sulfuric is there a cure exposure to this toxin? what are the treatment

What is the treatment for sulfur dioxide toxicity?

Sulfur dioxide is a severe irritant to the respiratory tract, eyes, mucous membranes, and skin. Exposure to high doses can cause pulmonary edema, bronchial inflammation, and laryngeal spasm and edema with possible airway obstruction. There is no antidote for sulfur dioxide. Treatment consists of support of respiratory and cardiovascular functions.

What should you do if you are exposed to sulfuric acid?

If you come in contact with sulfuric acid, act immediately: Flush the exposed area with water. Rinse eye(s) with ample amounts of water. Remove wet or contaminated clothing. If swallowed, seek immediate medical attention.

What is sulfuric acid used for?

Sulfuric acid is used in many industries. It’s used to produce other chemicals, explosives and glue; to refine petroleum; to cure metal; and in lead-based car batteries. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to sulfuric acid include the following:

What is the prognosis of sulfuric acid poisoning?

The prognosis of Sulfuric Acid Poisoning is dependent on the amount of substance consumed, time between consumption and treatment, severity of the symptoms, as well as general health status of the patient

What is sulfuric acid used for?

It’s used to produce other chemicals, explosives and glue; to refine petroleum; to cure metal; and in lead-based car batteries. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to sulfuric acid include the following:

What are the jobs that are exposed to acid mists?

Plumbers and contractors who come in contact with toilet bowl cleaners mixed with water. Workers in publishing, printing or photography shops. Fire fighters and steelworkers who are exposed to acid mists.

Is sulfuric acid harmful to the body?

Severe exposure can result in death. Workers may be harmed from exposure to sulfuric acid. The level of exposure depends on dose, duration, and type of work being done.

Occupational Toxic Exposure Lawsuits

According to estimates from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), more than 775,000 U.S. workers may be exposed to sulfuric acid.

Industrial Uses of Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric acid is one of the most commonly used chemicals in the world. The largest amount of sulfuric acid is used to make fertilizers. It is also widely used in metal processing, in the manufacture of copper and zinc and in the rust removal of steel sheet metal. It is used in the following industries, products and applications:

Safety Hazards of Sulfuric Acid Exposure

Sulfuric acid and other common industrial acids are very corrosive and irritating to the skin, eyes, respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts when there is direct exposure. Breathing sulfuric acid mists can result in tooth erosion and permanent respiratory tract damage.

What is the first aid for sulfuric acid poisoning?

First aid for Sulfuric Acid Poisoning is administered by healthcare professionals. The individual who is affected, or someone near, should call 911 for emergency assistance (or the local emergency number) They should also call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (or the local poison control center) and follow instructions.

How is a chemical exposure diagnosed?

The condition is diagnosed based upon the clinical history, combination of signs and symptoms, and additional tests ( that may include, in some cases, radiological studies and laboratory tests)

What is the best phone number to call for poison control?

Call 911 (or your local emergency number) for emergency assistance, if symptoms are life-threatening. Call Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 (or the local poison control center) and follow the recommend steps. It would be helpful if the following information is readily available:

How to treat a swollen eye?

The emergency medical health professional might perform the following steps towards treating the condition: Monitor vital signs. Medically manage symptoms and provide breathing support, if necessary. Wash skin and eyes repeatedly and thoroughly (irrigation), to eliminate any remaining hazardous compound.

Is sulfuric acid corrosive?

Sulfuric acid ( sulphu ric acid) is a very strong acid that has the potential to cause very serious burns through its corrosive action. Sulfuric acid is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, cleaning fluids, dyes and resins, plastics, industrial catalysts, etc. Sulfuric Acid Poisoning is the accidental or intentional intake ...

Can sulfuric acid kill you?

Inhaling sulfuric acid vapors can seriously injure the airways and lungs. The injuries may be irreversible and deaths are known to occur. In general, toxicities are common situations in the emergency departments. A majority of the cases are often not fatal, when appropriate treatment is given.

Does sulfuric acid cause organ damage?

In case of severe symptoms including severe burns and organ damage, it may considerably worsen the outcome. Ingesting sulfuric acid can result in long-term damage to the mouth, food-pipe, and stomach; the chemical has the potential to continue causing damage to the affected region, even after exposure is ceased.

