - 6,681
for 30 minutes.
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acid gas
Results: There was evidence of corneal erosion and clouding in animals.
(3) Not reliable
Darmer et al. (1974a)

RabbitHighly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ X ]; Highly irritating [ ]; Irritating [ ];Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]; Risk of serious damage to eyes [ ]otherYes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]1976
Hydrochloric acid, 31.5% in water (20 degree Baume)
Method: Three animals were used and 0.1 mL of undiluted 31.5% ofhydrochloric acid was instilled.
Result: 31.5% of hydrochloric acid was corrosive in 15 sec.
(4) Not assignable
Monsanto (1976) cited in European Commission- European Chemical
Bureau (2000)

RabbitHighly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ ]; Irritating [ X ];Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]; Risk of serious damage to eyes [ ]no dataYes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Hydrochloric acid
Eye damage occurred following contact with solutions of pH < 3 [> 0.004%].
(4) Not Assignable

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5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Reference:

BIBRA (1990)(n)Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Reliability:
Reference:

5.3

SKIN SENSITISATION
(a)
Type:
Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

:

(b)
Type:
Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability

98

RabbitHighly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ ]; Irritating [ ];Moderate irritating [ X ]; Slightly irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]Irritating [ X ]; Not irritating [ ]; Risk of serious damage to eyes [ ]no dataYes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]No data
5 mg/30 secondi su coniglio danno irritazione moderata(4) Not assignable
European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000):

Mouse ear swelling test
Mouse
Sensitising [ ]; Not sensitising [X]; ambiguous [ ]Sensitising [ ]; Not sensitising [ ]otherYes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]
1% hydrochloric acid in 70% ethanol.
Four consecutive daily-uncovered applications of 1% HCl solution in 70%
ethanol to the abdominal skin were followed 7 days later by a challenge with
a 5% uncovered application to the ear. No evidence of sensitisation was seen.
No. of animals with skin reaction at challenge:
Treated: Not statedControl group: Not stated(3) Not reliable
Gad et al., (1986)

Guinea pig maximization test
guinea pig
Sensitising [ ]; Not sensitising [X]; ambiguous [ ]Sensitising [ ]; Not sensitising [ ]otherYes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]
1% hydrochloric acid in ethanol.
Sensitisation was not induced in 15 guinea pigs that were given two
intradermal injections and a covered application (48-hr) of 1% HCl (inethanol of undefined concentration) and challenged 2 weeks later by a similar
24-hr covered.
No. of animals with skin reaction at challenge:
Treated: 0/15
Control group: 0/6(3) Not reliable

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY
Reference:

5.4

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
Gad et al.(1986)

REPEATED DOSE TOXICITY(1)
Test Substance
Identity (purity):

Hydrogen chloride (>99.99%), CAS No. 7647-01-0

Remarks:
Source:Matheson Gas Company (Code Number 9/82-426)

MethodMethod/guideline followed:
Test type:90-day repeated inhalation study
GLP:
Yes [ X ] No [ ]Year: 1983
Species:
Mouse
Strain:B6C3F1/Crl Br
Route of administration: inhalation (aerosol)
Duration of test:
91 days
Doses/concentration levels: 10, 20, 50 ppm (nominal)
Sex:male and female
Exposure period:
90 daysFrequency of treatment: 6 hours/day, 5 days/week
Control group and treatment: yes, concurrent vehicle: air
Post exposure observation period: one day
Statistical methods:
Parametric data:
ANOVA and Turkey’s (equal populations) or Scheffe’s (unequal
populations) Test of multiple comparison
non-Parametric data: Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and test of multiple comparison
Discontinuous data: CHI-square or Fischer’s Exact Probability test
Remarks:

This experiment was performed in compliance with FDA-GLP (21CFR58).

Test Subjects
Age at study initiation: 6 - 7 weeks of age
No. of animals per sex per dose: 10 males and 10 females per dose
Study Design
Vehicle: air
Satellite groups and reasons they were added:
Ten males and 10 females of each dose group were sacrificed on thefollowing day of the fourth exposure and microscopically examined for thedamage of respiratory tract.
Five males of each dose were sacrificed on the following day of the forth(five males) and the 90th (five males) exposure and the fixed cranial
specimen were shipped to the sponsor.

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5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Clinical observations performed and frequency:
Each animal was observed at least twice daily for incidence of mortality andclinical signs.
Body weight and food consumption were individually measured once a
week.
Urine samples collected from 10 male and 10 female animals were analyzed
and the following parameters were determined [volume, appearance, occult
blood, specific gravity, protein, pH, ketone, glucose].
Blood samples collected from orbital sinus were measured for the following
parameters for hematology [erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit,total and differential leukocyte counts, platelet and thrombocyte counts,
mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean
corpuscular hemoglobin concentration].
Serum samples collected from abdominal aorta were measured for thefollowing parameters for blood chemistry [glutamic pyruvic transaminase,urea nitrogen, total bilirubin, glucose, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, andalkaline phosphatase].
Organs examined at necropsy:
Each animal was pathologically examined at necropsy and following organs
were weighed [brain, heart, kidney, liver, and ovary/testis].
And the following tissues of the control and the highest dose group and[nasal turbinates, trachea, lung] of the low and the mid dose group were
examined microscopically [nasal turbinates, trachea, lung, brain, heart,kidney, liver, testis, adrenal, duodenum, eyes and optic nerve, mesentericlymph nodes, aorta, sternum bone, ear canal, bone marrow, colon,
epididymis, jejunum, mandibular lymph nodes, oviducts, ovaries, prostate,skin, pituitary glands, spinal cord, sciatic nerve, peripheral nerve, salivary
gland, spleen, thyroid glands, urinary bladder, uterus, thymus, fore andglandular stomach, pancreas, parathyroid, skeletal muscle, seminal vesicle,
tongue, femur bone, cecum, esophagus, ileum, lacrimal gland, mammary
glands, larynx].
Results
NOAEL (NOEL): 20 ppm
LOAEL (LOEL): 50 ppm
Actual dose received by dose level by sex (if known):
Time weighted average of analytical concentration for low, middle and highdose group were 9.8, 19.1 and 46.7 ppm, respectively. Each test chamber
was sampled approximately once per hour.
Toxic response/effects by dose level:
One male of the highest dose group and one male of the low dose group
found dead on the 12th and 20th day of the study, respectively. One female
sacrificed on the 92nd day in extremis in the highest dose group.
On the 90th days, significant decrease in body weight was observed in 50
ppm, and decrease in food consumption was observed in 50ppm. Cheilitis
with accumulating of hemosiderin-laden macrophages at 50 ppm and

100

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
eosinophilic globules in epithelium of nasal turbinates in treated mice wereobserved. Decrease in liver weight was noted in 50ppm male mice. No
biologically significant difference was observed in urinalysis, hematology
and serum chemistry.

Remarks:
Body weight:
Summary of Body weight data (B6C3F1 mouse)
week

Mean Body weight (g)malefemale

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

ini.

21.9

21.9

21.7

21.9

18.5

18.5

18.9

18.7

1

23.3

23.5

23.1

22.1

19.7

19.8

19.8

18.7

2

23.5

23.5

23.0

20.7**

19.4

19.4

19.6

17.2**

3

25.8

26.3

25.5

24.1*

22.2

22.6

21.8

20.6

4

26.7

26.9

26.5

24.4**

22.9

23.4

22.7

21.0*

5

27.7

28.1

27.0

24.7**

23.8

23.8

23.2

21.2**

6

28.5

28.4

27.5

25.5**

24.7

24.1

23.5

21.8**

7

28.7

28.4

27.8

26.0**

25.0

25.2

24.1

22.3**

8

28.2

28.4

28.2

27.0

25.0

24.9

24.6

23.1*

9

29.0

29.1

28.6

27.5*

25.5

25.8

25.2

23.3*

10

29.6

29.9

29.0

26.8**

25.9

26.3

26.1

22.6**

11

30.3

30.1

29.1

27.6**

26.2

26.5

26.0

24.5

12

30.3

29.9

29.5

27.8**

27.0

26.7

26.3

24.0**

31.2

31.2

30.3

28.5**

26.9

26.4

26.5

25.0

fin.

26.4

26.7

25.7

23.5**

23.4

22.0

22.1

20.5**

gain

9.3

9.3

8.6

6.5**

8.4

7.8

7.6

6.5*

13
a)

*: Statistically significant difference from the control at the 95% level of confidence (p<0.05).
**: Statistically significant difference from the control at the 99% level of confidence (p<0.01).
a): Fasted animal.

Food consumption:

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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
Summary of food consumption data (B6C3F1)
week

Mean food consumption (g)malefemale

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

1

38.9

40.0

41.6

36.4

38.5

44.3

40.2

34.3

2

50.1

49.1

49.1

41.6*

49.5

56.6

45.6

37.8

3

29.4

29.3

32.8

24.5

35.5

37.5

32.8

23.8*

4

45.6

49.8

50.3

42.8

57.7

56.8

49.6

38.6**

5

45.6

51.6

55.7*

43.1

55.2

57.8

50.0

43.0

6

53.4

54.9

54.8

42.3**

57.2

53.0

55.8

42.9*

7

50.1

48.4

46.1

38.3**

50.4

54.1

48.4

36.4**

8

51.9

51.6

50.3

38.9**

53.9

55.5

55.5

38.2**

9

46.6

51.0

52.0

36.9**

54.8

53.2

50.3

35.6**

10

49.3

54.4

51.6

39.1**

56.0

53.0

53.5

39.3**

11

47.4

53.2

50.6

36.6*

55.0

55.2

50.0

34.4**

12

52.3

52.2

49.9

36.6**

53.7

57.1

48.4

35.1**

13

48.8

50.8

53.4

41.2

51.0

58.1

51.6

38.4*

*: Statistically significant difference from the control at the 95% level of confidence (p<0.05).
**: Statistically significant difference from the control at the 99% level of confidence (p<0.01).

Organ weight changes:
Summary of Organ weight data(B6C3F1 mouse)
Organ

Mean Organ weight (g)malefemale

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

Brain

0.48

0.50

0.48

0.46

0.50

0.50

0.49

0.48

Heart

0.18

0.20

0.17

0.17

0.14

0.14

0.14

0.14

Kidney

0.53

0.53

0.50

0.48

0.36

0.34

0.34

0.35

Liver

1.35

1.30

1.21

1.15*

1.13

1.02

1.01

1.00

Testis

0.24

0.24

0.23

0.21

-

-

-

-

Ovary

-

-

-

-

0.02

0.02

0.02

0.02

*: Statistically significant difference from the control at the 95% level of confidence (p<0.05).

Histopathology incidence and severity :102

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Summary of Histopathology data(B6C3F1 mouse)
Incidence
Organ

male

female

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

Eosinophilic
Globules of
Nasal Turbinate

0/10

4/10

0/10

3/10

0/10

4/10

6/10

7/10

Ulcerative
cheilitis of Lip

-

-

-

4/7

-

-

-

1/10

Pigmented
macrophages of
Lip

-

-

-

7/7

-

-

-

1/10

Conclusions
As histopathologically inflammatory changes were observed in the lowest
dose, NOAEL could not be determined. LOAEL is determined to be 10
ppm. NOAEL except for the effects of irritation have been determined to be
10ppm for B6C3F1 mice.
Remarks:
Data Quality
Reliability:
Flag:
Quality Check:
References :No exposure related change were observed in the reproductive organs
examined histo-pathologically.
(2) Reliable with restrictions
Critical study for SIDS
Comparable to the guideline study with acceptable restrictions
CIIT (1984), Ninety-day Inhalation Toxicity Study of Hydrogen chloride
gas In B6C3F1 mice, Sprague-Dawley and Fischer-344 rats., ToxiGenics,
420-1087.

