When mixing acid and water, what is the recommended procedure?

When mixing acids and water, the recommended procedure is to add acid to water. This method is crucial for safety and proper handling because adding water to acid can lead to an exothermic reaction, where the mixture heats up rapidly, potentially causing the acid to splatter or boil violently. By adding acid to water, the dilution process occurs gradually and the heat generated is absorbed by the larger volume of water, minimizing the risk of hazardous reactions.

This practice is a fundamental safety guideline in chemical handling and is especially important in laboratory and industrial settings where strong acids are common. It helps prevent accidents that could lead to chemical burns or other injuries. Therefore, understanding and implementing this procedure is vital for anyone working with hazardous materials in environmental health and safety contexts.