Vapors of sulfuric acid effect on the body. Sulfuric acid poisoning

Sulfuric acid intoxication usually develops in case of direct contact with this toxic component. Persons whose work is related to the production of this poison are most at risk of poisoning with this substance. But sulfuric acid is used in various fields, so no one can be immune from such poisoning.

How does poisoning manifest itself? How to provide first aid to an injured person? All these questions will be dealt with today.

Sulfuric acid is a liquid component that has an oily consistency. This acid has absolutely no smell and color. The substance is very dangerous.

Intoxication can be triggered by both the liquid component and acid vapors.

In this case, the degree of poisoning does not depend on this. With the influence of sulfuric acid on the body, many organs are seriously affected.

If acid is ingested, organs are affected digestive tract, internal bleeding may develop, which poses a danger to human life. In case of intoxication with vapors of this substance, disorders of the bronchi and lungs develop, the respiratory function is also impaired, breathing is depressed. When a substance enters the epidermis, a powerful burn occurs, after which the affected tissues die off.

Types and uses

Toxic sulfuric liquid is presented in the following forms:

  • Highly concentrated solution - about 98% acid;
  • Solution 70%;
  • Sulfuric liquid with a concentration of 32%, it is it that is used in batteries;
  • Weakly concentrated acid solution - 10%.

Sulfuric acid is used to produce various mineral fertilizers, in the oil and textile industries, to obtain chemical dyes, in the processing of various ores, in the food industry, and in the manufacture of lead batteries.

As you can see, the area of ​​​​use of this acid is quite extensive.

Intoxication with this substance occurs after direct human contact with it. Usually this happens in a production environment when workers violate caution and do not adhere to safety regulations.

But it also happens that absolutely nothing depends on a person. Poisonous components are released into the atmosphere. The result of this phenomenon is acid rain, which negatively affects everything around, including humans. Although special services are monitoring to prevent such a phenomenon, but, nevertheless, the fact remains - this happens.

As a result of intoxication with sulfuric acid, a complex condition develops, the signs of such poisoning appear clearly, they are very difficult to confuse with any other poisoning.

Symptoms of vapor poisoning:

  • A poisoned person has eye burns, which may differ in severity - he is the lightest, to the most severe.
  • There is an injury to the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs, resulting in a burn and severe irritation. If the poisoning is severe, then the person may begin to bleed from the nose.
  • The respiratory organs are also exposed to a powerful lesion - a spasm, soreness in the throat, and severe wheezing appear. It is a spasm that poses a great danger to life, as a result of which swelling of the larynx and lungs can develop. These conditions really threaten a person's life.
  • The digestive system is also subject to injury - the organs are subject to burns and irritations.

Symptoms of poisoning with a substance in a liquid state:

In this case, the consequences are more dangerous. Depending on the concentration of the acid, the degree of burns on the skin will be obtained, as well as the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe internal lesion.

So the symptoms are:

  • There is an increased formation of saliva;
  • Diarrhea is present;
  • If the acid gets inside, then a strong, acute pain appears in the organs of the digestive tract, the person begins to vomit. Blood clots can be detected in the vomit. The blood is dark in color;
  • Some time after the substance has been ingested, laryngeal edema occurs, it becomes difficult for a person to breathe;
  • Urine acquires a red or burgundy color, which indicates a severe renal lesion;
  • The skin becomes bluish. Such intoxication is accompanied by a strong pain shock;
  • The lips become black, small dark spots appear on the teeth.
  • The work of the heart muscle is disrupted.

A lethal outcome can occur if 20 mg of sulfuric acid is ingested.

How to help with poisoning

To minimize the effect of acid, as well as save human life, it is necessary to provide first aid to the injured person as soon as possible and take him to the hospital.

In case of internal ingestion of a toxic substance, the first step is to perform gastric lavage. Rinse the stomach with water room temperature, after this manipulation, give the poisoned person to consume half a cup vegetable oil.

You can also use milk of lime, beaten egg whites. To improve the condition, you can swallow ice cubes. The mouth should be rinsed with a solution of soda.

If acid gets into the eyes, rinse them with plenty of water as soon as possible. To reduce pain, you need to drip drops of Novocain (2%).

Behind the eyelid, peach or vaseline oil should be carefully laid.

If the acid gets on the skin, then you need to rinse the affected area with water. Washing should be performed within 10-20 minutes. Soap is allowed. After washing, apply a bandage pre-treated with a soda solution to the affected area.

