HEALTH EFFECTS OF VINEGAR

The active ingredient in vinegar, acetic acid has health risks associated with it.  In a 5% solution, it is a 3 on the pH scale.  It can be corrosive if it comes in contact with our skin or eyes, and is hazardous if it is ingested or inhaled. Moreover, it has mutagenic effects to mammalian somatic cells and bacteria or yeast.  Also, with repeated exposure it can be toxic to kidneys, mucous membranes, skin and teeth.  It can also damage organs with repeated over ingestion.  On the Wilson risk scale it is a 3 for health risks, but in a 5% solution, like in household vinegar it is only a 2 for health risks. It also has a strong pungent smell that can harm airways, however when it dries it becomes odorless.  The recommended exposure limit is 8 hours if 25mg/mᶟ of air is present and 15 minutes if 37 mg/mᶟ of air is present.  Caution should be exercised as vinegar does have potentially dangerous health risks.