Sulfuric Acid Poisoning

Definition

This is poisoning from an overdose of sulfuric acid.

Alternative Names

Battery acid; Hydrogen sulfate; Oil of vitriol; Matting acid; Vitriol brown oil 

Poisonous Ingredient

Sulfuric acid

Where Found

• Car battery acid
• Some toilet bowl cleaners
• Chemical munitions
• Some fertilizers
• Detergents

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Initial symptoms would include severe pain on tissue contact. If swallowed, there may be speech problems, drooling, vomiting, bloody vomit, severe abdominal pain, and burns on the mouth and throat. There may also be a loss of vision.

Other symptoms from swallowing may include:

• Severe pain in the mouth and throat
• Fever
• Breathing difficulty due to throat swelling
• Rapid development of low blood pressure

Other symptoms from breathing in the poison may include:

• Body weakness
• Chest pain (tightness)
• Coughing
• Breathing difficulty (sensation of not getting enough air)
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• Choking
• Bluish skin, lips, and fingernails
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid pulse
• Dizziness

Home Treatment

DO NOT make a person throw up. Seek immediate medical help.

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

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk. DO NOT give water or milk if the patient is vomiting or has a decreased level of alertness.

If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed
• Call 911, Poison Control, or the local emergency number:

Take the container with you to the emergency room.

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to expect at the emergency room

The patient may receive:

• IV fluids
• Milk of magnesia
• Medications and therapies to treat the symptoms
• Antibiotics
• Surgery to repair any tissue damage
• Breathing tube 

Expectations (prognosis)

How well a patient does depends on how fast the poison is diluted and neutralized. Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, eyes, lungs, esophagus, nose, and stomach are possible. The ultimate outcome depends on the extent of this damage.

Swallowing the poison can cause death.