In a hospital, a person who has been hit by sulfuric acid is given dressings treated with novocaine. This is to reduce pain. Specialists also give novocaine injections. To prevent infection in the affected organs, the victim is prescribed antibiotic treatment.

If bleeding occurs in the stomach, blood transfusion is performed, plasma-substituting agents are administered.

Prevention

In order to minimize the risk of poisoning with this substance, it is necessary to observe personal protection measures as much as possible in the working conditions, as well as observe safety regulations.

An excellent prevention of intoxication with acid vapor is the control of the operation of ventilation in the workshops. People who work at such enterprises must be protected by gas masks.

If a person is forced to come into contact with sulfuric acid while performing work, then he must work in overalls that will provide a high degree of protection.

Sulfuric acid - a substance that is classified as a food additive with the marking number E 513 belongs to the group of emulsifiers with the properties of an acidity regulator in human food.

Origin: 3-artificial;

Danger:the highest level;

Synonymous names:E 513, sulfuric acid, vitriol, E-513, sulfuric acid, sulfuric acid.

general information

Sulfuric acid or vitriol is, on the physical side, an oily, heavy liquid, colorless and odorless. In the chemical sense, it is an aggressive dibasic acid.

In high concentrations and when heated, E 513 is a powerful oxidizing agent. In the form of a molecular formula, sulfuric acid can be represented like this: H 2 SO 4.

Sulfuric acid is obtained by burning a mixture of nitrate and sulfur.

Additive E 513 melts at a sufficiently low temperature, starting from 10.3 0 C. The boiling point for its subsequent decomposition should be 296.2 0 C.

When sulfuric acid is mixed with water, it releases heat in large quantities.

In nature, sulfuric acid can be found in the upper atmosphere, where it is occasionally formed as a result of volcanic ash, containing a large volume of sulfur and water vapor.

Effect on the body

Harm

Sulfuric acid is a powerful aggressive substance with a high level of causticity. And when it comes into contact with the skin, a chemical character is obtained.

Also, this substance is capable of affecting the mucous membranes, the respiratory tract. During the inhalation of its vapors, E 513 causes shortness of breath, cough, laryngitis, bronchitis, tracheitis.

Benefit

Unfortunately useful properties, for human health and his body as a whole is not found in sulfuric acid.

Usage

Sulfuric acid in the form of additive E513 is added to yeast, which is then used to produce alcoholic beverages. It also plays the role of a catalyst in the production of invert syrup. Hydrolysis is carried out with the help of sulfuric acid.

This additive purifies yeast from pathogenic flora for the baking part of food production.

In addition, this substance is used in mineral fertilizers, in the automotive industry (as a component of the electrolyte solution in lead-acid batteries), in the textile industry, and in the production of smoke-forming substances and explosives.

Legislation

As an additive to food products E 513 is allowed at the legislative level in countries European Union, Russian Federation and Ukraine.

Sulfuric acid poisoning is diagnosed by direct contact with a chemical in liquid or vapor form. A safe concentration of a toxic reagent for a person in the air is 1 mg per square meter, in a liquid - 0.008 mg per liter. The lethal dose is 0.18 mg per liter of any solution.

What are the dangers and types

Sulfuric acid is obtained by burning sulfur and is a colorless and odorless oily liquid. Unrefined chemical element has a yellow-brown color.

Penetrating into the body, the sulfuric solution has a detrimental effect on all human organs and systems. Getting on the skin, the poison causes a severe burn, after which the epidermal tissue completely dies.

When intoxicated with sulfuric acid vapor, the pulmonary system suffers, when ingested, the organs of the gastrointestinal tract are affected.

The scope of sulfuric acid is quite wide. The toxic liquid is used in chemical, textile, oil industry, with its help produce car batteries and mineral fertilizers. Currently, several types of sulfur reagent are known.

Varieties of sulfuric liquid:

  • Highly concentrated acid (approximately 98%).
  • 70% solution.
  • 32% acid (used in batteries).
  • A solution of low concentration (about 10%).

How poisoning occurs and symptoms

Sulfuric acid poisoning most often occurs during direct contact with a toxic compound. This mainly happens when safety precautions are not followed while working with toxins. However, there are cases of mass events that occur during major accidents at chemical plants.

Acid rain, which falls after the release of sulfuric acid vapor into the atmosphere, has negative impact on the environment. In such a situation, plants animal world and humans are in grave danger.


Signs of sulfuric acid poisoning in adults and children are difficult to confuse with symptoms of food or drug poisoning. The clinical picture directly depends on the way the toxin enters the body.

