Sulfuric acid is dangerous. Sulfuric acid poisoning in humans

Sulfuric acid is an industrial reagent, contact with which poses a real threat to human life and health. Moreover, in the form of a vapor, this compound is no less poisonous than in its classical (liquid) form. The situation is complicated by the complete absence of odor and color in this reagent. This makes sulfuric acid one of the most dangerous chemical substances that we are forced to use in various areas of our activity - from industry to everyday life. Such a wide scope creates for each individual potentially a high degree the risk of poisoning by the vapors of this toxic substance. To insure yourself against such fatal situations, it is necessary to clarify a number of issues regarding sulfuric acid. And we will begin this process right now.

Types, properties, scope

Sulfuric acid is produced in solutions that differ from each other in the degree of concentration of the main substance. It is measured as a percentage of the auxiliary filler. Here are its main types:

1. Highly concentrated solutions (acid content up to 98%).
2. Solutions (acid content is about 70%).
3. Sulfuric liquids (acid content is about 30%).
4. Weakly concentrated acid solutions (acid content does not exceed 10%).

Sulphuric acid ( H 2 SO 4) - a caustic substance, which is a product of the oxidation of sulfur dioxide. This liquid, which has an oily texture, is colorless and odorless, with a freezing point of about 10 degrees Celsius (20 degrees for monohydrate). It is a diaxial acid, with a density of 1840 kg per cubic meter which is almost twice the density of water. Possesses quite high temperature boiling (about 300 degrees Celsius). Reacts with metals, salts and other organic and inorganic substances. It has a sour "copper" taste. It has excellent hygroscopicity. The monohydrate is a good dielectric. A water-based solution, on the contrary, is an excellent conductor of electricity. The weight of one liter of acid is about 2 kilograms.

Sulfuric acid, due to its unique properties, is widely used in modern production, especially in the chemical industry. It is used to make:

• Synthetic fibre.
• Medicinal preparations.
• Acids and salts.
• Explosives.
• Dyes.
• food additives.
• Detergents.
• Nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers.
• Rechargeable batteries.
• Electrostatic precipitators.

Sulfuric acid is also used to decompose uranium ore, dry gases, and refine petroleum products. Chemical and physical properties This compound allows you to use it in other industrial and domestic processes.

Vapor poisoning

Very often, poisoning with sulfuric acid vapor occurs in production conditions, with a gross violation of safety regulations by workers involved in the process. But there are situations when nothing depends on a person. For example, an increased concentration harmful substance in the atmosphere. Harmful emissions from industrial enterprises is a reality in which we all have to exist. The household way of poisoning with sulfuric acid vapors is not excluded. To prevent a fatal scenario of development, it is necessary to be able to recognize this type of intoxication in time. Moreover, it has its own specific symptoms. In a person poisoned by sulfuric acid vapors, the following are fixed:

• Eye burns of varying degrees.
• Nose bleed.
• Hoarseness of voice.
• Pain and spasms in the throat.
• Edema of the airways.
• Profuse salivation.
• Pale blue skin tone.
• Violation of cardiovascular activity.
• Dark brown spots on teeth.
• Formation of white scabs on the skin.
• Dark lip color.
• Vomiting with bloody impurities.
• Dark cherry or red urine.
• Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Painful shock.

The severity of symptoms directly depends on the concentration of harmful substances that have had a negative impact on a particular person.

The lethal dose of sulfuric acid for humans is only 5 mg when taken orally! The average safe amount of a harmful substance in air masses is 0.1 mg per square meter. In production, it is allowed to increase the dose to 1 milligram per square meter. In the atmosphere, a dose of 0.3 mg per square meter is considered safe. At a concentration of acid vapors up to 0.008 milligrams per liter, there is a risk of poisoning. The concentration of sulfuric acid vapor in the amount of 0.18 mg / liter is deadly!

First aid for poisoning

Sulfuric acid is a very aggressive chemical reagent. When in contact with the human body, it can cause severe injuries that can lead to death. Therefore, the correct provision of first aid is a factor of paramount importance, which can not only prevent the serious consequences of intoxication, but also save the life of the injured person. Therapeutic measures of influence, in the event of such situations, depend on the localization of acid lesions. The main of these measures are:

• Emergency gastric lavage.
• Irrigation of the oral cavity with soda solution.
• Eye wash big amount warm water.
• Rubbing the affected skin with soda or alkaline solutions.
• Applying dressings soaked in soda solution to the affected areas.

After gastric lavage, it is advisable for the affected person to drink 100 grams olive oil or sunflower oil. Eyes after washing should be lubricated with vaseline or peach oil. To alleviate the pain syndrome, local application of novocaine solutions is indicated. After providing first aid, it is necessary to take the patient to a specialized medical institution where he will undergo more serious rehabilitation procedures.