Other
Last changed:
Order number for sorting:Remarks(2)
Test Substance
Identity (purity): Hydrogen chloride (>99.99%), CAS No. 7647-01-0
Remarks: (Use for any pertinent, test substance-specific remarks.)
Source: Matheson Gas Company (Code Number 9/82-426)
MethodMethod/guideline followed:
Test type:90-day repeated inhalation study
GLP:
Yes [ X ] No [ ]Year (study performed): 1983
Species:
Rat
Strain:
Crl:CD(SD)Br

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103

OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Route of administration: inhalation (aerosol)
Duration of test:
91 days
Doses/concentration levels: 10, 20, 50 ppm (nominal)
Sex:male and female
Exposure period:
90 daysFrequency of treatment: 6 hours/day, 5 days/week
Control group and treatment: yes, concurrent vehicle: air
Post exposure observation period: one day
Statistical methods:
Parametric data:
ANOVA and Turkey’s (equal populations) or Scheffe’s (unequal
populations) Test of multiple comparison
non-Parametric data: Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and test of multiple comparison
Discontinuous data: CHI-square or Fischer’s Exact Probability test
Remarks:
This experiment was performed in compliance with FDA-GLP (21CFR58).
Test Subjects
Age at study initiation: 6 - 7 weeks of age
No. of animals per sex per dose: 10 males and 10 females per dose
Study Design
Vehicle: air
Satellite groups and reasons they were added:
Ten males and 10 females of each dose group were sacrificed on thefollowing day of the fourth exposure and microscopically examined for thedamage of respiratory tract.
Five males of each dose were sacrificed on the following day of the forth(five males) and the 90th (five males) exposure and the fixed cranial
specimen were shipped to the sponsor.
Clinical observations performed and:Each animal was observed at least twice daily for incidence of mortality andclinical signs.
Body weight and food consumption were individually measured once a
week.
Urine samples collected from 10 male and 10 female animals were analyzed
and the following parameters were determined [volume, appearance, occult
blood, specific gravity, protein, pH, ketone, glucose].
Blood samples collected from orbital sinus were measured for the following
parameters for hematology [erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit,total and differential leukocyte counts, platelet and thrombocyte counts,
mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean
corpuscular hemoglobin concentration].
Serum samples collected from abdominal aorta were measured for thefollowing parameters for blood chemistry [glutamic pyruvic transaminase,urea nitrogen, total bilirubin, glucose, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, andalkaline phosphatase].

104

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5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Organs examined at necropsy:
Each animal was pathologically examined at necropsy and following organs
were weighed [brain, heart, kidney, liver, and ovary/testis].
And the following tissues of the control and the highest dose group and[nasal turbinates, trachea, lung] of the low and the mid dose group were
examined microscopically [nasal turbinates, trachea, lung, brain, heart,kidney, liver, testis, adrenal, duodenum, eyes and optic nerve, mesentericlymph nodes, aorta, sternum bone, ear canal, bone marrow, colon,
epididymis, jejunum, mandibular lymph nodes, oviducts, ovaries, prostate,skin, pituitary glands, spinal cord, sciatic nerve, peripheral nerve, salivary
gland, spleen, thyroid glands, urinary bladder, uterus, thymus, fore andglandular stomach, pancreas, parathyroid, skeletal muscle, seminal vesicle,
tongue, femur bone, cecum, esophagus, ileum, lacrimal gland, mammary
glands, larynx].
Results
NOAEL (NOEL): 20 ppm
LOAEL (LOEL): 50 ppm
Actual dose received by dose level by sex (if known):
Time weighted average of analytical concentration for low, middle and highdose group were 9.8, 19.0 and 46.7 ppm (SD rat), respectively. Each test
chamber was sampled approximately once per hour.
Toxic response/effects by dose level:
One female of the highest dose group found dead on the 4th day of thetreatment. Slight and transient decrease in food consumption was observed in
10 ppm female, which was not considered to be dose related, and 50ppm
male. Minimal to mild rhinitis was observed in the anterior portion of thenasal cavity at the histopathological observation above 20 ppm. No
biologically significant difference was observed in urinalysis, hematology
and serum chemistry.
Statistical results
Remarks:
Food/water consumption:

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ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
Summary of food consumption data (SD rat)week

Mean food consumption (g)malefemale

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

1

119

132

128

119

98

89

100

93

2

160

158

159

144*

115

102

114

112

3

167

165

165

152

118

93**

119

119

4

126

123

125

110

88

84

82

90

5

170

194

176

162

121

115

127

124

6

181

176

179

172

133

127

136

144

7

175

173

181

167

124

107

128

128

8

168

172

177

159

118

108

123

123

9

172

167

178

161

115

109

124

122

10

171

162

178

163

117

109

120

125

11

173

165

176

159

116

102

116

116

12

169

157

171

173

109

106

115

116

13

169

164

166

153

109

99

118

112

*: Statistically significant difference from the control at the 95% level of confidence (p<0.05).
**: Statistically significant difference from the control at the 99% level of confidence (p<0.01).

Histopathology incidence and severity :Summary of Histopathology data((SD rat)
Incidence
Organ
Rhinitis in thenasal cavity

male

female

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

0/10

0/10

3/10

5/10

0/10

0/10

1/10

4/10

Conclusions
As histopathologically inflammatory changes were observed above 20 ppm,
NOAEL was determined to be 10 ppm.
Remarks:

Data Quality
Reliability:
Flag:
Quality Check:
References

No exposure related change were observed in the reproductive organs
examined histo-pathologically.

(2) Reliable with restrictions
Critical study for SIDS
Comparable to the guideline study with acceptable restrictions
CIIT (1984), Ninety-day Inhalation Toxicity Study of Hydrogen chloride
gas In B6C3F1 mice, Sprague-Dawley and Fischer-344 rats., ToxiGenics,
420-1087.

Other

106

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5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Last changed:
Order number for sorting:Remarks(3)
Test Substance
Identity (purity):

Hydrogen chloride (>99.99%), CAS No. 7647-01-0

Remarks:
Source:Matheson Gas Company (Code Number 9/82-426)

MethodMethod/guideline followed:
Test type:90-day repeated inhalation study
GLP:
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
Year:
1983
Species:
Rat
Strain:F-344/Crl Br
Route of administration:
inhalation (aerosol)
Duration of test:
91 days
Doses/concentration levels:
10, 20, 50 ppm (nominal)
Sex:male and female
Exposure period:
90 daysFrequency of treatment:
6 hours/day, 5 days/week
Control group and treatment: yes, concurrent vehicle: air
Post exposure observation period: one day
Statistical methods:
Parametric data:
ANOVA and Turkey’s (equal populations) or Scheffe’s (unequal
populations) Test of multiple comparison
non-Parametric data: Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and test of multiple comparison
Discontinuous data: CHI-square or Fischer’s Exact Probability test
Remarks:

This experiment was performed in compliance with FDA-GLP (21CFR58).

Test Subjects
Age at study initiation: 6 - 7 weeks of age
No. of animals per sex per dose: 10 males and 10 females per dose
Study Design
Vehicle: air
Satellite groups and reasons they were added:
Ten males and 10 females of each dose group were sacrificed on thefollowing day of the fourth exposure and microscopically examined for thedamage of respiratory tract.
Five males of each dose were sacrificed on the following day of the forth(five males) and the 90th (five males) exposure and the fixed cranial
specimen were shipped to the sponsor.

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ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Clinical observations performed and frequency:
Each animal was observed at least twice daily for incidence of mortality andclinical signs.
Body weight and food consumption were individually measured once a
week.
Urine samples collected from 10 male and 10 female animals were analyzed
and the following parameters were determined [volume, appearance, occult
blood, specific gravity, protein, pH, ketone, glucose].
Blood samples collected from orbital sinus were measured for the following
parameters for hematology [erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit,total and differential leukocyte counts, platelet and thrombocyte counts,
mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean
corpuscular hemoglobin concentration].
Serum samples collected from abdominal aorta were measured for thefollowing parameters for blood chemistry [glutamic pyruvic transaminase,urea nitrogen, total bilirubin, glucose, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, andalkaline phosphatase].
Organs examined at necropsy:
Each animal was pathologically examined at necropsy and following organs
were weighed [brain, heart, kidney, liver, and ovary/testis].
And the following tissues of the control and the highest dose group and[nasal turbinates, trachea, lung] of the low and the mid dose group were
examined microscopically [nasal turbinates, trachea, lung, brain , heart,kidney, liver, testis, adrenal, duodenum, eyes and optic nerve, mesentericlymph nodes, aorta, sternum bone, ear canal, bone marrow, colon,
epididymis, jejunum, mandibular lymph nodes, oviducts, ovaries, prostate,skin, pituitary glands, spinal cord, sciatic nerve, peripheral nerve, salivary
gland, spleen, thyroid glands, urinary bladder, uterus, thymus, fore andglandular stomach, pancreas, parathyroid, skeletal muscle, seminal vesicle,
tongue, femur bone, cecum, esophagus, ileum, lacrimal gland, mammary
glands, larynx].
Results
NOAEL (NOEL): 20 ppm
LOAEL (LOEL): 50 ppm
Actual dose received by dose level by sex (if known):
Time weighted average of analytical concentration for low, middle and high dosegroup were 9.8, 19.1 and 46.8 ppm, respectively. Each test chamber was sampled
approximately once per hour.
Toxic response/effects by dose level:
NO death observed during the test period.
Significant decrease in body weight was observed in 50 ppm male on the90th days, and decrease in food consumption was observed in 20 and
50ppm. No biologically significant difference was observed in urinalysis,haematology and serum chemistry. Minimal to mild rhinitis were observed in
the anterior portion of the nasal cavity at the histopathological observation in
all treatment groups.

108

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ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Remarks:
Body weight:
Summary of Body weight data (F344 rat)week

Mean Body weight (g)malefemale

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

ini.

111

111

111

112

95

95

96

96

1

140

137

139

134

113

112

113

110

2

168

165

166

158*

125

122

124

119

3

192

189

191

181*

133

132

133

129

4

212

208

208

201

142

142

139

139

5

225

219

220

213*

147

148

145

142

6

240

233

233

224**

153

154

150

148

7

252

244

246

234**

158

159

155

152

8

254

254

253

244

161

165

160

156

9

264

263

264

256

165

168

164

162

10

273

271

271

264

168

172

166

165

11

279

277

278

270

171

174

169

165

12

287

266**

285

275

175

178

174

169

13

291

287

287

280

176

179

174

169

a)

fin.

279

275

273

264

166

167

162

159

gain

179

176

176

168

81

84

78

73*

*: Statistically significant difference from the control at the 95% level of confidence (p<0.05).
**: Statistically significant difference from the control at the 99% level of confidence (p<0.01).

a): Fasted animal.
Food/water consumption:

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ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
Summary of food consumption data (F344 rat)week

Mean food consumption (g)malefemale

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

1

91

87

84*

76**

72

68

66**

58**

2

108

105

106

100*

78

77

80

76

3

78

78

73

67**

56

59

56

54

4

114

113

112

112

79

80

75

82

5

119

117

114

114

83

84

84

85

6

110

110

111

109

76

80

77

82

7

113

108

111

109

79

78

73

80

8

112

109

108

104

80

79

77

79

9

105

109

109

114**

91

81

81

82

10

105

107

107

108

75

78

75

81

11

102

108

105

107

71

75

72

75

12

102

109

106

104

73

79

75

76

13

99

107

103

104

73

75

73

78

*: Statistically significant difference from the control at the 95% level of confidence (p<0.05).
**: Statistically significant difference from the control at the 99% level of confidence (p<0.01).

Histopathology incidence and severity :Summary of Histopathology data((F344 rat)
Organ

Incidence
male

Rhinitis in thenasal cavity

female

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

cont.

10ppm

20ppm

50ppm

0/10

3/10

7/10

9/10

0/10

3/10

5/10

6/10

Conclusions
As histopathologically inflammatory changes were observed in the lowest
dose, NOAEL could not be determined. LOAEL is determined to be 10
ppm. . NOAEL except for the effects of irritation have been determined tobe 10ppm for F344 rat.

Remarks:
Data Quality
Reliability:
Quality Check:
References

110

No exposure related change were observed in the reproductive organs
examined histo-pathologically.
(2) Reliable with restrictions
Comparable to the guideline study with acceptable restrictions

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
CIIT (1984) Ninety-day Inhalation Toxicity Study of Hydrogen chloride gas
In B6C3F1 mice, Sprague-Dawley and Fischer-344 rats., ToxiGenics, 4201087.