Symptoms of acid poisoning:

  1. As a result of intoxication with vapors of a toxic substance, the victim has an eye burn, the severity of which depends on the concentration of sulfuric liquid in the air.
  2. Under the influence of acid vapors, irritation of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and esophagus occurs. With severe intoxication, nosebleeds are often observed.
  3. The respiratory system suffers from an overdose - the victim develops wheezing in the bronchi and swelling of the larynx.

Compared to poisoning with acid vapor, intoxication with a liquid solution is more dangerous for humans.

Symptoms of liquid acid poisoning:

  • Increased salivation.
  • Nausea.
  • Burning in throat.
  • Liquid stool.
  • When acid enters the stomach, the victim vomits. The sulfuric solution burns the walls of the esophagus, causing internal bleeding. With severe poisoning, blood clots are found in the vomit.
  • Urine becomes dark brown. Blood blotches in the urine also indicate internal bleeding.
  • The appearance of brown spots on the gums.
  • The patient's skin acquires a bluish tint, the lips turn black.
  • There is a violation of the heart rhythm, there are pains in the left side of the chest.
  • Dizziness, loss of consciousness.

Getting on the skin, the sulfuric solution causes a strong burning sensation. On the affected area, tissue necrosis occurs and subsequently a trace of a burn remains.

Sulfuric acid poisoning: first aid

Treatment of intoxication should only be carried out in a hospital under the supervision of doctors. To minimize the consequences of poisoning and save a person's life, it is necessary to provide first aid to the victim before the arrival of doctors.

First aid in case of acid ingestion.

At the first signs of poisoning, the patient should drink half a glass of sunflower or olive oil. Whipped egg white has a similar enveloping effect. Cold milk or small pieces of ice will help to slightly eliminate pain in the stomach area. Further actions to eliminate the consequences of poisoning should be performed by physicians in a hospital setting.


Help with contact of sulfuric reagent in the eyes.

A complication of sulfuric acid getting into the eyes can be partial or complete loss of vision. To prevent this, at the first symptoms of intoxication, you need to rinse your eyes with plenty of warm water. To eliminate the pain syndrome, it is recommended to drip the eyes with 2% novocaine.

What to do if sulfuric solution gets on the skin?

The affected area of ​​the skin should be kept under running water for at least 10 minutes. Then a cotton pad soaked in a soda solution and a sterile bandage are applied to the burn site.

Further treatment of poisoning is carried out in a medical facility. Complex therapy is prescribed based on the severity of intoxication and the method of poisoning.

Inpatient treatment:

  • Elimination of pain shock with the help of intravenous administration of painkillers.
  • If necessary, the patient is prescribed cardiovascular drugs.
  • Excessive internal bleeding requires immediate blood transfusion.
  • Vitamin therapy.
  • Therapeutic diet. For the first three days, the victim of poisoning needs fasting, then "sparing" dishes are gradually introduced into the diet. In severe cases of intoxication, the patient is prescribed parenteral nutrition.
  • Skin affected by acid is treated with antiseptic preparations to prevent the spread of infection.

Prevention and consequences of poisoning

Strict observance of safety precautions while working with the reagent will help to avoid poisoning with sulfuric acid.

Prevention:

  • It is necessary to work with the reagent in a well-ventilated area.
  • In case of direct contact with a toxic liquid, wear special acid-resistant clothing and footwear, protect your face with goggles and a respirator.

Anna:

Often there were problems with the intestines, any food led to poisoning. I tried many things, but there was no result.

Decided to try the tea. The monastic collection of Father George began to help me well.

Consequences of intoxication:

  1. If the reagent gets into the eyes of the victim, there is a complete or partial loss of vision.
  2. Sulfuric acid poisoning causes chronic diseases respiratory system.
  3. The penetration of the reagent through the oral cavity causes internal bleeding, damage to the entire digestive system.
  4. After an acid burn, the skin is not completely restored, the victim forever has traces of contact with a chemical element.

Sulfuric acid poisoning in any form is dangerous to human health. It is possible to avoid such a situation by observing safety measures when working with a toxic solution. If intoxication does occur, the victim must be given first aid and call a medical team.

Video: what happens if sulfuric acid gets on the skin


Sulfuric acid is a colorless (purified) or light yellow (if not purified) liquid, odorless and oily in structure. It occurs in various mixtures, including in water.