How long can you be exposed to sulfur dioxide?

Exposures of 50 to 100 ppm may be tolerated for more than 30 to 60 minutes, but higher or longer exposures can cause death from airway obstruction. Sulfur dioxide is heavier than air; thus, exposure in poorly ventilated, enclosed, or low-lying areas can result in asphyxiation.

What is the process of sulfur dioxide releasing sulfates?

Most of the inhaled sulfur dioxide is detoxified by the liver to sulfates and excreted in the urine. The bisulfite ion produced when sulfur dioxide reacts with water is likely to be the main initiator of sulphur dioxide-induced bronchoconstriction.

How to administer supplemental oxygen?

Administer supplemental oxygen by mask to patients who have respiratory complaints. Treat patients who have bronchospasm with aerosolized bronchodilators. The use of bronchial sensitizing agents in situations of multiple chemical exposures may pose additional risks. Consider the health of the myocardium before choosing which type of bronchodilator should be administered. Cardiac sensitizing agents may be appropriate; however, the use of cardiac sensitizing agents after exposure to certain chemicals may pose enhanced risk of cardiac arrhythmias (especially in the elderly). Sulfur dioxide poisoning is not known to pose additional risk during the use of bronchial or cardiac sensitizing agents.

What is the chemical reaction that dissolves in water?

Sulfur dioxide dissolves in water or steam to form sulfurous acid. Liquid sulfur dioxide corrodes iron, brass, copper, and some forms of plastic and rubber. Many metals, including zinc, aluminum, cesium, and iron, incandesce and/or ignite in unheated sulfur dioxide.

How is sulfur dioxide released?

Sulfur dioxide gas is released primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels (75% to 85% of the industrial sources), the smelting of sulfide ores, volcanic emissions, and several other natural sources. It is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) priority air pollutant, but has many industrial and agricultural uses. It is sometimes added as a warning marker and fire retardant to liquid grain fumigants. Approximately 300,000 tons are used each year to manufacture hydrosulfites and other sulfur-containing chemicals (40%); to bleach wood pulp and paper (20%); to process, disinfect, and bleach food (16%); for waste and water treatment (10%); in metal and ore refining (6%); and in oil refining (4%). Toxic amounts of sulfur dioxide can be released from the preservative chemical metabisulfite in the presence of water and acid.

What is the smell of sulfur dioxide?

At room temperature, sulfur dioxide is a nonflammable, colorless gas with a very strong, pungent odor. Most people can smell sulfur dioxide at levels of 0.3 to 1 ppm. It is handled and transported as a liquefied compressed gas. It easily dissolves in water.

What is the odor threshold for sulfur dioxide?

Inhalation is the major route of exposure to sulfur dioxide. The odor threshold is 5 times lower than the OSHA PEL (5 ppm). Most exposures are due to air pollution, and this has both short-term and chronic health consequences for people with lung disease.

What is the best treatment for dermal hypersensitivity?

G) DERMAL EXPOSURE. 1) Patients developing dermal hypersensitivity reactions may require treatment with systemic or topical corticosteroids or antihistamines. After irrigation, apply antibiotic ointment and sterile dressing to dermal burns.

What is the strongest predictive factor for the occurrence of systemic and GI complications and mortality?

The grade of mucosal injury at endoscopy is the strongest predictive factor for the occurrence of systemic and GI complications and mortality. The absence of visible oral burns does NOT reliably exclude the presence of esophageal burns.

Can you use corticosteroids for grade I burns?

Corticosteroids should not be used in patients with grade I or grade III injury, as there is no evidence that they are effective. Evidence for grade II burns is conflicting, and the risk of perforation and infection is increased with steroid use, so routine use is not recommended.

What to do if you swallow a poison?

These may include vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness. If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move them to fresh air.

How to contact poison control center?

Expand Section. Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

What is the number to call for poison control?

If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

What is the camera used to see burns in the esophagus?

Endoscopy -- a camera is used to examine down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and the stomach. Laryngoscopy or Bronchoscopy -- a device (laryngoscope) or camera (bronchoscope) is used to examine down the throat to see burns in the airway. Eye irrigation.

How to tell if you have a chemical on your eye?

Vision loss. Home Care. Expand Section. DO NOT make a person throw up. Seek medical help right away. If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

Is sulfuric acid corrosive?