Treatment of poisoning

Clinical care for this type poisoning is complex and may include the following methods and techniques:

• Intramuscular injection of novocaine.
• Irrigation of the affected larynx with solutions of prednisolone or hydrocortisone.
• The introduction of atropine or platyfillin (to relieve bronchospasm).
• Tracheostomy.
• Therapy with antibiotics.
• The introduction of cordiamine, caffeine, sulfocamphocaine (to stimulate cardiac activity).
• Therapy with glucocorticosteroid hormones (for the purpose of stopping pulmonary edema).
• Appointment of vitamins of groups B and C.
• Carrying out alkalization of blood.
• The introduction of codeine-containing drugs (with a strong cough and throat spasms).

Patients must comply with strict bed rest and stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours. The treatment of such poisoning is carried out by a toxicologist.

If it gets into the eyes, sulfuric acid can cause total loss of vision! Inhalation of reagent vapors causes severe burns of the larynx. A high concentration of acid in the air leads to the development of hemorrhagic pneumonia and death!

Prevention and security measures

To reduce cases of poisoning with sulfuric acid vapor to a minimum, it is necessary to follow a certain list of safety measures. This is especially true for production workers, whose professional activity connected in one way or another with this toxic substance. First of all, you should use personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, gas mask) and keep ventilation devices in good condition.

Managers of enterprises should take care of providing their workers with overalls with increased chemical protection. Rooms where containers with sulfuric acid are stored must be reliably isolated from other industrial premises. They should only be accessed by authorized persons who have been properly instructed. Spent sulfuric acid must be properly disposed of, which implies the complete neutralization of this product, according to the technical process.

From all the information provided, the following conclusion can be drawn: sulfuric acid is an important link in a complex chain of industrial technologies. But in order for the use of this substance to be beneficial, and not turn into an environmental disaster that brings death to all living things, it is necessary to observe strict safety measures when working with this extremely aggressive and poisonous substance. We hope that the proposed material will help you avoid negative consequences when in contact with this chemical compound.

If you want to learn more about this topic, then we bring to your attention a small but very informative lesson in chemistry. And the topic of this lesson: sulfuric acid and its properties.

Sulfuric acid is a dangerous chemical reagent, aggressive in nature. Sulfuric acid poisoning can be either its liquid reagent or vapors - poisoning with its vapors is just as dangerous as getting liquid in or out, into the eyes or on the mucous membrane. If we talk about the rate of sulfuric acid in the air that is safe for humans, then this is an indicator of 1 mg per square meter. m, in the form of a liquid, a safe dose is 0.008 mg per liter, and deadly is already 0.18 mg per liter.

How can poisoning happen?

If a person is involved in a production where sulfuric acid is used, situations in which an employee can be poisoned by the vapors of this chemical or its concentrate, solution can happen quite often. The main thing for the victim himself and those around him is to know what kind of assistance should be provided to the victim.

The poisoning itself occurs with direct, direct contact with sulfuric acid, which is in a liquid or vapor state. Regarding the question - in which case the poisoning with sulfuric acid will be more severe, in case of poisoning with vapors or with a solution, doctors give an unequivocal answer that in both cases the consequences are quite severe.

Symptoms of poisoning

Sulfuric acid poisoning has very characteristic symptoms, and it is impossible to confuse them with other symptoms of poisoning, for example, medications or an eating disorder. With regard to the symptoms of sulfuric acid poisoning, physicians distinguish their own distinctive features - it all depends on whether the patient was poisoned by its vapors or its liquid solution.

Sulfuric acid poisoning

Speaking about the symptoms of poisoning with sulfuric acid vapors, the following can be distinguished:

1. The patient receives as a result of poisoning varying degrees severity of damage, eye burns.
2. The mucous membrane of the respiratory system is severely injured - a burn, irritation appears, blood can flow from the nasal passages.
3. The respiratory system itself also suffers - wheezing and severe perspiration, sore throats are diagnosed, spasms may develop. Spasm of the airways is of particular danger to the victim, as is the subsequent edema that develops after poisoning of the lungs and larynx - it blocks the airways and leads to asphyxia.
4. The organs of the digestive system suffer - in case of poisoning with sulfuric acid, the gastrointestinal tract is injured by burns, the mucous membrane of the walls is affected. Internal bleeding may develop, which is accompanied by bouts of pain, profuse vomiting interspersed with blood.

Sulfuric acid poisoning in its liquid form

If there is poisoning with a liquid solution, a concentrate of sulfuric acid, the symptoms will be brighter, the consequences will be more severe than with poisoning with its vapors.

In case of poisoning with sulfuric acid, much depends on the percentage of its concentration, as well as on whether there was damage to the internal organs or whether only the skin is affected.