Most often it is used in production, technology, to obtain salt and other acids, in the chemical industry (chemical fibers and dyes are produced). Sulfuric acid is also used in the leather business, in the oil industry, and even in the food industry. In food, it is used as an emulsifier A513.
It has found the widest application in obtaining fertilizers (mineral). Phosphate fertilizers are also among them. That is why usually plants where work with sulfuric acid is carried out are most often built in combination with plants producing mineral fertilizers.

Substance Hazard

Sulfuric acid is a very dangerous and aggressive element.
You can get poisoned in two ways:

  1. when it is in a liquid state;
  2. her pairs.

Moreover, vapor poisoning is no less dangerous than acid ingestion. It acts and affects the organs of the respiratory system, skin, mucous surface. Due to the fact that often sulfuric acid also contains arsenic, intoxication can be aggravated by this fact. Depending on which system has been affected, laryngitis, bronchitis, and breathing problems may occur.

The content of sulfuric acid in the air that is safe for human life and health is 1 mg per square meter. meter (in production), or 0.3 mg per sq. meter in the atmosphere. The average safe amount per day is 0.1 mg per sq. meter.

With an amount of 0.008 mg per liter, there is a danger of poisoning and damage by sulfuric acid, but the lethal dose is 0.18 cm3 per liter. Sulfuric acid vapor can be released into the environment during chemical production and metallurgical processes, and can fall as acid rain.

Sulfuric acid poisoning is characterized by burns of the eyeballs of varying severity, irritation and burns of the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive organs. The nose may bleed. When the respiratory system is affected, wheezing in the throat, sore throat, spasm occurs. It is the spasm of the glottis, swelling of the airways (most often the lungs and larynx) that are the most life-threatening.

If sulfuric acid gets on the skin, then most often there are burns, the degree of which depends on the area of ​​​​impact of the acid and its concentration.

Clinical picture

If sulfuric acid poisoning occurred by getting liquid inside, then severe pains of all organs of the digestive system instantly appear, vomiting begins. At first, the vomit contains a small amount of blood, then there are more bloody masses and the vomit is characterized by a dark color. An accompanying symptom is a cough, the larynx swells, breathing becomes difficult, the skin turns blue, and there are violations of the cardiovascular system. The lips may acquire a blackish tint, and the teeth (incisors) may have brown spots. The strongest pain shock.

For a lethal outcome, ingestion of 5 mg of sulfuric acid is enough.

At chronic form sulfuric acid poisoning develops bronchial asthma.

First aid

In case of poisoning with sulfuric acid by ingestion, it is necessary to rinse the stomach with water (not cold), and then drink sunflower or olive oil in small sips. One dose should not exceed 100 g, and the daily dose should not exceed 200 g. Burnt magnesia, beaten eggs (only proteins), milk of lime, calcium chloride are also taken. A positive result is also given by drinking milk and swallowing ice. It is also advisable for the victim to rinse their mouth with a soda solution (20 grams per liter)
If sulfuric acid gets into the eyes, then it is necessary to rinse them and then drip a 2% solution of novocaine, or 0.5% dicaine. It is also recommended to introduce vaseline oil or peach oil (sterile) into the conjunctival sac.

If the acid has got on the skin, then first of all it is necessary to rinse the skin under running water. This should be done for less than 10 minutes, and both soap and alkali solution can be used. In case of burns, it is necessary to apply a bandage containing a 2-3% soda solution.

Qualified medical care

During hospitalization, the victim is usually covered with novocaine mucosa to reduce pain. It is the same with internal pain - novocaine inside (0.25%) To avoid infection - give antibiotics. If there is bleeding in the stomach, then plasma injection or transfusion is possible. Additionally, injections of promedol or omnopon + atropine are prescribed to combat pain.

Precautionary measures

To prevent cases of poisoning with sulfuric acid vapors at work, it is necessary to control the ventilation, wear a gas mask. Clothing must be specialized: goggles, mask, boots must be acid-resistant, goggles or mask - made of plexiglass. Workers must listen to a safety briefing.

To have a clear understanding of how sulfuric acid works, we invite you to watch the video below.

Sulfuric acid poisoning occurs mainly if a person comes into direct contact with this dangerous substance.

Sulfuric acid or, by its old name, vitriol oil is a dangerous substance with natural aggressive properties. The danger is not only the reagent in liquid form, but also its vapors.

Sulfuric acid - what is it and where is it used

Sulfuric acid or vitriol oil is a liquid that has an oily structure and is most often colorless (sometimes it is light yellow). It has no specific odor and is easily soluble in water.

