Sulfuric acid

Alternative names

Battery acid

Definition

This is poisoning from an overdose of sulfuric acid.

Poisonous Ingredient

• sulfuric acid
  

Where Found

• car battery acid
  
• some toilet bowl cleaners
  
• chemical munitions
  
• some fertilizers
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Initial symptoms would include severe pain on tissue contact and, if swallowed, there may be speech problems, drooling, vomiting, bloody vomit, abdominal pain, or burns on the mouth and throat.

From swallowing:

• body as a whole
  o severe pain in the mouth
  o fever
  
• respiratory
  o breathing difficulty due to throat swelling
  
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o severe pain in the throat
  
• gastrointestinal
  o severe abdominal pain
  o vomit containing dark colored blood
  
• heart and blood vessels
  o rapid development of low blood pressure
  

From inhalation:

• body as a whole
  o weakness
  o chest pain (tightness)
  
• respiratory
  o coughing
  o breathing difficulty (sensation of not getting enough air)
  o shortness of breath
  o coughing up blood
  
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o choking
  
• skin
  o bluish skin, lips, and fingernails
  
• heart and blood vessels
  o low blood pressure
  o rapid pulse
  
• nervous system:
  o dizziness
  

Home Treatment

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING.

Seek emergency medical care immediately.

If on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If swallowed, drink water or milk IMMEDIATELY. Give 4-7 oz. milk of magnesia, if on hand. (If the patient is vomiting or appears altered, DO NOT give liquids.)