Other
Last changed:
Order number for sorting:Remarks(4)
Species/strain:
Gunia pig
Sex:
Female [ X ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ ]Route of Administration:nose only inhalation
Exposure period:
28 daysFrequency of treatment: 2 h/day, 5 days/week
Post exposure observation period:
No
3
Dose:
0.15 mg/m
Control group:
Yes [ ]; No [ ]; No data [ X ];Concurrent no treatment [ ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]NO(A)EL:
N/A
LO(A)EL:
N/A
Results:
No abnormal clinical sign observed. No abnormality found at gross
necropsy compared to the control.
Method:Other
A group of 8 animals were used for the experiment.
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Test substance:
Hydrogen chloride, generated by adding concentrated sulfuric acid to
sodium chloride
Reliability:(3) Not reliable
Reference:
Kirsch, V. H. and Drabke, P. (1982)(5)
Species/strain:
Rat / Wistar (Weanling)
Sex:
Female [ ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ X ]; No data [ ]Route of Administration: Oral feed
Exposure period:
7 weeks
Frequency of treatment: Daily
Post exposure observation period:No
Dose:280, 420, 560 mmol HCl/kg dietControl group:
Yes [ X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ];Concurrent no treatment [ ]; Concurrent vehicle [ X ]; Historical [ ]NOAEL:
560 mmol HCl/kg diet
LOAEL:
N/A
Results:

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ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
Table
mmol HCl/kg dietControl
(0)

280

420

560

pH of diets#1

5.90

4.60

4.10

3.50

14.6

14.2

14.6

14.4

Dose (mg/animal/day)

0

145

224

294

Water intake (mL/day)

28.9

33.6*

36.5*

36.3*

Food intake (g/day)#2#1: HCl was diluted (1:5 (v/v)) with distilled water, then added to the diet.
: Calculated from food intake*: P<0.001#2

Method:GLP:Test substance:
Reliability:
Reference:

Water intake was significantly increased by hydrochloric acidsupplementation compared to the control. There was no significant treatment
effect on food intake, bodyweight gain, haematocrit levels and haemoglobin
concentration in blood, and blood acid-base status as measured by blood pH,
plasma CO2 and Base Excess (BE). No significant effects were observed on
femur length, fat free solid (FFS), or the % ash in the FFS or Ca, Mg, Na, orK in the FFS.
OtherGroups of weanling rats of 4 males and 4 females were given a commercial
diet supplemented with 280, 420 or 560 mmol HCl/kg diet, respectively.
The diet for control was prepared by the addition of a similar amount ofdistilled water to the basal diet. Residues of food were collected weekly andintake was calculated for weekly period. At the end of experiment blood
samples for acid-base and mineral analysis were taken. Afterexsanguination, the removed right femur from slaughtered rat was cleansedof adherent soft tissue to be dried and subjected to the procedure forobtaining FFS. Thus obtained FFS was analysed.
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Hydrochloric acid, no data
(3) Not reliable
Upotn, P. K. and L’Estrange, J. L. (1977)(6)
Species/strain:
Rat / Wistar (adult)
Sex:
Female [ ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ X ]; No data [ ]Route of Administration:
Oral feed
Exposure period:
9 weeks
Frequency of treatment: Daily
Post exposure observation period:No
Dose:312, 625, 937, 1250 mmol HCl/kg dietControl group:
Yes [ X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ];Concurrent no treatment [ ]; Concurrent vehicle [ X ]; Historical [ ]NOAEL:
625 mmol HCl/kg diet
LOAEL:
937 mmol HCl/kg diet

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ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Results:
Table
mmol HCl/kg diet
pH of diets#1

Control(0)

312

625

937

1250

5.80

4.17

2.84

2.23
#3

1.82

Food intake (g/kg)

14.8

15.8

15.3

10.7

9.56#3

Dose (mg HCl/animal/day)#2

0

180

349

366

436
#3

Water intake (mL/day)

33.9

35.7

44.8

44.2

25.9#3

Live weight change (g/day)

-0.31

-0.22

-0.47

-2.40#3-1.72#3#1: HCl was diluted (1:5 (v/v)) with distilled water, then added to the diet.
: Calculated from food intake#3: Values refer to means obtained during the period the animals survived.
#2

Method:The treatments with 937 and 1,250 mmol/kg diet resulted in 100% mortalityof the rats and the average survival time being 51.2 and 19.1 days,
respectively. Food intake and live-weight gain of the rats were significantly
reduced by these treatment. Water intake was significantly increased byhydrochloric acid supplementation except on the high dose level, where theanimals survived for a short period. The blood samples were not taken fromthe rats which died before the end of experiment. Plasma CO2 concentration
was reduced by the HCl supplementation compared to the control but theeffect was not significant. Femur length, % fat free solid (FFS) in bone or the% ash, Ca or P in the FFS were not affected.
Other
Groups of adult rats (approx. 1 year-old) consisted of 4 males and 4 females
were given a commercial diet supplemented with 312, 625, 937, 1250 mmol
HCl/kg diet. Residues of the diet were collected weekly and intake
calculated for weekly period. At the end of experiment blood samples foracid-base and mineral analysis were taken only on the rats which survived
through the experiments. After exsanguination, the removed right femur
from slaughtered rat was cleansed of adherent soft tissue to be dried andsubjected to the procedure for obtaining FFS. Thus obtained FFS was
analysed. Where treatment effects were statistically significant the means
were compared with each other using Duncan’s multiple range tests.

GLP:
Test substance:
Reliability:
Reference:

Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acid, no data
(3) Not reliable
Upotn, P. K. and L’Estrange, J. L. (1977)(7)
Species/strain:
Rat / Wistar (Weanling)
Sex:
Female [ ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ X ]; No data [ ]Route of Administration: Oral feed
Exposure period:
12 weeks
Frequency of treatment: Daily
Post exposure observation period:No
Dose:300, 600, 900 mmol HCl/kg diet

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Control group:
NO(A)EL:
LO(A)EL:
Results:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
Yes [ X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ];Concurrent no treatment [ ]; Concurrent vehicle [ X ]; Historical [ ]600 mmol HCl/kg diet
900 mmol HCl/kg dietTable
mmol HCl/kg dietControl(0)

300

600

900

5.81

4.27

3.09

2.54

Food intake (g/day)

15.4

15.0

14.0

7.2

Dose
(mg/animal/day)*2

0

164

307

237

Water intake(mL/day)

39.2

41.3

44.9

33.2

Live weight change(g/day)

2.57

2.52

2.21

0.84

Blood pH

7.36

7.35

7.37

7.24

Plasma CO2(mmol/L)

22.0

22.7

19.4

15.3

BE (mmol/L)

-3.20

-3.89

-5.69

-12.97

FFS in femur (mg)

495

490

428

248

% Ash in FFS

69.4

67.1

68.8

62.1

pH of diets*

1#1: HCl was diluted (1:5 (v/v)) with distilled water, then added to the diet.
: Calculated from food intake.
*1: Diluted 1:5 (v/v) with distilled water, *2: Calculated from daily intake#2

Method:114

At 900 mmol/kg diet where 3 animals died, both food intake and bodyweightgain were significantly decreased. Blood pH was not significantly affected at
300 and 600 mmol/kg diet, though it was considerably lower in 900 mmol/kg
diet fed group than in control. However, plasma CO2 values weresignificantly reduced by the HCl supplementation at 600 and 900 mmol/kg
diet. Thus, mild degree of metabolic acidosis was indicative at 900 mmol/kg
diet. Also, base Excess (BE) values was significantly reduced by the HCl
supplementation at 900 mmol/kg diet. As for the bone measurements, femur
length, % fat free solid (FFS) in the femur and % ash in the FFS was all
significantly reduced by the HCl supplementation at 900 mmol/kg diet.
Other
Groups of the weanling rats consisted of 6 males and 4 females were given acommercial diet supplemented with 300, 600 and 900 mmol HCl /kg diet.
Residues were collected weekly and intake calculated for weekly period. At
the end of experiment blood samples for acid-base and mineral analysis
were taken on the rats which survived through the experiments. Afterexsanguination, the removed right femur from slaughtered rat was cleansedof adherent soft tissue to be dried and subjected to the procedure forobtaining FFS. Thus obtained FFS was analysed. Treatment effects were
statistically significant the means were compared with each other using
Duncan’s multiple range tests.

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY
GLP:
Test substance:
Reliability:
Reference:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acid, no data
(3) Not reliable
Upotn, P. K. and L’Estrange, J. L. (1977)(8)
Species/strain:
Rat / Wistar
Sex:
Female [ ]; Male [ X ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ ]Route of Administration: Drinking water
Exposure period:
21 weeks
Frequency of treatment: Daily
Post exposure observation period:
No
Dose:
Acidification of drinking water to pH 2 or 3
Control group:
Yes [ X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ];Concurrent no treatment [ ]; Concurrent vehicle [ X ]; Historical [ ]NO(A)EL:
N/A
LO(A)EL:
N/A
Results:
Acidification to pH 2 and 3 resulted in a slightly but significantly reduced
excretion of phenol red, urine volume. Lowered proteinurea was also
observed at pH 2. No effects were observed on body weight development,
food and water consumption, organ weights, hematological parameters,
liver-specific serum enzymes, serum protein and serum creatinine.
Method:Other
Eight animals for pH 2 ad lib. and ten animals for pH 3 ad lib. wereindividually caged. At week 2, 13 and 21, urine was sampled overnight(16h), and its volume and phenol red excretion (for 2 h after tail vein
injection) were measured. Also, hematology and serum analysis wereconducted.
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Test substance:
Hydrochloric acid
Remarks:
The experiment was subject to a variety of environmental influences and theeffect of drinking water acidification was the one of the factors the author
investigated.
Reliability:(3) Not reliable
Reference:
Clausing, P. and Gottschalk, M. Z. (1989)(9)
Species/strain:
Mouse / Swiss-Webster [Crl:COBS CRW (SW) BR]
Sex:
Female [ ]; Male [ X ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ ]Route of Administration:
Inhalation
Exposure period:
3 daysFrequency of treatment: 6 hours/day
Post exposure observation period:
0 or 72hDose:
304 ppm (447 mg/ m3)
Control group:
Yes [ X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ];Concurrent no treatment [ X ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]NO(A)EL:
N/A
LO(A)EL:
N/A

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ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Results:

Method:GLP:Test substance:

Remarks:

Reliability
Reference::

Body weights were decreased compared to controls but, in most cases,
returned to normal levels by 3 days post-exposure. The exposure to hydrogenchloride resulted in exudate in the nasal passage. Haircoats of the exposed
mice turned a yellowish-green color during exposure. Respiratory epithelial
exfoliation, erosion, ulceration, necrosis and less pronounced lesions in theolfactory epithelium were observed in respiratory tract.
Other
Groups of 16-24 mice were exposed. Half of each group of exposed mice
were necropsied immediately after the last exposure. The remaining mice
were necropsied about 72 hr after the last exposure.
Fixed sections of mouse nasal passages were examined and the severity of
the lesions was scored by light microscopy.
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrogen chloride, purity > 95%, impurity: nitrogen chloride
Source: Matheson Gas (Morrow, Ga.)
Analytical monitoring: The mixture gas of hydrogen chloride and nitrogen at
the concentration that reduces the respiratory rate by 50% was metereddirectly into the chamber inlet and the time-weighted average exposure
concentration measured by infrared spectrometry was 304 ppm.
The objectives of this study were to determine if pathologic changes occur inthe respiratory tract of groups of mice after inhalation exposure to various
sensory irritants (10 chemicals including hydrogen chloride) at theirrespective RD50 concentrations (that concentration which elicits a respiratory
rate decrease of 50%) and to compare any changes with respect to type,
distribution, and severity.
(3) Not reliable
Buckley, L.A. et al. (1984)(10)
Species/strain:
Rabbit /(strain was not described)
Sex:
Female [ ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ X ]Route of Administration:
Inhalation
Exposure period:
12, 30, 120 hFrequency of treatment: 12 h exposure group; 6 hours/day, 2 days
30 h exposure group; 6 h/day, 5 days
120 h exposure group; 6 h/day, 5 days/week, 4 weeks
Post exposure observation period:
2 months
Dose:
ca. 0.4, 1.2 and 3.0 mg/L for 12h exposure
ca. 0.09 and 0.19 mg/L for 30 h
ca. 0.05 mg/L for 120 h
These concentrations were read from the figure in the report since theconcentrations tested were not clearly described.
Control group:
Yes [ X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ];Concurrent no treatment [ X ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]Remarks: The control group consisted of seven rabbits.
NO(A)EL:
N/A
LO(A)EL:
N/A
Results:
All concentrations used had some extent of irritation to the eyes and