People working in production where the reagent is involved are most at risk, and they use it:

  • in the production of mineral fertilizers;
  • for processing various ores and their purification;
  • for the manufacture of dyes and various chemical materials;
  • in lead batteries as an electrolyte substance;
  • in the production of fabrics;
  • in the oil industry;
  • in the production of products as food additive.

Despite the high aggressiveness and danger of the reagent, it is widely used in many industries.

What is the danger

Sulfuric acid is a substance belonging to the class of increased danger. Intoxication can occur not only when the liquid itself is used, but also when its vapors are inhaled, when sulfur dioxide is released.

The toxic effect of a substance in any form extends primarily to the respiratory system, mucous membranes and skin. The acid often contains arsenic, which can lead to aggravation of intoxication.

Sulfuric acid poisoning is no less dangerous than direct contact with liquid. The safe dose of the substance in the open air is only 0.3 mg per 1 square meter.

Upon contact with the skin or mucous membranes, the reagent leads to the formation of a burn, which is difficult to heal. With extensive damage, the patient develops a burn disease that, without timely medical care, can lead to death.

A lethal dose of sulfuric acid for an adult is only 0.18 cm per 1 liter!

Common causes of poisoning

It is rather problematic to encounter pure sulfuric acid in ordinary life. In most cases, poisoning is a consequence of neglecting safety precautions when working with a solution in production.

Mass poisoning by vapors of a substance is possible if, due to technical failures or negligence, its massive release into the atmosphere occurs. To prevent such emissions, there are specialized services that control the operation of industries where sulfuric acid is used.

See also: Poisoning in humans with boric acid and its vapors

Due to massive emissions of reagent vapors into the atmosphere, acid rain may occur.

Symptoms of intoxication

Sulfuric acid poisoning can occur by direct contact with liquid or by inhalation of vapours. Signs of intoxication in this case will be different.

If a person has taken the liquid inside, the following symptoms may appear:

  • pain syndrome in the area of ​​the digestive organs, bouts of nausea and vomiting;
  • hypersalivation (salivation);
  • severe intestinal disorders with impaired stool;
  • redness of urine due to the toxic effect of acid on the kidneys;
  • swelling of the throat and larynx, the appearance of wheezing and hoarseness (the most dangerous symptom, the patient may die from suffocation!);
  • cyanosis of the skin, the appearance of brown spots on the gums.

Symptoms of sulfuric acid poisoning will not be expressed if a person has received a small skin burn. With an increase in the area of ​​the burn surface, all the complications characteristic of a burn disease may appear.

In case of vapor poisoning, the following will be observed clinical picture:

  • burn of the mucous membrane of the eyes;
  • burn of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, accompanied by an intense pain symptom;
  • the appearance of bleeding from the nasal passages;
  • possible development of laryngeal edema, which leads to symptoms of suffocation (cyanosis of the skin, lack of oxygen);
  • in case of severe poisoning, nausea and vomiting may occur.

Intoxication that develops due to the ingestion of sulfuric acid poses a greater danger to human life and health than poisoning due to inhalation of vapors!

Fundamentals of First Aid and Therapy

First aid for vitriol poisoning begins with the obligatory call for an ambulance. After calling the doctors to the patient, if he has taken sulfuric acid inside, the stomach is washed. For the procedure it is recommended to use warm water, and then drink small sips of olive or sunflower oil in the amount of 100 g.

If sulfuric acid gets into the eyes, they are washed with plenty of water, and then a solution of novocaine or dicaine is instilled. In case of contact with the skin, the burn site is also washed abundantly under running water (washing time is at least 10-15 minutes), and then a bandage with soda is applied.

See also: Poisoning in humans with acetic acid and its vapors

In case of poisoning with sulfuric acid, which occurred due to contact with vapors, the victim is taken out to fresh air, the available mucous membranes are washed with running water.

Treatment of a patient in a hospital depends on the degree of poisoning and the area of ​​the burn. Anesthesia is always carried out with novocaine (0.25% solution). A course of antibiotic therapy is selected to avoid the development of infectious processes in the affected area.

If the patient develops gastric bleeding, a blood transfusion or plasma injection is recommended. It is also possible to eliminate the source of bleeding surgically. The rest is symptomatic treatment. There are no specific antidotes that could be administered to a person who has been poisoned by sulfuric acid.

Preventive actions

Since it is quite difficult to deal with sulfuric acid in everyday life, no preventive measures have been developed for ordinary citizens. The main prevention is carried out in places of active work with this reagent and consists in observing all safety rules and wearing personal protective equipment.

To avoid industrial poisoning with vapors of the substance, employees must work in protective respirators, and the work area must be well ventilated. Mandatory safety briefing for all employees.

