Nitric acid is used in the production of ammonium nitrate for fertilizers, making plastics, and in the manufacture of dyes. It is also used for making explosives such as nitroglycerin and TNT. When it is combined with hydrochloric acid, an element called aqua regia is formed.

Nitric acid is a highly corrosive, strongly oxidizing acid (O'Neil et al. 2006). Contact with the liquid causes burns on the skin and corneal opacity (NIOSH 1976a).