Synonyms
As noted in ChemIDPlus Lite, an on-line database by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, and PubChem, a database by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), here are a few of the names acetic acid may go by: Acetasol; Acetic acid, glacial; Aceticum acidum; Aci-Jel; Acide acetique; Acido acetico; Azijnzuur; BRN 0506007; CCRIS 5952; Caswell No. 003; EINECS 200-580-7; EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 044001; Essigsaeure; Ethanoic Acid; Ethanoic acid monomer; Ethylic acid; FEMA No. 2006; Glacial acetic acid; HSDB 40; Kyselina octova; Methanecarboxylic acid; NSC 132953; Octowy kwas; Orlex; Pyroligneous acid; UNII-Q40Q9N063P; Vinegar acid; Vosol CAS Number: 64-19-7 Molecular Formula: C2H4O2
Cleaning Uses
Because acetic acid kills fungus and microbes, it is great for general disinfecting and combating mold and mildew. It can be found in several conventional and green cleaning products, such as mold and mildew cleaners, floor cleaners, window cleaners, surface cleaners, cleaning and dusting sprays, and roof cleaners, in the form of vinegar or as an ingredient by itself.
Other Uses
Acetic acid is used in several industries, such as the chemical (acidifier and neutralizer), agricultural (e.g., herbicide to control weeds), canning (e.g., flavoring for pickles), textile and dye (e.g., nylon production, dye catalyst), food (preservative for livestock grains and hay), cosmetics (bleaching agent), and manufacturing industries (e.g., production of lacquers).
Product Brands Containing Acetic Acid
To see if certain products contain acetic acid, try searching the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Household Products Database, the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Guide to Healthy Cleaning, the Good Guide, or the EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. Remember, if using the general term “acetic acid” doesn’t generate a lot of results, try entering one of its synonyms.
Regulation
When acetic acid is used in personal care products, food, or drugs it is monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For other uses, such as pesticides and cleaning products, it is monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The last periodic registration review of acetic acid by the EPA (Case #4001) began in 2008.
Health and Safety
According to the FDA, acetic acid and its sodium salt, sodium diacetate, are GRAS or “generally recognized as safe.” The EPA notes there is no need for concern. However, citric acid does have some safety and health concerns, especially for those working with the chemical, as noted in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC) on acetic acid.
Environmental Effects
According to the EPA, acetic acid is a chemical compound naturally present in all living organisms. It is also biodegradable and readily breaks down into carbon dioxide and water. However, in the 2008 “Acetic Acid and Salts Final Work Plan (FWP) for Registration Review” by the EPA, the EPA noted that an ecological risk assessment is still needed, including its effect on endangered species, when used as a weed controller.