Employees should be provided not only with respirators, but also with acid-resistant aprons, gloves, and boots. The eyes are protected with special goggles.

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Sulfuric acid is an aggressive substance that is actively used in many industries. A person in contact with this reagent may well receive injuries incompatible with life. To prevent accidents, it is necessary to observe safety precautions and not neglect the rules for working with hazardous substances.

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Sulfuric acid and the consequences of poisoning with its vapors. Reference

Sulfuric acid is a strong dibasic acid, under standard conditions it is an oily liquid, colorless and odorless. The crude sulfuric acid has a yellowish or brownish-yellow color. In engineering, sulfuric acid is called its mixtures with both water and sulfuric anhydride.

Basic physical properties: melting point - 10.38 °C; boiling point - 279.6 ° C; the density of the substance is 1.8356 grams per cubic centimeter.

Miscible with water in all ratios g/100 ml. Concentrated sulfuric acid is a strong oxidizing agent. Dilute sulfuric acid interacts with all metals that are in the electrochemical series of voltages to the left of hydrogen (H), with the release of H2, oxidizing properties are not typical for it.

Sulfuric acid is used: in the production of mineral fertilizers; as an electrolyte in lead batteries; to obtain various mineral acids and salts; in the production of chemical fibers, dyes, smoke-forming and explosive substances; in the oil, metalworking, textile, leather industries; in the food industry (registered as food additive E513 (emulsifier); in industrial organic synthesis.

The largest consumer of sulfuric acid is the production of mineral fertilizers (in particular, phosphate fertilizers). Therefore, sulfuric acid plants tend to be built in conjunction with plants for the production of mineral fertilizers.

Sulfuric acid and oleum are extremely aggressive substances that affect the respiratory tract, skin, mucous membranes, cause difficulty in breathing, cough, often - laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis. MPC (maximum permissible concentration) of sulfuric acid aerosol in the air of the working area is 1.0 milligrams per square meter, in atmospheric air 0.3 milligrams per square meter (maximum one-time) and 0.1 milligrams per square meter (daily average). The damaging concentration of sulfuric acid vapor is 0.008 milligrams per liter, the lethal concentration is 0.18 milligrams per liter. Hazard class - 2. An aerosol of sulfuric acid can be formed in the atmosphere as a result of emissions from chemical and metallurgical industries and fall out in the form of acid rain.

In case of poisoning with sulfuric acid vapors, irritation and burns of the eyes, mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, larynx, nosebleeds, sore throat, hoarseness of the voice due to spasm of the glottis occur. In this case, swelling of the larynx and lungs is especially dangerous. When sulfuric acid gets on the skin, chemical burns occur, the depth and severity of which are determined by the concentration of acid and the area of ​​the burn.

When sulfuric acid is ingested, immediately after ingestion, there are sharp pains in the mouth and the entire digestive tract, severe vomiting, first mixed with scarlet blood, and then with brown masses. Simultaneously with vomiting, a strong cough begins. A sharp swelling of the larynx and vocal cords develops, causing severe breathing difficulties. The skin of the face takes on a dark blue color, the pupils dilate. There is a fall and weakening of cardiac activity.

Lethal dose sulfuric acid when taken orally - 5 milligrams.

In case of poisoning with sulfuric acid vapors, first aid consists in providing the victim fresh air. It is necessary to rinse the mouth and throat with a solution of soda (20 grams of baking soda per 1 liter of water).

If vapors or drops of sulfuric acid get on the skin, the affected area is washed with plenty of water.

When sulfuric acid is ingested, careful gastric lavage is necessary, then the patient should take burnt magnesia or lime water after 5 minutes, 1 tablespoon. It is useful to drink plenty of water with ice or milk, raw egg white, fats and oils, mucous decoctions.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from open sources

ria.ru

Sulfuric acid poisoning, symptoms and first aid

Sulfuric acid is a colorless, sometimes light yellow liquid, oily in structure. It has no odor and dissolves easily in water. There is another name, historical - vitriol oil.

First mentions

The first mentions associated with this acid are found quite early in history - in ancient times, Dioscorides (Greek physician), Pliny the Elder (Roman naturalist), Geber, Razi, Ibn Sina (Islamic alchemists) and many others described it in their works.

Almost immediately, cases began to be described when people, due to careless handling of sulfuric acid, received severe poisoning, there are sources where its symptoms are described in some detail.

Experiments of scientists

In the 17th century, the Dutch chemist Johann Glauber managed to produce sulfuric acid - it was the result of burning sulfur together with potassium nitrate when exposed to water vapor.