Symptoms of poisoning are as follows:

1. If the chemical reagent enters the body, the digestive tract suffers first of all, which is manifested by acute attacks of pain and vomiting, when blood may be present in the vomit. Vomiting, depending on the degree of damage, may differ in profusion, dark color of vomit, the presence of clots and blood blotches in them.
2. In case of poisoning with a solution or concentrate of sulfuric acid, the victim experiences profuse salivation, severe diarrhea. If the stomach is damaged by sulfuric acid, the remains of undigested food, blood clots will be present in the feces.
3. Urine will be dark red, almost cherry in color - this indicates damage to the kidneys by sulfuric acid. If blood is present in the urine, this may indicate internal bleeding.
4. Symptoms of poisoning of the respiratory system with sulfuric acid in its liquid form are similar in the defeat of the body by its vapors - the victim will also develop swelling of the larynx and throat, damage to the bronchi and lungs, which manifests itself in the form of swelling, coughing fits may occur.
5. The skin may acquire a characteristic bluish tint, while the lips begin to turn black, and dark brown spots may appear on the surface of the gums and teeth.
6. When a patient is poisoned with sulfuric acid in its liquid form, the work of the heart muscle malfunctions - the contraction rhythm goes astray, an arrhythmia appears, which manifests itself as pain in the sternum and shortness of breath, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
7. In any case, poisoning with sulfuric acid, whether in liquid form or in its vapors, is accompanied by a painful shock, up to loss of consciousness and death. It is with this in mind that with a low pain threshold, the patient should immediately enter an anesthetic and then treat the affected area of ​​​​the body.

First aid for sulfuric acid poisoning

Sulfuric acid is a very aggressive reagent, a chemical compound that, when it enters the surface of the patient's skin or inside the body, leads to serious damage. If you do not provide timely assistance to the victim - injuries, severe burns, disability and death.

Providing first aid with subsequent placement of the patient in a medical facility will minimize the negative consequences of sulfuric acid poisoning.

When providing the victim with the first medical care it is worth considering where the sulfuric acid got into.

1. If the chemical reagent solution got inside, then they give the patient a glass of vegetable oil - sunflower, olive or other, which is at hand. Drink it gradually, in small sips. The same enveloping effect, like vegetable oil, has an egg white whipped into a steep foam. Ordinary milk can alleviate the general condition of the patient and relieve pain before the arrival of doctors.
2. If the mucous membrane of the eyes is damaged by the reagent, they should immediately be washed with warm water, then dripped with a 2% solution of novocaine, which will relieve pain. The affected eyelid should be treated with oil, vaseline or just vegetable oil, carefully treating both the outer surface and laying it under the eyelid.
3. If sulfuric acid gets on the surface of the dermis, immediately wash the burn area with running water, this should be done for at least 8-10 minutes, while using soap. After that, a clean bandage of gauze or bandage should be applied to the affected area of ​​​​the body, after soaking it with a solution of baking soda. If possible, replace soda with novocaine, which will anesthetize the affected area.

Treatment of sulfuric acid poisoning

After the patient is taken to a medical facility, doctors apply a bandage soaked in novocaine to the affected surface of the dermis - this will reduce the pain attack.

In the treatment of sulfuric acid poisoning, novocaine is administered intramuscularly, in the form of an injection, and in order to prevent the development of infection and sepsis, doctors prescribe antibiotics.

In case of damage to the internal organs and system, the development of gastric bleeding, a blood transfusion is prescribed, and in an emergency, surgery is performed.

Preventive measures for sulfuric acid poisoning

In order not to suffer from poisoning with liquid or sulfuric acid fumes, both at the workplace and in other conditions, it is worthwhile to strictly observe personal protective measures and the rules for handling this reagent. In order to avoid poisoning with sulfuric acid vapors, before work itself, you should put on a mask or a respirator on your face, work only in a room with good ventilation, having previously been instructed on how to behave with the reagent.

Clothing should be made of durable, special material - acid-resistant boots, an apron and gloves made of the same material, protect your head with a special cap and without fail wear a face mask and goggles when working with sulfuric acid.

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 food production as a 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.

Read also: Hydrochloric acid poisoning in humans

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 toxic action acids 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 clinical picture will be observed:

• 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 olive or sunflower oil in small sips 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.

Read 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 into 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.

Have you encountered sulfuric acid in your life?

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.

Main 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 explosives; in the oil, metalworking, textile, leather industries; in 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, edema 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 the 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. Acute swelling of the larynx develops and vocal cords 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.

The lethal dose of sulfuric acid when ingested is 5 milligrams.

In case of poisoning with sulfuric acid vapors, the first aid is to provide the victim with 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).

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.

Main 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, edema 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 the 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.

The lethal dose of sulfuric acid when ingested is 5 milligrams.

In case of poisoning with sulfuric acid vapors, the first aid is to provide the victim with 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).