Peracetic Acid (CH₃CO₃H)
CAS Number:
79-21-0
Peracetic acid (PAA, CH₃CO₃H) is a highly reactive oxidizing agent and disinfectant used extensively in food and beverage processing, healthcare sterilization, water treatment, and the pharmaceutical industry. It has a pungent, acrid vinegar-like odor detectable at very low concentrations. Peracetic acid is a strong irritant to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, and at higher concentrations can cause pulmonary edema and severe chemical burns. It is also a sensitizer that can cause occupational asthma. Workers in food processing facilities, hospitals using PAA-based sterilizers, and water treatment plants face the greatest exposure risk.
Peracetic acid (PAA) vapor monitoring helps confirm worker safety during disinfection and sterilization when PAA-based chemicals are used and airborne levels can rise quickly. RAECO Rents gas monitors are bump tested or span calibrated on the day of shipment. Our team can help confirm the right monitor, alarms, and setup for the job, with fast turnaround and phone support so you can get reliable field readings quickly.