In 1736, this method began to be used in London in industrial production - sulfuric acid began to be produced in large volumes.

A chemist from Sweden, Berzelius, a little later, derived the formula for sulfuric acid, which is still used today: one molecule contains 1 sulfur atom (S), 2 hydrogen atoms (H) and 4 oxygen atoms (O).

The chemical formula of sulfuric acid is h3SO4

Sulfuric acid is very aggressive to rocks, various metals and other materials. It is a strong oxidizing agent.

The strength of its impact and properties as a whole depend on the degree of concentration of the aqueous solution.

Types of solutions

There are several types of aqueous solutions of sulfuric acid:

  • dilute acid - has a concentration of up to 10 percent;
  • battery - from 29 to 32 percent;
  • tower - concentration less than 75 percent;
  • concentrated sulfuric acid - the concentration is 98 percent.

Where is used

Sulfuric acid has been widely used by people for a long time:

  • in the production of salt and other acids;
  • in the chemical industry for the production of various fibers and dyes;
  • in leather business - for processing and dressing leather;
  • in the oil industry;
  • in the food industry;
  • in the production of fertilizers.

Technologies for the production of various alcohols, plastics, rubber, ether, various dyes, adhesives, detergents and explosives, pharmaceutical products, petroleum products and paper are inextricably linked with sulfuric acid.

How does poisoning happen?

With such intensive use, situations where acid poisoning is possible are not uncommon.

Sulfuric acid is an extremely hazardous substance that requires careful and careful handling.

Acid poisoning occurs upon contact with it both in the liquid state and in the form of vapors.

Poisoning is equally strong and rather difficult to tolerate in both cases.

Ecological catastrophy

Under production conditions, the parameters of the content of sulfuric acid in the air are strictly controlled.

A safe value that does not harm human health and does not endanger his life is 1 mg per square meter of room area or 0.3 mg per square meter in the atmosphere.

Increased content sulfuric acid in emissions into the atmosphere in the process of chemical and metallurgical production is a real environmental disaster.

The famous acid rains are nothing but these same emissions that poison all living things.

Symptoms of poisoning

Sulfuric acid poisoning leads to such a severe condition, and the symptoms are so obvious that it is difficult to confuse them with poisoning by something else.

Vapor poisoning

Symptoms of such poisoning:

  1. The victim receives eye burns of varying severity.
  2. The mucous membrane of the respiratory system is severely injured, resulting in irritation and burns. In severe cases, bleeding from the nose opens.
  3. Respiratory system is affected: there are wheezing, severe pain in the throat, a spasm is possible. It is precisely the spasm and subsequent swelling of the lungs and larynx that are dangerous to life, which can pose a real threat to the life of the victim.
  4. The digestive organs are also injured by irritations and burns.

Liquid acid poisoning

Poisoning with sulfuric acid in liquid form leads to even more serious consequences.

Symptoms:

The degree of burns received on the skin and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bdamage inside depend on the concentration of acid:

  1. When acid gets inside: in all organs of the digestive system, acute pain immediately occurs, vomiting occurs. It contains impurities of blood and is characterized by abundance and dark color.
  2. Profuse salivation develops, accompanied by severe diarrhea.
  3. Urine turns red or dark cherry in color, which is evidence of severe kidney damage.
  4. Symptoms of liquid poisoning are similar to vapor poisoning - after a while, laryngeal edema develops, which makes breathing very difficult.
  5. The skin becomes bluish in color.
  6. Disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system begin.
  7. The lips turn black, dark brown spots appear on the teeth.
  8. Poisoning is accompanied by severe pain shock.

For a fatal outcome, it is enough for only 5 mg of sulfuric acid to get inside.

First aid

If you provide the victim with timely first aid and immediately deliver him to medical institution, there is a chance of saving his life and keeping his exposure to the acid to a minimum possible.

When ingested

In case of poisoning with sulfuric acid due to its ingestion, it is urgent to rinse the stomach with water (necessarily at room temperature), then give the victim to drink half a glass of vegetable oil. It should be drunk in small sips.

In this case, the intake of beaten egg whites, milk of lime, burnt magnesia is also effective.

Ingestion of milk at room temperature and swallowing ice also help to relieve the condition. The mouth is rinsed with soda solution.

In case of eye contact

If sulfuric acid gets into the eyes, they should be immediately rinsed with plenty and thoroughly with water, immediately after that the eyes are instilled with 2% novocaine to reduce pain.

