Phosphoric acid (fos-FOR-ik AS-id) melts at a temperature just above room temperature (about 20°C; 68°F), so would be expected to occur as a solid under those conditions. As a solid, the acid is a white crystalline material with a strong tendency to absorb moisture from the air. In fact, phosphoric acid may also occur as a supercooled liquid at room temperature. A supercooled liquid is one that remains in a liquid state at temperatures below its freezing point, at which temperature it would be expected to be a solid. As a liquid, phosphoric acid is a colorless, odorless, syrupy liquid whose character is sometimes described as sparkling. In the following, we want to introduce you to phosphoric acid in detergents.
Phosphoric acid is commercially available in a number of technical grades, ranging from agricultural (relatively low purity) to technical (from 50 to 100 percent purity) to FCC (Food Chemicals Codes) quality of at least 75 percent phosphoric acid.
The remaining 5 percent of phosphoric acid produced is used in a very wide range of commercial, industrial, and household products, including:
• For pickling cleaning and treating metallic surfaces, especially in the steel industry
• In the synthesis of inorganic chemical compounds
• As a catalyst in the manufacture of ethanol (ethyl alcohol), ethylene, and other organic compounds
• As a food additive in a number of products, such as colas, beers, jams, and cheeses, where it adds a touch of tartness to the product
• In the dentistry profession, where it is used to etch and clean teeth
• In a number of consumer products, such as soaps, detergents, and toothpastes
• As a refining and clarifying agent in the production of sugar
• In the dyeing of cotton
•As a binder for cement
• In the manufacture of waxes and polishes and In water and sewage treatment plants
Phosphates (compounds made from phosphoric acid) were once used widely as “builders” in detergents. A builder is a compound that increases the cleaning efficiency of the detergent. The problem is that phosphates that escape into the natural environment can result in some undesirable changes in fresh water systems. Algae living in these systems use phosphate to grow and multiply, resulting in the conversion of fresh water lakes and ponds into swamps and bogs, and, eventually, into dry fields, a process known as eutrophication. Because of this effect, the use of phosphates in detergents has been banned in most parts of the United States.
Phosphoric acid in detergents is an extremely hazardous and toxic compound. In small amounts, it causes irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. If ingested, it can cause serious damage to the digestive system, resulting in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty in breathing, shock, and occasionally death by asphyxiation (suffocation). The most serious health hazards posed by phosphoric acid are of concern primarily to people who work with the product. The amount of phosphoric acid present in most domestic and household products is very small and poses little risk to users of those products.
Phosphoric Acid Cleaner is a fast act- ing, easy to use acid-base cleaner for pre-cast concrete, concrete, masonry, grout, tile and natural stone surfaces. Phosphoric Acid Cleaner will remove cement grout haze and mortar residue, joint cement, lime & hardwater deposits, efflorescence, rust and other dirt and grime. Phosphoric Acid Cleaner is suitable for interior and exterior use. Due to the nature of phos- phoric acid, Phosphoric Acid Cleaneris a milder alternative to other acid- base cleaners for concrete, tile, grout and natural stone surfaces this is a Benefits and harms of phosphoric acid.
• Acid and the vapors, no matter how mild, may etch, lighten or alter the color of tile, cementious and natural stone surfaces.
• Repeated acidwashing may damage some surfaces.
• Avoid contactwith all metals Do not mixwith ammoniated cleaners as harmful fumes may result.
• Be careful and read the instructions before using the phosphoric acid cleanser.
Typically, products containing muriatic acid or phosphoric acid detegents are best for removing hard water stains from glass. It’s important to note that this is a specialized process, because of the dangers posed by using caustic acids and you should not attempt to use these products on your own. Hiring a professional window cleaning company is the smartest and safest option.
Phosphoric acid is a strong substance. Phosphoric acid is widely used in detergents. Note that when using this material, follow some instructions.