Hydrochloric acid, solution 2 M

HCl – hydrogen chloride – is a gas at room temperature. This gas is colorless, pungent, and extremely corrosive. It smokes in moist air and easily dissolves in water to form hydrochloric acid. It used to be called muriatic ("pertaining to brine or salt") acid, presumably referring to its chlorine component. It was also known to alchemists as 'spirit of salt.' It is a strong acid with a wide range of industrial uses. Hydrochloric acid is commonly used to regulate the basicity (pH) of solutions. Hydrochloric acid is used in the food, pharmaceutical, and drinking water to control the pH of process water streams. Our bodies also contain hydrochloric acid: the digestive fluids in the stomach consist of a mixture of hydrochloric acid and various enzymes that help break down the products we consume.

Hazard information

Hazard statements

• Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
• May cause respiratory irritation.
• May be corrosive to metals.

Precautionary statements

• Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
• Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
• Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor.
• IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do – continue rinsing.