Lactic Acid 88% Safety

Ingredients
1

I’ve read the MSDS, but curious how safe lactic 88% is to handle? It’s pretty syrupy and I figure at some point some may drip on my skin.

Does anyone take special precautions on there brewing gear, clothing, skin etc?

2

acidulated malt addition
https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=26239

3

I use it in many lighter colored recipes that to help keep the mash pH in an appropriate range. I take no special precautions when using it.  If I get some on my skin, I rinse it off well.  That’s about it.

Oh yeah, and I don’t drink from the bottle… :wink:

4

I have used 88% lactic acid for years with no issues at all. Rinse it off if you get some on you, but otherwise no worries. It’s pretty safe as acids go. If you’ve ever used CLR for cleaning, it’s the same stuff.

5

Yeah, we’re not savages! I mixed mine w some seltzer before drinking.

6

Definitely. Lactic is one of the ‘safer’ acids since it does not fume and isn’t highly active. I’ve had it on me and had no problem getting it off my skin and avoiding a burn when washed off quickly. The main ingredient in CLR is lactic acid, but please don’t use that since there are other chemicals in there and you have no assurance that its food-safe.

High strength phosphoric acid is similar to lactic acid and has similar handling cautions. You must keep it off sensitive organs like eyes and mucous membranes and you need to avoid skin contact. If it gets on your skin, you must wash it off immediately.

Using these acids is not a morbid potential for doom and bodily injury. Recognize that these are dangerous chemicals that could seriously damage equipment and yourself. Treat them with great respect and care. Use appropriate measuring and dosing equipment so that you avoid coming into contact with the acids in the first place. Medicine droppers and pipettes with suction bulbs are ideal for handling acids and they should keep you out of trouble.

What was the 9/11 mantra? Don’t be afraid, be alert.

7

I’m clumsy and sloppy and have spilled it on myself many times.  About the same effects as spilling water on myself.

8

Melting?