116

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5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference::

mucous membranes of the animals. No death was observed by the exposure
to 0.09 mg/L hydrochloric aid for 30 h. The animals exposed to hydrogenchloride at 0.05 mg/L for 120 h showed no immediate toxic effects and nopathological changes which could be attributed to the exposure when killed
several months later. Fatality of 100% was found over at 1.2 and 3.0 mg/L
exposure for 12 h.
Severe hepatic lesions were found in 16 of the 51 rabbits died in 12 or 30 h
exposure group.
Other
Groups of 3 rabbits were exposed to hydrogen chloride gas of various
concentrations and administration schedule.
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]The hydrogen chloride gas was generated by mixing commercial C.P.
hydrochloric acid with 10-15 times its volume of concentrated sulfuric acid.
The author reported that the upper limit of safety in atmospheres containinghydrogen chloride must be 0.05 mg/L (about 30 ppm), though it is possiblethat even this concentration would be harmful if daily exposures were
continued over periods longer than a month.
A loss of weight was evident in every instance and in general paralleled theseverity of exposure. However, it was rapidly regained after about two
weeks.
(3) Not reliable
Machle, W. et al. (1942)(11)
Species/strain:
Guinea pig
Sex:
Female [ ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ X ]Route of Administration:
Inhalation
Exposure period:
12, 30, 120 hFrequency of treatment:12 h exposure group; 6 h/day, 2 days
30 h exposure group; 6 h/day, 5 days
120 h exposure group; 6 h/day, 5 days/week, 4 weeks
Post exposure observation period:
2 months
Dose:
ca. 0.4, 1.2 and 3.0 mg/L for 12h exposure
ca. 0.09 and 0.19 mg/L for 30 h
ca. 0.05 mg/L for 120 h
These concentrations were read from the figure in the report since theconcentrations tested were not clearly described.
Control group:
Yes [ X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ];Concurrent no treatment [ X ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]Remarks: The control group consisted of six guinea pigs.
NO(A)EL:
N/A
LO(A)EL:
N/A
Results:
All concentrations used had some extent of irritation to the eyes and mucous
membranes of the animals. No death was observed by the exposure to 0.09
mg/L hydrochloric aid for 30 h. Also, the author reported that the animals
exposed to hydrogen chloride at 0.05 mg/L for 120 h showed no immediate
toxic effects and no pathological changes which could be attributed to the

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5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference::

exposure when killed several months later. Fatality of 100% was found at 1.2
and 3.0 mg/L exposure for 12 h.
Definite gross pathological changes in the liver were noted in 45 of 57
guinea pigs died in 12 or 30 h exposure group.
Other
Groups of 3 guinea pigs were exposed to hydrogen chloride gas of various
concentrations and administration schedule.
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]The hydrogen chloride gas was generated by mixing commercial C.P.
hydrochloric acid with 10-15 times its volume of concentrated sulfuric acid.
The author reported that the upper limit of safety in atmospheres containinghydrogen chloride must be 0.05 mg/L (about 30 ppm), though it is possiblethat even this concentration would be harmful if daily exposures were
continued over periods longer than a month.
A loss of weight was evident in every instance and in general paralleled theseverity of exposure. However, it was rapidly regained after one month.
(3) Not reliable
Machle, W. et al. (1942)(12)
Species/strain:
MonkeySex:
Female [ X ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ ]Route of Administration:
Inhalation
Exposure period:
4 weeks (120 hours)
Frequency of treatment: 6 hours/day, 5 days/week
Post exposure observation period: 2 months
Dose:
0.5 mg/L for 120 hControl group:
Yes [ X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ];Concurrent no treatment [ X ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]NO(A)EL:
N/A
LO(A)EL:
N/A
Results:
Irritation of the eyes and the mucous membranes was observed. No
immediate toxic effects and no pathological changes which could be
attributed to the exposure were observed when killed several months later.
Method:Other
An adult female monkey was exposed to 0.05 mg/L hydrochloric acid for
120 h (6 h/day, 5 days/week, 4 weeks).
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Test substance:
Hydrogen chloride, the hydrogen chloride gas was generated by mixing
commercial C.P. hydrochloric acid with 10-15 times its volume ofconcentrated sulphuric acid.
Remarks:
The author reported that the upper limit of safety in atmospheres containinghydrogen chloride must be 0.05 mg/L (about 30 ppm), though it is possiblethat even this concentration would be harmful if daily exposures were
continued over periods longer than a month.
Reliability:(3) Not reliable
Reference:
Machle, W. et al. (1942)

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5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

(13)
Species/strain:
Rat
Sex:
Female [ ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ X ]; No data [ ]Route of Administration: Oral feed
Exposure period:
9 weeks
Frequency of treatment: Daily
Post exposure observation period:No
Dose:
At beginning of the experiment (6 weeks of age), each rat received about 12
mL of 0.1N HCl per day. This was gradually increased until at the end of 7
weeks when they were given 50 mL of 0.1N HCl daily.
For the last 2 weeks, animals were given 50 mL of 0.2 N HCl each per day.
Control group:
Yes [ X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ];Concurrent no treatment [ X ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]NO(A)EL:
N/A
LO(A)EL:
N/A
Results:
After the dose of acid reached at 25 mL of 0.1 N per day, the appetites of thetreatment group was decreased. Both bone and body growth were slightly
retarded in animals consuming the acid, but there were no appreciablechanges in the chemical composition of the bones. The base content of thesoft tissues was increased slightly. Death was preceded by a marked loss inweight.
Method:Other
Groups of eight rats were used. The acid was administered by mixing it withthe maize mixture to 8 rats and the other 8 rats were used as controls.
Remarks:
The animals were derived from 2 litters. Treatment group was compared to
the litter mate control.
The experiment was carried out to determine whether acid ingestion exerted
any influence on the storage of base in the tissues of young growing rats.
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Test substance:
0.1 N hydrochloric acid
Reliability:(3) Not reliable
Reference:
Burns, C. M. (1929)(14)
Species/strain:
RabbitSex:
Female [ ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ X ]Route of Administration: Oral
Exposure period:
See details in results (17 - 35 days)
Frequency of treatment: Daily
Post exposure observation period:No
Dose:
120 mL to 200mL of 0.1 N HCl daily
Control group:
Yes [ X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ];Concurrent no treatment [ X ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]NO(A)EL:
N/A
LO(A)EL:
N/A
Results:
The treated animals showed retarded growth or weight loss and a reduction in
the base content of their muscles. There was a marked reduction in fat
content of the bones, but no reduction in percentage of ash.

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119OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Reliability:
Reference:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
Other
Rabbits from three litters were given diet containing 0.1 N HCl. The amountof 0.1 N HCl consumed was expected to be 120-200 mL/day. Treatmentgroup was compared to the litter mate control.
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Hydrochloric acid, no data
(3) Not reliable
Burns, C. M. (1929)(15)
Species/strain:
Chick/Indian River broiler
Sex:
Female [ ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ X ]Route of Administration:
Oral feed
Exposure period:
27 daysFrequency of treatment: No data
Post exposure observation period:
No
Dose:
0.21, 0.42, 0.84 % in the dietControl group:
Yes [ X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ];Concurrent no treatment [ ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]NOAEL:
N/A
LOAEL:
N/A
Results:
No significant effects were noted on the body weight gain, food consumption
and mortality. However concentration of 0.84% in the diet resulted in a lower
body weight gain and feed efficiency compared to control, but no mortality.
Method:Other
Each treatment was presented to one day of age of 30 unsexed chicks. On
the 1st, 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th day of age, group weights were measured andfeed conversions were calculated.
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Test substance:
Hydrochloric acid, U. S. P. (37.9%), J. T. Baker
Reliability:(3) Not reliable
Reference:Pritzl, M.C. and Kienholz, E.W. (1973)(16)
Species/strain:
RabbitSex:
Female [ ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ X ]Route of Administration: Inhalation
Exposure period:
5 daysFrequency of treatment: 6 hours/day
Post exposure observation period:
Daily
3
Dose:
149 mg/m (100 ppm)
Control group:
Yes [ ]; No [ ]; No data [ X ];Concurrent no treatment [ ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]NO(A)EL:
N/A
LO(A)EL:
N/A
Results:
Animals exhibited slight respiratory difficulties and eye and nasal irritation,and slightly decreased haemoglobin levels.
Method:Other

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5. TOXICITY
GLP:
Test substance:
Reliability:
Reference:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrogen chloride, no data
(4) Not assignable
Flury, F. and Zernik, F. (1931) cited European Commission- European
Chemical Bureau (2000) and BIBRA (1990)(17)
Species/strain:
Guinea pig
Sex:
Female [ ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ X ]Route of Administration:
Inhalation
Exposure period:
5 daysFrequency of treatment: 6 hours/day
Post exposure observation period:
Daily
Dose:
149 mg/m3 (100 ppm)
Control group:
Yes [ ]; No [ ]; No data [ X ];Concurrent no treatment [ ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]NO(A)EL:
N/A
LO(A)EL:
N/A
Results:
Animals exhibited slight respiratory difficulties and eye and nasal irritation,and slightly decreased haemoglobin levels.
Method:Other
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Test substance:
Hydrogen chloride, no data
Reliability:(4) Not assignable
Reference:
Flury F. and Zernik F., (1931) cited European Commission- European
Chemical Bureau (2000) and BIBRA (1990)(18)
Species/strain:
PigeonSex:
Female [ ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ X ]Route of Administration: Inhalation
Exposure period:
5 daysFrequency of treatment: 6 hours/day
Post exposure observation period:
Daily
Dose:
149 mg/m3 (100 ppm)
Control group:
Yes [ ]; No [ ]; No data [ X ];Concurrent no treatment [ ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]NO(A)EL:
N/A
LO(A)EL:
N/A
Results:
Animals exhibited slight respiratory difficulties and eye and nasal irritation,and slightly decreased haemoglobin levels.
Method:Other
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Test substance:
Hydrogen chloride, no data
Reliability:(4) Not assignable
Reference:
Flury, F. and Zernik, F. (1931) cited European Commission- European
Chemical Bureau (2000)

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121

OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

(19)
Species/strain:
Rat
Sex:
Female [ ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ X ]Route of Administration:
Inhalation
Exposure period:ca. 2 weeks
Frequency of treatment: 6 hours / day on 6 alternate days
Post exposure observation period:
1 - 2 years
Dose:
5-22 mg/m3
Control group:
Yes [ ]; No [ ]; No data [ X ];Concurrent no treatment [ ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]NOAEL:
22 mg/m3
LOAEL:> 22 mg/m3
Results:
The exposure to HCl had no effect upon the body weight of 50 rats. 1 or 2
years later, unspecified examinations of a range of tissues which apparently
included lung and bone, revealed no abnormalities.
Method:Other
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ] ? [ ]Test substance:
Hydrogen chloride, no data
Reliability:(4) Not assignable
Reference:
European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000) and BIBRA(1990)(20)
Species/strain:
Guinea pig
Sex:
Female [ ]; Male [ X ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ ]Route of Administration:
Inhalation
Exposure period:
7 weeks
Frequency of treatment: 2 hours/day, 5 days/ week
Post exposure observation period:
5 daysDose:
0.015 mg/L
Control group:
Yes [ X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ]; not specified.
Concurrent no treatment [ ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]NOAEL:
N/A
LOAEL:
N/A
Results:
The measurements of the lung function parameters showed no differences
between exposed animals and controls; histological examination of thelungs revealed no changes attributable to HCl-exposure
Method:Other, not specified
Twenty-three animals were exposed; 15 animals served as controls; fromthe 5th day post exposure several lung function parameters were evaluatedGLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Test substance:
No data
Reliability:(4) Not assignable
Reference:
European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000)

122

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5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

5.5

GENETIC TOXICITY IN VITROA.
(a)

BACTERIAL TEST

Test Substance
Identity (purity):
Remarks:

Hydrogen chloride (7647-01-0) 36.5-38 %Not described

MethodMethod/guideline followed Not describedType:bacterial reverse mutation assay (plate incorporation assay)
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ]Not described
Year
1978
Cell type and or cell line:
Salmonella typhimurium TA 98, TA 100, TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 1538
Metabolic activation:♦ Species and cell type:rat liver S-9 fraction♦ Quantity:
0.1 mL/ mL of reaction mixture♦ Induced or not induced: Induced by Aroclor 1254.
Concentrations tested:
Statistical methods:
Remarks:

0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 5.0 uL/plate(0.012-60 ug/plate)
not used
According to the method of Ames, B.N. et al. (Mutat. Res., 31,
347-364 (1975)).

