Is adipic acid a hazardous material

Is adipic acid a hazardous material? 1. Chemical properties and basic uses Adipic acid is a white crystalline solid with the chemical formula C ₆ H ₁₀ O ₄. It is stable at room temperature and slightly soluble in water. It is mainly used in the production of industrial materials such as nylon and polyester resin, and also serves as a food acidity regulator (E355) for beverage and candy processing. This compound is widely used in the chemical industry, but its safety risks are often overlooked.
According to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) standards, adipic acid is not classified as a flammable, corrosive, or highly toxic substance. When the dust concentration reaches 15g/m ³ in the air, it may form an explosive mixture, and special attention should be paid to dust control in enclosed spaces. Animal experiments have shown that long-term inhalation of high concentrations of adipic acid dust may cause respiratory irritation, but there is no significant toxicity observed in human exposure to conventional doses. The EU CLP regulation labels it as' potentially causing long-term harm to aquatic environments' and storage should avoid polluting water bodies.
3. Risk Case Analysis in Industrial Scenarios
In 2021, a chemical plant in Jiangsu Province experienced a ventilation system failure, resulting in the accumulation of adipic acid powder in the workshop. A worker who was not wearing a protective mask inhaled excessive dust during the cleaning process, resulting in persistent coughing and a burning sensation on the mucous membrane. The accident investigation report pointed out that the incident exposed the company's negligence in the dust explosion protection process. Laboratory tests have shown that when the concentration of adipic acid dust exceeds 30g/m ³ in a confined space, it will ignite violently when exposed to an open flame. The US Chemical Safety Board (CSB) has recorded similar cases of dust explosions, where shock waves caused equipment damage.
4. Suggestions for Safety Production Operation Norms
Operating Environment Requirements: - Configure a local exhaust system with a ventilation rate of no less than 6 times per hour - Use anti-static tools for powder packaging operations - Control the humidity in the storage area within the range of 40% -60%
Page 1 of 3 Personal Protection Standards: 1 When in contact with powder, it is necessary to wear an EN149 standard FFP2 level mask Equipped with chemical goggles and acid resistant gloves Work clothes must have anti-static function and be replaced and cleaned daily. Waste disposal system: - Solid waste must be collected centrally and incinerated at high temperatures by certified units. - Liquid residues must be neutralized to a pH value of 6.5-8.5 before being discharged. - Transport vehicles must be equipped with UN certified leak proof containers.
5. Comparison of global regulatory differences.
In China's "List of Hazardous Chemicals" (2023 version), adipic acid is not included in the main regulatory list, but it must comply with the warning signs specified in GB13690 "Classification and Hazard Disclosure of Chemicals". OSHA in the United States has included it in the management category of "industrial dust requiring special treatment" and requires companies to conduct quarterly dust concentration testing. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has established a daily allowable intake (ADI) standard for food grade adipic acid at 5mg/kg body weight, which is stricter than the EU's 10mg/kg standard.
6. Emergency Response Reference Plan
Dust Leakage Handling: 1 Immediately start the regional isolation program 2 Use a vacuum collection device to clean up scattered objects Prohibit the use of compressed air for blowing
Fire extinguishing strategy: - Use dry powder fire extinguishers to suppress primary fires
For large-scale combustion, use mist water for cooling
Firefighters must wear full sets of chemical protective clothing
Medical emergency measures: - Rinse with physiological saline for more than 20 minutes when in contact with the eyes - Immediately take 200ml of milk to protect the digestive tract - Observe breathing conditions in a semi seated position after inhalation exposure
7. Industrial technology upgrading direction
BASF's biological preparation process developed in 2023 has reduced dust generation by 72% in the production process
. The new granulation equipment can convert powdered products into 0.5-1mm particles, effectively avoiding dust risks. China Wanhua Chemical is testing an automated packaging line under nitrogen environment, completely eliminating the possibility of combustion through inert gas protection.
In industrial production systems, although adipic acid itself is not defined as a high-risk chemical, its physical form and usage scenarios may pose specific risks. Strictly implementing operational standards, improving protective facilities, and establishing a dynamic monitoring system are the core elements to ensure safe production. With the advancement of technology, the risk management of these chemicals is continuously evolving towards intelligence and systematization.