itric acid is a very corrosive compound when in concentrated form such as that commonly used in industrial and

chemical processes. It is present in nature in very minute amounts. Severe thunderstorms can produce
temperatures high enough to generate nitrogen dioxide which combines with water to form nitric acid. This is either
rained or washed out of the atmosphere in very low concentrations. Nitric acid from this source readily reacts with
ammonia in the atmosphere to form ammonium nitrate.

Entering the environment

Nitric acid exists in the atmosphere in the gas phase. The atmospheric removal processes for gaseous nitric acid
are by wet and dry deposition. The estimated half-life and lifetime for dry deposition of nitric acid is 1.5 to 2 days
and 2 to 3 days, respectively, and efficient rain out during episodic precipitation events. Nitric acid reacts with
gaseous ammonia to form particulate or aerosol nitrate, which in turn is removed by wet and dry deposition of the
particles. The average half-life and lifetime for particles in the atmosphere is about 3.5 to 10 days and 5 to 15 days,
respectively.

Where it ends up
In the atmosphere, nitric acid is present in very minute quantities as a gas or vapour. It reacts with ammonia in the
atmosphere to form a nitrate compound that is unlikely to persist for more than 10 to 15 days. Nitric acid does not
build up in plant or animal tissues largely because of its highly reactive properties. In a concentrated form, nitric
acid reacts very quickly with many other commonly occurring natural or manufactured substances and compounds.
In some cases this can produce a vigorous reaction in the form of a chemical fire or explosion.

Environmental guidelines
No national guideline for nitric acid.

Source of emission

Industry sources
Released from industries producing, using or handling nitric acid, for example chemical plants, metal, electronic,
printing, glass, rubber and plastics plants and industries. Where ever very high temperature combustion takes place
in the atmosphere in the presence of nitrogen, oxygen and water. May be present in small amounts in some wastewater from intensive farm factories and other facilities which produce waste-water containing high level of nitrogen.

Diffuse sources, and industry sources included in diffuse

emissions data
May be present in exhaust gases from motor vehicles, the exhaust of incinerators or other chemical plants, or
where these are in contact with moisture in the air. Unlikely to persist in nature because it readily reacts with a wide
variety of naturally occurring substances.

Natural sources
Rare in nature as a gas in the atmosphere, in groundwater around active volcanic regions, or drainage from areas
where accumulated organic or animal wastes are present.

Transport sources
Exhaust chambers in motor vehicles.

Consumer products
Could be retained as small amounts in products where it has been used in the manufacturing or treatment process.

Health effects
Description
Nitric acid is very corrosive compound. The vapour is very irritating to the eyes, throat, lungs and corrosive to the
teeth. If the vapour is inhaled in significant amounts it will result in severe coughing, chest pain and shortness of
breath. Contact with the skin will result in a severe corrosive burn.

Entering the body

Trace amounts of nitric acid are present in the air circulating in and around major cities. It may be absorbed in
minute amounts by inhaling it as a vapour. or swallowing it in liquid form.

Exposure
Most people are exposed outdoors to very minute amounts of nitric acid derived from exhaust fumes or the burning
of some organic compounds that contain nitrogen. It is also present in small quantities in rain from areas where
nitric oxide (a product of combustion) reacts with ozone and water to form nitric acid. People living near industries
that produce or use nitric acid may be exposed to minute quantities of the compound as a result of low rates of
emission. Nitric acid may form in minute amounts wherever very high temperatures are generated in the presence
of air (nitrogen and oxygen) and water.

Health guidelines
Worksafe Australia:
Human exposure to nitric acid should be a time weighted average of less than 5.2 milligrams per cubic metre of air
in an 8 hour period. Short term exposure over a 15 minute period of no more than 10 mg/m3 air is recommended.