•

Test Design
Number of replicates:one••
Positive and negative control groups and treatment:
Negative control:
solvent
Positive control:
Without activation :TA 98
NF
10 uL/mL
TA 100Ethylmethanesulfonate 10 uL/mL
TA 1535
Ethylmethanesulfonate 10 uL/mL
TA 1537QM
10 uL/mL
TA 1538NF
10 uL/mL
With activation :TA 98
2-Aminoanthracene
2.5 uL/mL
TA 1002-Aminoanthracene
2.5 uL/mL
TA 1535
2-Aminoanthracene
2.5 uL/mL
TA 1537
2-Aminoanthracene
2.5 uL/mL
TA 1538
2-Aminoanthracene
2.5 uL/mL
NF, QM: not specified••

Solvent:
Media:•

deionized water
Selective agar plate and agar supplemented with biotine and a
trace of histidine.
Description of follow up repeat study: none

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123

OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY•HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Criteria for evaluating results :TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 1538:
Positive dose-response over three concentrations with the lowest increase equal to twice
the solvent control value.
TA 100:
Positive dose-response over three concentrations with the highest increase equal to twice
the solvent control value.
TA 98:
Positive dose-response over three concentrations with the highest increase equal to 2-3
times the solvent control value.

Results
Cytotoxic concentration:
With metabolic activation:
Without metabolic activation:

5.0 uL/plate
5.0 uL/plate

Genotoxic effects (positive, negative, unconfirmed, dose-response, equivocal)
With metabolic activation:negative
Without metabolic activation:negative
Statistical results, as appropriate:
Remarks:

N/A

Conclusions
Negative result was obtained in the systems.
Data Quality
Reliabilities:
Flag:
Remarks(2) Reliable with restrictions
Critical study for SIDS

Quality Check Comparable to the guideline study with acceptable restrictions.
References
Litton Bionetics, Inc. (1978) Mutagenicity evaluation of Hydrochloric acid, Final report. LBI Project No.
20893.
Isquith, A., Matheson, D., and Slesinski, R. (1988) Genotoxicity studies on selected organosiliconcompounds: in vitro assays. Fd. Chem. Toxic. 26, 255-261.
Other
Last changed:
Order number for sorting:Remarks:

124

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

(b)
Type:
System of testing:Concentration:

Mitotic recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain D4
0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 5.0 uL/plate(0.012-60 ug/plate)With [ ]; Without [ ]; With and Without [ X ]; No data [ ]Metabolic activation:
Results:
Cytotoxicity conc: With metabolic activation:
5.0 uL/plate
Without metabolic activation: 5.0 uL/plate
Precipitation conc: N/A
Genotoxic effects:+ ? With metabolic activation:[ ] [ ] [X]
Without metabolic activation: [ ] [ ] [X]Method:other
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Teat substance:
Hydrogen chloride
36.5-38 %Commercial
Remarks:
Method: according to Brusick, D. and Andrews, H., Mutat. Res., 26, 491500 (1974)

Reliability
Reference:

:

(c)
Type:
System of testing:Concentration:
Metabolic activation:

Procedure: Plate.
Plates/test: Not stated
Activation system: Liver S-9 fraction from Aroclor 1254 pretreated rats with
NADPH-generating system
Media: tryptophan selective
No. replicates: Not stated(3) Not reliable
Isquith et al. (1988); Litton Bionetics, Inc. (1978)

DNA damage and repair assay , ‘rec’ assay
Escherichia coli W3110 (pol A+), P3078 (pol A-)
0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 5.0 uL/plate(0.012-60 ug/plate)With [ ]; Without [ ]; With and Without [ X ]; No data [ ]Results:

Cytotoxicity conc: With metabolic activation:
5.0 uL/plate
Without metabolic activation: 5.0 uL/plate
Precipitation conc: N/A
Genotoxic effects:+ ? With metabolic activation:[ ] [ ] [X]
Without metabolic activation: [ ] [ ] [X]Method:other
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Teat substance:
Hydrogen chloride
36.5-38 %Remarks:
Method: according to Slater E.E. et al., Cancer Res., 31, 970-973 (1971)
Plates/test: Not stated

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125OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY

Reliability
Reference:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002:

Activation system: Liver S-9 fraction from Aroclor 1254 pretreated rats with
NADPH-generating system
No. replicates: Not stated(3) Not reliable
Isquith et al. (1988); Litton Bionetics, Inc. (1978)

(d)
Type:
Bacterial reverse mutation assay
System of testing:Escherichia coli B/Sd-4
Concentration:
0.00075- 0.00375 %Metabolic activation: With [ ]; Without [X]; With and Without [ ]; No data [ ]Results:
Cytotoxicity conc: With metabolic activation:
Not stated
Without metabolic activation: Not stated
Precipitation conc:
Not stated
Genotoxic effects:+ ? With metabolic activation:[ ] [ ] [X]
Without metabolic activation: [ ] [ ] [ ]Remarks: Because survival rate varied from 0.2 to 100 % under the same
condition (concentration of hydrochloric acid 0.0015 %), the negative
result is questionable.
Method:GLP:Teat substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

:

(e)
Type:
System of testing:Concentration:
Metabolic activation:otherYes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]hydrochloric acid (purity or concentration is not specified)Method: according to Bertani, G. et al., Genetics, (1951).
Procedure: preincubation
Plates/test: 2 - 10 plates
Activation system: Not tested
Media:streptomycin selective
No. replicates: Not stated(3) Not reliable
Demerec, M. et al. (1951)

DNA damage and repair assay, ‘rec’ assay
Escherichia coli WP2, WP2uvrA, WP67, CM611, W3110 (pol A+), P3478(pol A-)
Not statedWith [ ]; Without [ ]; With and Without [ X ]; No data [ ]Results:

Cytotoxicity conc: With metabolic activation:
Without metabolic activation:
Precipitation conc: Not stated
Genotoxic effects:
With metabolic activation:
Without metabolic activation:

126

Not stated
Not stated+ ? [ ] [X] [ ] ambiguous[ ] [X] [ ] ambiguous

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

:

other
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]hydrochloric acidhighest technical grade available
HCl showed inhibitory activity in the WP2uvrA stain; while this response
was reproducible, it was not considered adequate evidence of DNAdamaging activity since the remaining WP2 deficient strains which also
carried the uvrA mutation gave no indication of preferential kill at all.
Plates/test: Not stated
Activation system: Liver S-9 fraction from Aroclor 1254 pretreated rats with
NADPH-generating system
No. replicates: 1(3) Not reliable
McCarroll et al. (1981a)

(f)
Type:
DNA damage and repair assay, ‘rec’ assay
System of testing:
B. subtillis H17 arg- try- rec+ and M45 arg- try- recConcentration:
not statedMetabolic activation: With [ ]; Without [ ]; With and Without [X]; No data [ ]Results:
Cytotoxicity conc: With metabolic activation:
Not stated
Without metabolic activation: Not stated
Precipitation conc: Not stated
Genotoxic effects:+ ? With metabolic activation:[ ] [ ] [X]
Without metabolic activation: [ ] [ ] [X]Method:Other
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [X] ? [ ]Test substance:hydrochloric acid
Remarks:
Plates/test: Not stated
Activation system: Liver S-9 fraction from Aroclor 1254 pretreated male SD
rats with NADPH-generating system
No. replicates: Not stated
Reliability:(3) Not reliable
Reference:
McCarroll et al. (1981b)

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127

OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYB.

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

NON-BACTERIAL IN VITRO TEST(a)
Test Substance
Identity:
Hydrogen chloride (7647-01-0)
Remarks:
Not described
MethodMethod/guideline followed
Not described
Type:
Chromosome aberration test
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ X ]
Year:
1988
Species/Strain or cell type and or cell line (bacterial or non-bacterial):
Chinese hamster ovary K1 (CHO-K1) cells
Metabolic activation:♦ Species and cell type:rat liver S-9 fraction♦ Quantity:
Not described♦ Induced or not induced:
Phenobarbital and 5, 6-benzoflavone-induced
Statistical methods: No statistic analysis
Remarks:• Test Design♦ Concentrations tested:
Cells were treated for 24 hours without S9. With S9 treatment, cells
were treated for 6 hours and cultivated with fresh media for additional 18
hours.
-S9:0, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 mM(pH 7.4, 6.1, 5.9, 5.7, 5.5, 5.3 respectively)+S9:0, 6, 8, 10, 12 mM(pH 7.4, 6.3, 6.0, 5.8, 5.5 respectively)♦ Number of replicates:
2-4
Ham’s F12 medium supplemented with 10% foetal calf serum, sodium♦ Solvent:bicarbonate (16.7 mM) and Kanamycin (60 ug/mL)♦ Positive and negative control groups and treatment: none♦
Number of metaphases analyzed:
100/plate• Description of follow up repeat study: none
• Criteria for evaluating results:
not described

Results
Cytotoxic concentration:
With metabolic activation:
12 mM (pH 5.5)
Without metabolic activation: 16 mM (pH 5.3)
Genotoxic effects (positive, negative, unconfirmed, dose-response, equivocal)
With metabolic activation:(positive) 8-10 mM (pH 5.8-6.0)
Wi thout metabolic activation:(positive) 14 mM (pH 5.5)

128

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5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Statistical results, as appropriate:
Remarks:
Frequency of reversions/mutations/aberrations, polyploidy as appropriate:
pH after treatment

cellsType and number of aberrations
scored ctg csg ctb csb cte
cse

Aberrant
cellsa(%)

Dose S9(mM) mix

Initial 6 h

24
h

16

-

5.3

-

5.4

toxic

14

-

5.5

-

6.7

400

21

0

82

4

11

0

0

16.5

12

-

5.7

-

6.9

400

0

2

3

1

1

0

0

1.5

10

-

5.9

-

6.9

200

0

0

2

0

0

0

0

1.0

8

-

6.1

-

7.2

200

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0.5

0

-

7.4

-

7.4

400

2

0

1

0

0

0

0

0.3

12

+

5.5

6.3

-

toxic

10

+

5.8

6.7

-

300

12

1

33

1

33

0

0

15.7

8

+

6.0

6.8

-

200

9

1

21

1

18

1

0

14.0

6

+

6.3

6.9

-

200

5

0

4

0

0

0

0

2.0

0

+

7.4

7.6

-

300

2

0

1

0

0

0

0

0.3

f

toxic

toxic

a: All structural aberrations except gaps.
Abbreviations: ctg, gaps; csg, chromosome gaps; ctb, chromatid breaks; csb, chromosome breaks; cte,
chromatid exchange; cse, chromosome exchange; f, fragmentations.