Vaseline or peach oils are also used - the oil is placed behind the eyelid, observing, if possible, sterility.

Skin contact

In case of burns of the skin, they must immediately be washed in running water, for quite a long time - for at least 10 minutes. You can use soap or an alkaline solution.

Immediately after washing with water, a bandage moistened with a soda solution is applied to the affected area of ​​the skin.

Treatment of poisoning

Under medical conditions, the affected mucosa is anesthetized with bandages with novocaine to reduce pain.

Novocaine is also used in the form intramuscular injections.

To prevent the development of infection in the affected organs, a course of antibiotic therapy is prescribed.

With developed gastric bleeding, blood transfusion is performed, plasma is injected.

Prevention measures

Strict adherence to personal protection measures and safety regulations in the production environment minimizes the risk of acid poisoning.

To prevent poisoning with sulfuric acid vapors, they carefully monitor the health of ventilation systems in workshops, and they must protect the respiratory organs with a gas mask.

When performing work requiring contact with acid, special clothing is issued with an increased degree of protection: acid-resistant boots, goggles and a face mask must be made of plexiglass. Everyone at risk of getting poisoned with sulfuric acid at work must undergo special instructions without fail.

poisoned.ru

Know by heart: first aid for food poisoning

Food poisoning is quite common in everyday life. Most of us know that in this situation, you need to flush the stomach, drinking enough liquid and inducing vomiting, take pills activated carbon. But not everyone realizes what a threat lies in poisoning, except for intoxication. In case of poisoning, a lot of fluid is lost with vomiting, loose stools, and in addition to dehydration, the danger is that the patient suffers large losses of electrolytes: potassium, sodium, chlorine, bicarbonates. Especially acutely and quickly in food poisoning, electrolyte disturbances develop in children. This moment must be well remembered.

A common mistake is drinking a solution of potassium permanganate. This does not solve the problem, but if an undissolved crystal gets into the stomach, there can really be problems - up to the perforation of the ulcer. “A perishable ulcer” - as a girl once wrote with a mistake on one of the forums ...

So, what should be done in case of poisoning with stale food?

  1. It is important not to confuse food poisoning with botulism, salmonellosis, dysentery, cholera (see below).
  2. Start rinsing the stomach as early as possible by drinking 500 ml of cool water. Induce vomiting. At least 2-3 liters of water should be spent on gastric lavage until the lavage water becomes clean.
  3. Give up to 20 tablets of activated charcoal (depending on the severity of poisoning, from 1 tablet per 1 kg of body weight in children to 1 tablet per 10 kg in adults).
  4. In case of diarrhea, skip 2 bowel movements and then give imodium after each trip to the toilet.
  5. To exclude electrolyte disturbances, drink Essentuki No. 4 or prepare a drinking solution yourself: for a three-liter jar of water, 3 teaspoons of salt and soda and 3-4 tablespoons of sugar.
  6. Contact an ambulance in case of uncontrolled intoxication and persistent vomiting and diarrhea.

“The most dangerous food poisoning for children. They become dehydrated very quickly, intoxication is much more severe than in adults, and the risk of death from electrolyte disorders is much higher.”

Therefore, in this case, you must definitely contact "03" with the reason "Food poisoning, vomiting, diarrhea, high fever." Low temperature at food poisoning in children, it indicates a particularly serious condition and the need for immediate transportation to intensive care.

Botulism and salmonellosis are usually characterized by similar symptoms, the main difference is in the disruption of the central nervous system:

  • nausea and vomiting,
  • diarrhea (may be bloody)
  • stomach cramps,
  • fever/chills
  • decrease in body temperature,
  • weakness,
  • dizziness,
  • headache,
  • blurred vision, lack of clarity of objects, fog, flies before the eyes, the effect of farsightedness (distant objects are seen better than near ones),
  • dryness, sore throat,
  • fuzzy speech,
  • dyspnea,
  • partial or complete paralysis of the arms, legs, torso,
  • increasing muscle weakness
  • loss of balance.

Of course, in case of severe poisoning, it can be difficult to determine before the help of doctors what exactly the patient has, but nevertheless, you need to try to remember if suspicious canned food was used, if the patient’s diet did not include raw eggs, low-roasted meat, etc.

The topic of mushroom poisoning deserves a separate discussion.

Remember this information. You may save someone's life...

Health to you and your loved ones,

Tatiana Goyesi

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Literature

  1. “While the ambulance is coming. Stories that can save your life." Andrey Zvonkov, ed. Eksmo, Moscow, 2015