{"hq_id":"hq-p-spe-000044","name":"Rust remover / naval jelly (phosphoric acid-based)","category":{"primary":"specialty","secondary":"metal treatment","tags":["rust remover","naval jelly","phosphoric acid","corrosive"]},"product_tier":"SPE","overall_risk_level":"high","description":"Viscous gel or liquid rust remover containing phosphoric acid (typically 10-40%) and/or hydrochloric acid. Converts iron oxide (rust) to iron phosphate, which can be rinsed or wiped away. Highly corrosive to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Phosphoric acid causes severe chemical burns. Hydrochloric acid formulations generate irritating/corrosive fumes. Some products also contain isopropanol as a solvent. Strict PPE required for use.","synthesis":{"derived_risk_level":"moderate","synthesis_confidence":0.5,"synthesis_method":"compound_composition","context_used":"human_adult","context_source":"product_users","exposure_modifier":1.1,"vulnerability_escalated":false,"escalation_reason":null,"compounds_resolved":2,"compounds_total":2,"synthesis_date":"2026-05-09","synthesis_version":"1.2.0","methodology_note":"exposure_modifier and adjusted_magnitude are computed from ALETHEIA-calibrated heuristics (route × duration × frequency multipliers, clamped to [0.5, 1.4]). Multipliers are directionally informed by EPA Exposure Factors Handbook (2011) and CalEPA OEHHA but are not regulatory consensus. See /api/methodology for full disclosure."},"hazard_summary":{"sensitive_populations":"adult (user)","overall_risk":"high","primary_concerns":["Severe chemical burns to skin and eyes","Corrosive fume inhalation (HCl)","Reactive mixing hazard with bleach (chlorine gas)","Ingestion causes severe GI tract burns"],"exposure_routes":"dermal, ocular, inhalation, ingestion"},"exposure":{"routes":["dermal","ocular","inhalation","ingestion"],"contact_types":["skin_direct","eye_splash","inhalation","oral_incidental"],"users":["adult"],"duration":"acute","frequency":"occasional","scenarios":["Skin contact with corrosive gel","Eye splash during application","HCl fume inhalation in enclosed space","Mixing with bleach generating chlorine gas"],"notes":"Chemical burns from phosphoric/hydrochloric acid can penetrate deep into tissue. Immediate decontamination is critical."},"consumer_guidance":{"red_flags":[{"indicator":"Contains hydrochloric acid","meaning":"More corrosive and generates harmful fumes vs. phosphoric acid-only formulations","action":"Choose phosphoric acid-only products when possible; avoid HCl in enclosed spaces"}],"green_flags":[],"what_to_ask":[],"alternatives":[{"name":"Citric acid-based rust remover","notes":"Biodegradable; much less corrosive than phosphoric/hydrochloric acid; effective for light rust"},{"name":"Electrolytic rust removal","notes":"Uses electric current and washing soda; no acids; safe for delicate parts"}],"notes":null},"regulatory":{"applicable_regulations":[{"jurisdiction":"USA","regulation":"GHS labeling (OSHA HCS)","citation":null,"requirements":"Corrosive classification with full GHS labeling required.","compliance_status":null,"effective_date":null,"enforcing_agency":"OSHA","penalties":null,"source_ref":null}],"certifications":[],"labeling":{"required_disclosures":["Corrosive warning","PPE requirements"],"prop65_warning":{"required":null,"chemicals":[],"endpoint":null,"notes":null},"ghs_labeling":{"required":null,"signal_word":"DANGER","pictograms":["corrosion"],"hazard_statements":["Causes severe skin burns and eye damage"],"notes":null},"hidden_ingredients":{"trade_secret_protected":null,"categories_hidden":[],"estimated_count":null,"known_concerns":null,"notes":null},"notes":null},"recalls":[],"regulatory_gap":null,"notes":null},"lifecycle":{"recyclable":false,"disposal_guidance":"Neutralize and dispose as hazardous waste","hazardous_waste":true,"expected_lifespan":"2-5_years"},"formulation":{"form":"gel_or_liquid","key_ingredients":[{"hq_id":"hq-c-ino-000052","name":"Phosphoric acid","role":"rust_converter","concentration_pct":"10-40"},{"hq_id":"hq-c-org-000734","name":"Hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid)","role":"acid_rust_remover_alt","concentration_pct":"5-20"},{"hq_id":null,"name":"Thickening agent (xanthan gum / silica)","role":"viscosity_modifier","concentration_pct":"1-5"},{"hq_id":null,"name":"Surfactants","role":"wetting_agent","concentration_pct":"1-3"},{"hq_id":null,"name":"Water","role":"diluent","concentration_pct":"40-80"}],"certifications":[]},"materials":{"common":[],"concerning":[],"preferred":[]},"compound_composition":[{"hq_id":"hq-c-ino-000052","compound_name":"Phosphoric acid","role":"rust_converter","typical_concentration":null},{"hq_id":"hq-c-org-000734","compound_name":"Hydrochloric acid","role":"acid_rust_remover","typical_concentration":null}],"identifiers":{"common_names":["rust remover","naval jelly","rust converter","rust treatment"],"aliases":[],"manufacturer":null,"brands":[]},"brand_examples":[{"brand":"Generic Mass-Market Brand A","manufacturer":"Consumer Products Corporation","market_position":"mass_market","notable":"Widely available mass-market option"},{"brand":"Generic Mass-Market Brand B","manufacturer":"Consumer Goods Ltd","market_position":"mass_market","notable":"Popular budget alternative"},{"brand":"Premium Brand A","manufacturer":"Premium Consumer Inc","market_position":"premium","notable":"Upscale premium positioning"}],"brand_examples_disclaimer":"Representative branded products of this category. Concerning ingredients listed in materials.concerning[] apply to the category, not necessarily to every named brand. Specific formulations vary by SKU and may have changed since this record was written; consult the brand's current ingredient label before drawing brand-level conclusions.","sources":[{"type":"expert_curation","name":"ALETHEIA Safety Database","date":"2026-03-24"},{"type":"regulation","title":"GHS labeling (OSHA HCS)","jurisdiction":"USA","id":"src_b19194ca"},{"id":"niosh_h3po4_2019","type":"regulatory","title":"NIOSH Pocket Guide: Phosphoric Acid — IDLH 1000 mg/m³; PEL 1 mg/m³; industrial uses; fertilizer production; metal treatment; occupational exposure limits (2019)","year":2019,"inherited_from_compound":"hq-c-ino-000052"},{"id":"fda_gras_phosphoric_acid","type":"regulatory","title":"FDA GRAS Notice: Phosphoric Acid as Food Acidulant — GRAS status; cola beverage acidulation; dental erosion concern; bone density; phosphate laxative safety warnings (2021)","year":2021,"inherited_from_compound":"hq-c-ino-000052"},{"id":"src_001","type":"database","title":"PubChem Compound Database","url":"https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/313","year":2026,"inherited_from_compound":"hq-c-org-000734"}],"meta":{"schema_version":"4.0.0","last_updated":"2026-03-24","timestamp":"2026-05-14T01:23:22.036Z"}}