Precipitation concentration if applicable:
Mitotic index:

none
not described

Conclusions
Weakly acidic media is clastogenic to CHO-K1 cells with and without metabolic activation.
Remarks:
Induced aberrations were almost all chromatid breaks.
Data Quality
Reliabilities:
Flag:
Remarks:(2) Reliable with restrictions
Critical study for SIDS

Quality Check: Comparable to the guideline study with acceptable restrictions

References
Morita, T., Watanabe, Y., Takeda, K. and Okumura, K (1989) Effects of pH in the in vitro
chromosomal aberration test., Mutat. Res., 225, 55-60.
Other
Last changed:
Order number for sorting:

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129

OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Remarks(b)
Test Substance
Identity (purity):
Remarks:

Hydrogen chloride (7647-01-0)
Not described36.5-38 %MethodMethod/guideline followed
Not described
Type:
Chromosome aberration test
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ]Not described
Year
1978
Species/Strain or cell type and or cell line (bacterial or non-bacterial):
Mouse lymphoma cell line L5178Y TK+/Metabolic activation:♦ Species and cell type: Male CD-1 mice.
♦ Quantity:
200 uL/mL
Not induced♦ Induced or not induced:
Statistical methods:
Student t-test
Remarks:
The procedure by Clive and Spector (Mutat. Res., 31, 17-29, 1975) was modified.
Fischer’s medium for Leukemic cells of mice with 10% horse serum andsodium pyruvate and those with 20% horse serum, sodium pyruvate and0.37% agar were used for maintaining and cloning, respectively.
Test Design
Concentrations tested:
Without activation : 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 uL/mL (1.2, 2.4, 4.8 mM)
With activation :0.2, 0.4, 0.8 uL/mL (2.4, 4.8, 9.6 mM)• Test Design
Cells were treated with the test compound for 4 hours either with orwithout mouse-liver S9, followed by cultivation in growth medium with
BrdU for approximately 20 hours. These cells were stained by the Giemsa
method of Korenberg and Freedlander (Chromosomes, 48, 355, 1974).
♦ Number of replicates:one♦ Positive and negative control groups and treatment:
Negative control:
Growth medium
Positive control:
Without activation :Ethylmetanesulfonate 0.5 uL/mL
Witht activation :Dimethylnitrosoamine 0.3 uL/mL• Solvent:
Water• Description of follow up repeat study: none

130

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5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

• Criteria for evaluating results:
Statistical significance is analyzed using a student t-test.
Results
Cytotoxic concentration:
With metabolic activation:
Without metabolic activation:

0.8 uL/mL (100% growth inhibition)
ca 1.0 uL/mL (12.5% growth inhibition at 0.8 uL/mL)

Genotoxic effects (positive, negative, unconfirmed, dose-response, equivocal)
With metabolic activation:
Negative
Without metabolic activation:
Negative
Statistical results, as appropriate:

N/A

Remarks:.
Conclusions
Negative result was obtained in the systems.
Remarks:
Data Quality
Reliabilities:
Flag:
Remarks(2) Reliable with restrictions

Quality Check Comparable to the guideline study with acceptable restrictions.
References
Litton Bionetics, Inc. (1978) Mutagenicity evaluation of Hydrochloric acid, Final report. LBI
Project No. 20893.
Isquith, A., Matheson, D., and Slesinski, R. (1988) Genotoxicity studies on selected organosiliconcompounds: in vitro assays. Fd. Chem. Toxic. 26, 255-261.
Other
Last changed:
Order number for sorting:Remarks:

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

131OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002(c)
Test Substance
Identity (purity):
Remarks:

Hydrogen chloride (7647-01-0) 36.5-38 %Not described

MethodMethod/guideline followed
not describedType:
Mammalian cell gene mutation assay
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ]Not described
Year
1978
Species/Strain or cell type and or cell line (bacterial or non-bacterial):
Mouse lymphoma cell line L5178Y TK+/Metabolic activation:♦ Species and cell type:Male CD-1 mice
200 uL/mL♦ Quantity:♦ Induced or not induced:
Not induced
Concentrations tested:
Without activation:
0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 uL/mL (4.8-9.6 mM)
With activation:
0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 uL/mL (9.6-23.0 mM)
Statistical methods:
No statistic analysis
Remarks:
The procedure by Clive and Spector (Mutat. Res., 31, 17-29, 1975) was modified.
Fischer’s medium for Leukemic cells of mice with 10% horse serum andsodium pyruvate and those with 20% horse serum, sodium pyruvate and0.37% agar were used for maintaining and cloning, respectively. For selection,
5.0 mg of BrdU was added to 100 ml of cloning medium.
• Test Design

Cells were treated with the test compound for 4 hours either with or without mouse-liver S9,
followed by cultivation in growth medium for 3 days. The cells were cultured for additional 10 daysin the selection and non-selection medium to determine mutation frequencies.
♦ Number of replicates: one♦ Positive and negative control groups and treatment:
Negative control:
Growth medium
Positive control:
Without activation:
Ethylmetanesulfonate 0.5 uL/mL
With activation:
Dimethylnitrosoamine 0.3 uL/mL
Water• Solvent t:• Description of follow up repeat study: None
• Criteria for evaluating results:
A dose-response relationship over three concentrations of the four dose levels employed isobserved, or an increase in the mutation frequencies at the highest dose is at least 2.5 times
greater than the solvent control value.

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ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Results
Cytotoxic concentration:
With metabolic activation:
Without metabolic activation:

0.8 uL/mL (100% growth inhibition)
Ca 1.0 uL/mL (12.5% growth inhibition at 0.8 uL/mL)

Genotoxic effects (positive, negative, unconfirmed, dose-response, equivocal)
With metabolic activation:
Negative
Without metabolic activation:
Negative
Statistical results, as appropriate:No.

Remarks:
Conclusions
Negative result was obtained in the systems.
Remarks:
Data Quality
Reliabilities:
Flag:
Remarks(2) Reliable with restrictions

Quality Check Comparable to the guideline study with acceptable restrictions.
References
Litton Bionetics, Inc. (1978) Mutagenicity evaluation of Hydrochloric acid, Final report. LBI Project No.
20893.
Isquith, A., Matheson, D., and Slesinski, R. (1988) Genotoxicity studies on selected organosiliconcompounds: in vitro assays. Fd. Chem. Toxic. 26, 255-261.
Other
Last changed:
Order number for sorting:Remarks:(d)
Type:
System of testing:Concentration:
Metabolic activation:

Mammalian cell gene mutation assay
Mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells, tk locus
With metabolic activation:
pH 6.3, 6.6, 6.9, 7.2, 7.5
Without metabolic activation: pH 6.0, 6.2, 6.5, 6.7, 6.9, 7.0
With [ ]; Without [ ]; With and Without [ X ]; No data [ ]UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Results:
Cytotoxicity conc.: With metabolic activation:
pH 6.9>Without metabolic activation: pH 6.6>=
Precipitation conc.: not stated
Genotoxic effects:+?
With metabolic activation:[X ] [ ] [ ]Without metabolic activation: [ ] [ ] [X ]Method:other
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Test substance:
1N hydrochloric acid
Remarks:
Positive result at the cytotoxic condition (pH 6.2>) with metabolic activation
and weak positive result at the cytotoxic condition (pH 6.3) without
metabolic activation were found.
Mouse lymphoma cultured in vitro was used.
Fixation time: not stated
Dose levels: not stated
Plates/test: 3
Activation system: S-9 fraction from the liver of Aroclor 1254-induced
Fisher 344 derived rats with NADPH-generating system
Media: RPMI 1640 medium plus 10% heat-inactivated donor horse serum
No. replicates: not stated
Reliability:(3) Not reliable
Reference:
Cifone et al. (1987)

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ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002(e)
Test Substance
Identity (purity):
Remarks:

Hydrogen chloride (7647-01-0)
Not described36.5-38 %MethodMethod/guideline followed
Not describedType:sister chromatid exchange assay
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ]Not described
Year
1978
Species/Strain or cell type and or cell line (bacterial or non-bacterial):
Mouse lymphoma cell line, L5178Y TK+/Metabolic activation:♦ Species and cell type: Male CD-1 mice.
♦ Quantity:
200 uL/mL♦ Induced or not induced:
not induced
Statistical methods:
Student t-test
Remarks:
The procedure by Clive and Spector (Mutat. Res., 31, 17-29, 1975) was modified.
Fischer’s medium for Leukemic cells of mice with 10% horse serum andsodium pyruvate and those with 20% horse serum, sodium pyruvate and0.37% agar were used for maintaining and cloning, respectively.
Test Design
Concentrations tested:
Without activation: 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 uL/mL (1.2, 2.4, 4.8 mM)
With activation:
0.2, 0.4, 0.8 uL/mL (2.4, 4.8, 9.6 mM)• Test Design
Cells were treated with the test compound for 4 hours either with or withoutmouse-liver S9, followed by cultivation in growth medium with BrdU for
approximately 20 hours. These cells were stained by a modification of theGiemsa method of Korenberg and Freedlander (Chromosomes, 48, 355,
1974).
♦ Number of replicates:one♦ Positive and negative control groups and treatment:
Negative control:
Growth medium
Positive control:
Without activation :Ethylmetanesulfonate 0.5 uL/mL
Witht activation :Dimethylnitrosoamine 0.3 uL/mL• Solvent:
Water• Description of follow up repeat study: none
• Criteria for evaluating results:
Statistical significance is analyzed using a student t-test.

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5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Results
Cytotoxic concentration:
With metabolic activation:
Without metabolic activation:

0.8 uL/mL (100% growth inhibition)
ca 1.0 uL/mL (12.5% growth inhibition at 0.8 uL/mL)

Genotoxic effects (positive, negative, unconfirmed, dose-response, equivocal)
With metabolic activation:
Negative
Without metabolic activation:
Negative
Statistical results, as appropriate:

N/A

Remarks:.
Conclusions
Negative result was obtained in the systems.
Remarks:
Data Quality
Reliabilities:
Flag:
Remarks(2) Reliable with restrictions

Quality Check Comparable to the guideline study with acceptable restrictions.
References
Litton Bionetics, Inc. (1978) Mutagenicity evaluation of Hydrochloric acid, Final report. LBI
Project No. 20893.
Isquith, A., Matheson, D., and Slesinski, R. (1988) Genotoxicity studies on selected organosiliconcompounds: in vitro assays. Fd. Chem. Toxic. 26, 255-261.
Other
Last changed:
Order number for sorting:Remarks:

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ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

(f)
Type:
Chromosome aberration test
System of testing:
Chinese hamster ovary cells
Concentration:
2.0 – 3.2 uL/mL (pH 5.00- 5.75) and control (pH 7.08)
Metabolic activation: With [ ]; Without [ ]; With and Without [ X ]; No data [ ]Results:
Cytotoxicity conc.: With metabolic activation:
3.2 uL/mL (pH 5.00)
Without metabolic activation: not stated
Precipitation conc.: not stated
Genotoxic effects:+ ? With metabolic activation:[X ] [ ] [ ]Without metabolic activation: [ ] [ ] [X]Hydrochloric acid induced significant increases in chromosome aberrations at
pH 5.25 (2.8 uL/mL).
Method:other
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Test substance:hydrochloric acid
Remarks:
The study was represented by Dr. A.K. Thilager of Sitek ResearchLaboratories at the 16th Annual Meeting of the Environmental Mutagen
Society in Las Vegas, Nevada, 1985.
Method:Plates/test: not stated
Activation system: S-9 fraction from unspecified source
Media: McCoy’s 5a medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum,
penicillin, streptomycin and L-glutamine.
No. replicates: not stated
Reliability:(3) Not reliable
Reference:
Brusick (1986)

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5.6

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

GENETIC TOXICITY IN VIVO
(a)
Type:
Drosophila SLRL test
Species/strain:
Drosophila melanogasterSex:
Female [ ]; Male [X]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ ]Strain:otherRoute of Administration:
inhalation
Exposure period:
24 hours
Doses:
5mL in a bottle of 125 mL volume, conc. 0.01%
Results:
positive (p<0.001); all germ cell stage were found to be susceptible.
Genotoxic effects:+ ? [X] [ ] [ ]Method:other
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Test substance:hydrogen chloride
Remarks:
Strain: Oregon-K
Method: treatment with the vapour phase in glass bottles; test for sex-linked
lethals: Muller-5 technique according to Demerec M., Genetics, 33, 337-348(1948) and Spencer W.P. and Stern C., Genetics, 33,43 (1948); descriptive
statistic.
The substance has the potential to cause mutagenic events.

