Open AccessSpills of Acids and Bases
Author(s) -
Felix Gsell
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
chimia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.387
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 2673-2424
pISSN - 0009-4293
DOI - 10.2533/000942904777678343
Subject(s) - spillage , hazardous waste , human decontamination , contamination , nitrous oxide , waste management , nitrous acid , environmental science , chemistry , risk analysis (engineering) , business , organic chemistry , engineering , ecology , biology
Due to their hazardous characteristics acids and bases present an intrinsic risk in the event of spillage. To prevent injuries from chemical contamination, HazMat unit personnel use protective suits and proper decontamination procedures. Nitrous acid is especially insidious since it causes severe burns with wounds that take a long time to heal. In addition it produces hydrogen and nitrous oxide gases by redox reactions with metals. Risk assessment for a production site and case studies of incidents are presented.