Sources/Uses
"TSCA Definition 2008: The brown polymeric product from the decomposition of organic matter, particularly dead plants. This combination of polymers may contain aromatic and heterocyclic structures, carboxy groups, and nitrogen." [ChemIDplus] Decomposition product of organic matter found in soils, coals, and peat; Chelate metals, especially iron and used in mud baths, drilling muds, pigments for printing inks, fertilizers, plant growth hormones, and transporters of trace minerals in soils; [Merck Index] Permitted for use as an inert ingredient in non-food pesticide products; [EPA] " It is not a single acid; rather, it is a complex mixture of many different acids containing carboxyl and phenolate groups so that the mixture behaves functionally as a dibasic acid or, occasionally, as a tribasic acid. Humic acids can form complexes with ions that are commonly found in the environment creating humic colloids." [Wikipedia]
Comments
Causes changes in structure or function of endocrine pancreas, changes in bladder weight, weight loss, and changes in thyroid weight (goiter) in repeated-dose oral studies of rodents; [RTECS] A skin and strong eye irritant; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]