Reliability
Reference::(3) Not reliable
Stumm-Tegethoff, B.F.A. (1969)

(b)
Type:
Drosophila SLRL test
Species/strain:
Drosophila melanogasterSex:
Female [ ]; Male [X]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ ]Strain:otherRoute of Administration:oral feed
Exposure period:
Doses:
0.01%
Results:
positive (p<0.001).
Genotoxic effects:+ ? [X] [ ] [ ]Method:other
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Test substance:hydrochloric acid
Remarks:
Strain: Oregon-K
Method: larval feeding experiment; test for sex-linked lethals: Muller-5
technique according to Demerec M., Genetics, 33, 337-348 (1948) andSpencer W.P. and Stern C., Genetics, 33,43 (1948).
The substance has the potential to cause mutagenic events.
Reliability:(3) Not reliable
Reference:Stumm-Tegethoff, B.F.A. (1969)

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5.7

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002CARCINOGENICITY(a)
Species/strain:
Rat / SD
Sex:
Female [ ]; Male [ X ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ ]Route of Administration:
Inhalation
Exposure period:
Maximum, 128 weeks (for life)
Frequency of treatment: 6 hours/day, 5 days/week.
Post exposure observation period: Not described
Doses:
10.0 ppm (9.7 mg/m3)
Control group:
Yes [ X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ];Concurrent no treatment [ ]; Concurrent vehicle [ X ]; Historical [ ]Results:
There were no statistical differences between the mortality of the hydrogenchloride and air control groups. No preneoplastic or neoplastic nasal lesion
was observed in any group, but hyperplasia of the larynx and trachea wasobserved in treated animals (22/99 and 26/99, respectively). Tumour
responses were similar in the treated and control groups, the total
incidences of tumours at various sites being 19/99, 25/99 and 24/99 intreated, air control and colony control animals, respectively.
Observation

HCl
99

99

99

Hyperplasia

22

2

2

Squamous metaplasia

0

0

0

Hyperplasia

26

6

2

Squamous metaplasia

0

0

0

Rhinitis

81

72

70

Epithelial or
squamous hyperplasia

62

51

45

Squamous metaplasia

9

5

6

Polyps or papillomas

0

0

0

Squamous cell
carcinoma

000Adenocarcinoma

0

0

0

Mixed carcinoma

0

0

0

Fibrosarcoma

0

0

0

Esthesioneuroepithelioma

0

0

0

19

25

24

TracheaNasal
mucosaTotal no. of tumors

Remarks:

ColonyNo. animals examined
Larynx

Method:GLP:Test substance:

Air

Other
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrogen chloride, purity: 99.0% grade, Matheson Gas Products, East
Rutherford, N.J.)
Method: Three groups of 100 male rats, nine weeks old, were unexposed

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Reliabilities:
Remarks:
Reference:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
(colony controls), exposed by inhalation to air (air control) or exposed to 10
ppm of hydrogen chloride. Complete necropsy was performed on eachanimal and particular attention was give to the respiratory tract.
The experiment was conducted on the aim to investigate the carcinogenic
response to the combined and separate exposures to formaldehyde andhydrochloric acid.
(2) Reliable with restrictions
Comparable to the guideline study with acceptable restriction
Sellakumar, A.R. et al., (1985)(b)Species/strain:
Rat / SD
Sex:
Female [ ]; Male [ X ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ ]Route of Administration:
Inhalation
Exposure period:
588 days (19.4 months)
Frequency of treatment: 6 hours/ day, 4.7 days/ week or two-thirds of each week
Postexposure observation period: No
Doses:
Average concentration; 10.2 ppm
Control group:
Yes [ X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ];Concurrent no treatment [ ]; Concurrent vehicle [ X ]; Historical [ ]Results:
No carcinogenic response was observed. Mortality after 588 days
(19.4months) was 29% in treated rats and 28% in airsham-exposed rats; at
necropsy no nasal cancers were observed. There was no significant weightloss in treated group.
Method:Other
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Test substance:
Hydrogen chloride, purity; 99.0% grade, Matheson Gas ProductRemarks:
Method: Twenty rats of 9-week-old were treated with hydrogen chloride gas
or air sham-exposed as control. Complete necropsy was performed on eachanimals and particular attention was given to the respiratory tract.
The experiment was conducted on the aim to investigate the carcinogenic
response to the combined and separate exposures to formaldehyde andhydrochloric acid.
Reliability:
Reference:(3) Not reliable
Albert, R.E. et al. (1982)(c)Species/strain:
Mouse / (Strain not described.)
Sex:
Female [ ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ X ]; No data [ ]Route of Administration: dermal
Exposure period:
25 - 46 weeks
Frequency of treatment: The applications were repeated at intervals of 1 to 2 days till the first
appearance of macroscopic lesions, and renewed on the average twice
weekly later on.
Post exposure observation period: Not described
Doses:
Average concentration of 3 - 5% Hydrochloric acid (the volume used was not
specified)
Control group:
Yes [ ]; No [X ]; No data [ ];140

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5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

Results:

Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference::

Concurrent no treatment [ ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]Hydrochloric acid treatment failed to produce malignant tumor growth.
Repeated applications resulted in production of papillomatous lesion in 15
animals (7 males and 8 females).
Other
Method: Fifty-two male and forty-seven female mice including 4 different
strains were treated and the skin on the dorsum in the sacral region waspainted without any previous epilation. The applications were repeated forabout 4 to 6 weeks from the time of the first appearance of papillary growths
and then discontinued. The total period of applications ranged from 25 to 46
weeks.
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acid, no data
This experiment was conducted on the basis of the assumption that any
chemical substance able to cause irritation of the skin can lead to theformation of cancer after prolonged and repeated applications. Crude coal tar(Ol. Lithanthracis) was used as tumor producing or carcinogenic agents.
(3) Not reliable
Narat, J. K. (1925).

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5.8

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

TOXICITY TO REPRODUCTION
Type:
Fertility [ ]; One generation study [ X ]; Two generation study [ ]; Other [ ]Species/strain:
Rat/Wistar
Sex:
Female [X ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ ]Route of Administration:
Inhalation
Exposure period:
Once, 12 days prior to mating period.
Frequency of treatment: 1 h/day
Postexposure observation period: not specified, but after weaning.
Premating exposure period:
male: no exposure, female: Once, 12 days prior to mating period.
Duration of the test:
From 12 days prior to mating period untill three month after parturition(offspring).
Doses:
450 mg/m3 (0.45 mg/L)
Control group:
Yes [ X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ]; but, not specified
Concurrent no treatment [ X ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]NOEL Parental:
N/A
NOEL F1 Offspring: N/A
Results:
General parental toxicity: Hemorrhagic oedema of the lungs; one third of
the animals died of severe dyspnea and cyanosis; the surviving animals
showed functional disorders of the lungs, the kidneys and the liver.
Repro. toxicity (parental): not stated.
Repro. toxicity (offspring) (weights of litter, postnatal growth, viability,etc.): Mainly the male offsprings suffered from functional disorders of thelungs, the kidneys and the liver. Mortality of offspring was not increased but
body weight gain was decreased until the 4th week.
Method:Other
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Test substance:
Hydrogen chloride in air.
Remarks:
Treatment was performed to non-pregnant rats. Number of maternal rats used
was not specified.
Maternal body weight change, fertility index, any parameters during
gestation, delivery and lactation were not shown.
Reliability:(4) Not assignable
Reference:
Pavlova, T.E. (1976)

5.9

DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY/TERATOGENICITY(a)
Species/strain:
Rat/Wistar
Sex:
Female [ X ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ ]Route of Administration:
Inhalation
Duration of the test:
not exactly specified, but untill three month after parturition (offspring).
Exposure period:
Once, on the 9th day of gestation
Frequency of treatment: 1 h/day
Doses:
450 mg/m3 (0.45 mg/L)
Control group:
Yes [ X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ];Concurrent no treatment [ X ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]not specified

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ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

NOEL Maternal Toxicity: N/A
NOEL teratogenicity: N/A
Results:
maternal toxicity: Hemorrhagic oedema of the lungs; one third of theanimals died of severe dyspnea and cyanosis; the surviving animals showedfunctional disorders of the lungs, the kidneys and the liver.
embryotoxicity: Mainly the male offspring suffered from functional
disorders of the lungs, the kidneys and the liver. Mortality of offspring was
significantly higher compared to controls.
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

Other
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Hydrogen chloride in air.
Pregnant rats were treated. Number of maternal rats used was not specified.
Maternal body weight change, fertility index, any parameters during
gestation and delivery were not shown.
:(4) Not assignable
Pavlova T.E. (1976)(b)Species/strain:
Mice, strain not stated
Sex:
Female [ X ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ ]Route of Administration:
Drinking water
Duration of the test:
not specified
Exposure period:
not specified, but during pregnancy
Frequency of treatment: not specified
Doses:
pH 2.5 (c.a.14.3 mg/kg)
Control group:
Yes [ ]; No [ ]; No data [ X ];Concurrent no treatment [ ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]NOEL Maternal Toxicity: N/A
NOEL teratogenicity: N/A
Results:
No adverse effect was apparently seen.
Method:Other
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Test substance:
no data
Remarks:
Number of mice used was not specified.
Reliability:(4) Not assignable
References:
BIBRA (1990)(c)Species/strain:
Mice (random bred, H-Velaz)
Sex:
Female [ X ]; Male [ ]; Male/Female [ ]; No data [ ]Route of Administration:
intra-amniotic injection to the fetus of right side uterus
Duration of the test:
up to 16th day of gestation
Exposure period:on the 13th day of gestation
Frequency of treatment: once
Doses:
Five females were administered of 2 uL of 0.1M hydrogen chloride.
Control group:
Yes [X ]; No [ ]; No data [ ];Concurrent no treatment [ ]; Concurrent vehicle [ ]; Historical [ ]UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

0.9% NaCl injection
NOEL Maternal Toxicity: N/A
NOEL teratogenicity: N/A
Results:
A slight increase in foetal mortality (5/17) was occurred. Fetus with cleft
palate was observed in one fetus (1/12) of the treated side. While, there weretwo (2/19) of the left side and no fetus (0/17) of the saline treated uterine.
Method:Other
GLP:
Yes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]Test substance:
no data
Remarks:
Number of mice used was not specified.
Reliability:(4) Not assignable
Reference:
Dostal, M. (1973)

5.10

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
Toxicodynamics, toxicokinetics
(a)
Type:
Excretion
Results:
Groups of seven male SD rats fed a low sodium chloride diet for 2 weeks
were used for treatment. Following intravenous infusion of 0.15 Mhydrochloric acid for 60 minutes to rats (ca.50 mL/kg bw per hour), urinary
excretion of the chloride ion was increased.
Remarks:
The study was performed to see the effects of Cl- to the plasma renin activity.
Reliability:(3) Not reliable
References:
Kotchen et al. (1980)
(b)
Type:
Results:

Remarks:
Reliability
References:

5.11

:

Excretion
Groups of ten female mongrel dogs fed a low sodium chloride (0.01%) dietfor at least 1 week were used for treatment. Following intravenous infusionof 0.15 M hydrochloric acid for 60 minutes to dogs (20 mL/kg bw per hour),urinary excretion of the chloride ion was increased in five dogs.
The study was performed to see the effects of Cl- to the plasma renin activity.
(3) Not reliable
Kotchen, T.A. et al. (1980)

EXPERIENCE WITH HUMAN EXPOSURE(1)
Results:

ACUTE TOXICITY, SUICIDE
Thirty eight year-old woman
Ingestion of c.a. 60 mL of 35% hydrochloric acid to kill herself.
After 1 hour: metabolic acidosis, Hypoxemia
After 2 hours: thrombocytopenia, DIC (Disseminated Intravascular
Coagulation),
After 29 hours: multiple organ failure, death.

Remarks:

144

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5. TOXICITY
Reliability
Reference:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002:

(2)
Results:

Remarks:
Reliability
Reference:

ACUTE TOXICITY, HUMAN EXPERIMENTNo deaths occurred in human following the inhalation of hydrogen chloride
for 5 minutes.
LCL0 = 4.53 mg/L/5 min (3000 ppm/ 5 min):(3)
Results:

Remarks:
Reliability
Reference::

Remarks:(5)
Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:(3) Not reliable
European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000)
ACUTE TOXICITY, HUMAN EXPERIMENTNo deaths occurred in human following the inhalation of hydrogen chloride
for 30 minutes.
LCL0 = 1.96 mg/L/30 min (1300 ppm/ 30 min )(4)
Results:

Reliability
Reference:(3) Not reliable
Hashimura et al. (1996):(3) Not reliable
European Commission- European Chemical Bureau (2000)
ACUTE TOXICITY, HUMAN EXPERIMENT
Short-term exposure to airborne concentration up to 1.8 ppm did not cause
irritation to the respiratory tract of sensitive asthmatic volunteers.
Five male and five female young adult asthmatics were exposed to hydrogenchloride at concentrations of 0 (filtered air), 0.8 or 1.8 ppm via facemasks
for 45 minutes. The facemasks were designed to prevent exposure of theeyes. The concentration of hydrogen chlorine in the test atmospheres wasmonitored by conductivity cell/ion chromatography analysis. Each exposure
session consisted of two 15-minute periods of moderate exercise on atreadmill, interspersed by a 15-minute rest period. There were no increases
in the reporting of symptoms of respiratory tract irritancy or effects on
pulmonary function during or after the hydrogen chloride exposure sessions.
(2) Reliable with restrictions
Stevens et al. (1992)
SKIN IRRITATION/CORROSION
Human
Highly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ ]; Irritating [ ];Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [X ]; Not irritating [ ]Highly corrosive (causes severe burns) [ ]; Corrosive (caused burns) [ ];Irritating [X ]; Not irritating [ ]OtherYes [ X ] No [ ] ? [ ]Hydrochloric acid
Method: Since 9 and 18% of HCl were determined as non-corrosive in vitro
testing as screening test using discs of human tissue, patch test using Hill Top
chambers of HCl (10%) on 30 volunteers at upper outer arm was proceeded
for up to 4h. Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS, 20%) was used as the positive
control.

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5. TOXICITYHYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002
Results: Though six of 30 volunteers showed positive reaction to HCl (10%)
within 4 hours, the degree of reaction was milder than positive control (SDS,20%).
(2) Reliable with restrictions
York, M.H. et al. (1996)

Reliability :Reference:(6)
Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference::(7)
Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:

146:

SKIN IRRITATION/CORROSION
Human
Highly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ ];Irritating []; Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [X ]; Not irritating [ ]Highly corrosive (causes severe burns) [ ];Corrosive (caused burns) [ ]; Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]OtherYes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acid, Danish Pharmacopea quality.
Method: Closed patch test were applied to the flexor side of both upper armsof 20 healthy volunteers (12 males and 8 females) for 24 hours. Propanol,
sterile water and an empty chamber were served as controls and evaluation of
the reaction was performed after, 48 and 96.
Results: After 24 hours of application, 14 out of 20 clinically responded
positively (very weak to weak erythema) to the test substance (4% HCl inwater). Among the positive responders, 1 severe reaction was seen withulceration after 48 hours.
Remarks: Informed consent was obtained from all volunteers and the study
was approved by the local ethcal committee.
(3) Not reliable
Agner, T and Serup, J. (1989)
SKIN IRRITATION/CORROSION
Human
Highly corrosive [ ]; Corrosive [ ]; Highly irritating [ ];Irritating [ ]; Moderate irritating [ ]; Slightly irritating [ X ]; Not irritating [ ]Highly corrosive (causes severe burns) [ ];Corrosive (caused burns) [ ]; Irritating [ ]; Not irritating [ ]OtherYes [ ] No [ ] ? [ X ]Hydrochloric acid
Method: Closed patch test with 4% of Hydrochloric acid was applied to botharms (anterolateral surface of the upper arm) of 16 healthy Caucasianvolunteers for 24 hours. Distilled water was used as control. The degree of
inflammation was scored visually according to a modified method describedby Fregert S. (1974, Manual of contact dermatitis) 24 or 96 hours after
application.
Results: Median visual score at 24 and 96 hours after application showed
weak positive reaction (erythema, possibly slight infiltration) and no reaction,
respectively.
(3) Not reliable
Agner, T. and Serup, J. (1988)

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
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ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002

(8)
Results:

SKIN IRRITATION/CORROSION
Brief contact with concentrated hydrochloric acid has caused ulceration andsevere burns to human skin.

Remarks:
Reliability :Reference:(3) Not reliable
BIBRA (1990)(9)
Results:
Remarks:
Reliability
References:

SKIN IRRITATION/CORROSION
Contact with solutions to human skin described as dilute (where defined, 410%) for 2 hours or longer, sometimes repeatedly, has produced irritation.
:(10)
Results:
Remarks:
Reliability
References::(11)
Results:
Remarks:
Reliability
References::(12)
Results:
Remarks:
Reliability
References::(13)
Results:

Remarks:
Reliability
References::(3) Not reliable
BIBRA (1990)

SKIN IRRITATION/CORROSION
When used in 24- or 48-hr covered patch tests to human to detect thesensitized state, 1% hydrochloric acid has been described as irritant.
No data have been produced to support this statement.
(3) Not reliable
BIBRA (1990)
SKIN IRRITATION/CORROSION
Uncovered contact to human skin with solutions of around 1% caused
stinging.
The stinging response apparently occurs only in susceptible individuals andis not directly related to irritation.
(3) Not reliable
BIBRA (1990)

EYE IRRITATION/CORROSION
Dilute solutions produce mild irritation to human eyes, while concentrated
solutions can cause permanent damage and loss of sight.
concentration was not specified.
(3) Not reliable
BIBRA (1990)
EYE IRRITATION/CORROSION
According to a standard text, brief contact with acids of pH in excess of 2(<0.04% for hydrochloric acid) can produce stinging but no damage tohuman eyes.
The basis for this statement is not clear.
(3) Not reliable
BIBRA (1990)

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(14)
Results:EYE IRRITATION/CORROSION
Exposure to high concentrations of mist or vapour is immediately irritating
and may cause damage or blindness.
No further details(3) Not reliable
BIBRA (1990)

Remarks:
Reliability
References:

:

(15)
Type:
Species/strain:
Results:
Classification:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference::(16)
Results:

Remarks:
Reliability
Reference:

REPEATED EXPOSURE, HUMAN
Ingestion by 4 healthy volunteers of HCl at 50 mM/day for 4 days resulted ina fall in blood urea and urinary urea, with a concomitant rise in urinary
excretion of ammonia (NH4+).
:(17)
Results:
Remarks:

Reliability
Reference:(18)
Results:

148

SKIN SENSITIZATIONPatch Test
Human
Sensitizing [ ]; Not sensitizing [X]; ambiguous [ ]Sensitizing [ ]; Not sensitizing [ ]otherYes [ ] No [ ] ? [X]hydrochloric acid
Fifty subjects were given nine 24-hr covered application of HCl (atunspecified concentrations) over 3 weeks. None of the subjects gave positive
reactions in a subsequent 24-hr covered patch test 10-14 days after final
induction application.
(3) Not reliable
Gad et al. (1986):(3) Not reliable
Fine, A. et al. (1977)
REPEATED EXPOSURE, HUMAN
Erosion in more than one incisor was observed in the workers of zincgalvanizing plant in the Netherlands.
In the plant, 15% hydrochloric acid solution was used in the picklingprocess, and the atmospheric concentration of 1.8-12.4 mg/m3 (geometricmean) were observed at 6 sites (ca. 50 samples for each site) of the plant.
The workers were exposed to hydrochloric acid concentration above 7
mg/m3 for 27% of their work (length of employment is not shown) in apersonal exposure monitoring program. Erosion in more than one incisor
were observed in the 34 workers out of 38 workers examined.
(3) Not reliable
Remijn et al. (1982)
CASE CONTROL STUDY
A pilot case control study comprised 39 male and 24 female preleukemia(myelodysplasia) patients. Questionaires in outpatients and home interviews
were used to estimate the exposure to specific chemicals and radiation.

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY

Remarks:
Reliability
Reference:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002:

(19)
Results:

Remarks:
Reliability
Reference:

Hospital patients were compared with outpatient controls matched for age
and sex. No association was established for exposure to hydrochloric acidwith preleukemia.
Pilot study to confirm the effectiveness of methodology.
(3) Not reliable
Farrow A. et al. (1989)
CASE CONTROL STUDY
In a case control study the possible relationship between exposure to
Hydrogen chloride (none, low, middle, high exposure) and lung cancer(trachea, bronchus, lungs) was investigated. 308 lung cancer deaths (deathcertificates) occurring from 1940 through 1980 among a cohort of 12,606
male employees of a chemical plant were compared to two matched (race,year of birth, year of hire) control groups. Adjusted lung cancer risks forduration of exposure, cumulative exposure and highest average exposure did
not show increased relative risks or a dose-related trend.

:(3) Not reliable
Bond et al. (1986) and Bond et al. (1991)(20)

CASE CONTROL STUDY

Results:

A case controlled study of primary intracranial neoplasms conducted at a
US chemical plant, found no association with any exposure to Hydrogenchloride (Odds ratio, 1.40 ; 90%CI, 0.70 – 2.80 for first control group, odds
ratio, 1.02 ; 90%CI, 0.81 – 1.29 for second control group).
Although the odds ratio for exposure to Hydrogen chloride for people who
had been employed for 1-4 years was 2.02 (90%CI, 0.50 – 8.1), no
association was seen for individuals who had been employed for longer than
20 years (Odds ratio, 1.02 ; 90%CI, 0.81 – 1.29).

Remarks:
Reliability
Reference::(21)
Results:

Remarks:
Reliability
Reference:(22)
Results:(3) Not reliable
Bond, G.G. et al. (1983)
CASE CONTROL STUDY
A case controlled study of renal cancer conducted at a US chemical plant,
found no association with any exposure to hydrogen chloride (Odds ratio,
0.90 ; 90%CI, 0.44 – 1.83 for first control group, odds ratio, 0.86 ; 90%CI,
0.40 – 1.86 for second control group).

:(3) Not reliable
Bond et al. (1985)
CASE CONTROL STUDY
In a population based case controlled study of lung cancer (3,730 cancer
patients), no association was found between all cancers of the lung and

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Reliability
Reference:

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE
ID: 7647-01-0
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2002:

(23)
Results:

Remarks:
Reliability
Reference:

CASE CONTROL STUDY
American Cyanamid noted an apparent excess of respiratory cancers among
former employees who worked with Hydrochloric acid. The company said aStandard Mortality Ratio of 1.31 was found for respiratory cancer among
male hired between 1925 and 1973 at Lindane facility (138.8 expected and182 observed). The number of employee was 7,153.
All cases of respiratory cancer were documented to be smokers.
(3) Not reliable
ANON, ed. (1987)(24)
Results:

COHORT STUDY
In the study of 1,165 male workers employed in 1940-64 in the three US
steel–pickling operations for at least six months, a subset of 189 workers
had been exposed to mists of acids other than sulfuric, which were primarilyof hydrochloric acid. An excess risk for lung cancer was seen (standardizedmortality ratio [SMR], 2.24 [95%CI, 1.02-2.46]; 9 deaths). The excess
persisted for workers who had been employed in 1950-54 when othersteelworkers were used as a control for socio-economic and life-style factors
such as smoking (SMR, 2.00; 95%CI,1.06-3.78).

Remarks:

The other acid s used at the steel plants included hydrochloric, nitric,hydrofluoric, and hydrocyanoic acid with hydrochloric acid being mostcommonly used.
(3) Not reliable
Beaumont, J.J. et al. (1987)

Reliability
Reference:150:

exposure to hydrogen chloride.
Remarks: Exposure was not limited to Hydrochloric acid. A case control
study in Canada(3) Not reliable
Siemiatycki, J., ed. (1991):

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
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