Sulfuric acid is a very strong chemical that is corrosive. Corrosive means it can cause severe burns and tissue damage when it comes into contact with the skin or mucous membranes. This article discusses poisoning from sulfuric acid. This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure.

What is sulfuric acid used for?

It is used in the manufacture of many items, including fertilizers, explosives, dyestuffs, other acids, parchment paper and glue, as well as in the purification of petroleum and the pickling of metals.

What are the effects of acid exposure on the cornea?

The higher-concentrated acids cause corneal burns, visual loss and the possibility of perforation of the globe. Dermal exposures: Severe necrotic/scarring burns may occur. Fatalities have been reported. Inhalation exposures: Exposure can cause symptoms of tickling in the nose and throat, coughing, sneezing, reflex bronchospasm, ...

How to contact poison control center?

For more poison prevention and first aid information, call the Poison Control Center toll-free, 1-800-222-1222.

How long does it take to flush your eye after a burn?

Because of the potential for severe eye injury, prolonged initial flushing and early ophthalmologic consultation are advisable. It may take 48-72 hours after the burn to assess the degree of ocular damage.

How long to water in ocular exposure?

In-field treatment prior to arrival at a healthcare facility. Ocular exposures: Irrigate with copious amounts of water for 15-30 minutes. Dermal exposures: Irrigate with copious amounts of water. Remove exposed clothing and jewelry. Inhalation exposures: Move patient to fresh air and away from the toxic environment.

Is sulfuric acid a liquid?

Sulfuric Acid. Sulfuric acid is a clear, colorless, odorless, oily liquid. Although sulfuric acid is odorless, it has a choking odor when heated. Impure sulfuric acid may take on a brownish color. It has a great affinity for water. It is miscible with both water and alcohol, and generates heat and contracts with both of these substances.

Does sulfuric acid cause metabolic acidosis?

Metabolic acidosis in patients ingesting sulfur ic acid suggests that there is some oral absorption. Absorption through other routes such as skin, eyes or lungs has not been fully explored. Sulfuric acid is a strong mineral acid and would be completely dissociated into hydronium (H+) and sulfate (SO4-2) ions in the body.

What is sulfuric acid poisoning?

Sulfuric acid poisoning refers to ingestion of sulfuric acid, found in lead-acid batteries and some metal cleaners, pool cleaners, drain cleaners and anti-rust products.

Is gastric lavage contraindicated for acid poisoning?

Further treatment will vary depending on the severity, but might include investigations to determine the extent of damage ( bronchoscopy for the airways and endoscopy for the gastrointestinal tract), followed by treatments including surgery (to debride and repair) and intravenous fluids. Gastric lavage is contraindicated in corrosive acid poisoning ...

What happens if you get hydrogen sulfide on your skin?

Follow-up as clinically indicated. Skin Exposure. If concentrated hydrogen sulfide was in contact with the skin, chemical burns may result; treat as thermal burns. If the liquefied compressed gas is released and contacts the skin, frostbite may result.

How long does hydrogen sulfide affect the respiratory system?

Hydrogen sulfide also irritates skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and the respiratory tract. Pulmonary effects may not be apparent for up to 72 hours after exposure. Children do not always respond to chemicals in the same way that adults do. Different protocols for managing their care may be needed.

How long does sodium nitrite take to work?

Amyl nitrite is given by inhalation (for 30 seconds every minute until an intravenous line is established) followed by intravenous sodium nitrite ( 300 mg over absolutely no less than 5 minutes ).

What are the symptoms of hydrogen sulfide exposure?

Symptoms of acute exposure include nausea, headaches, delirium, disturbed equilibrium, tremors, convulsions, and skin and eye irritation. Inhalation of high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can produce extremely rapid unconsciousness and death. Exposure to the liquified gas can cause frostbite injury.

What is hydrogen sulfide?

Hydrogen sulfide's can cause inhibition of the cytochrome oxidase enzyme system resulting in lack of oxygen use in the cells. Anaerobic metabolism causes accumulation of lactic acid leading to an acid-base imbalance. The nervous system and cardiac tissues are particularly vulnerable to the disruption of oxidative metabolism and death is often the result of respiratory arrest. Hydrogen sulfide also irritates skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and the respiratory tract. Pulmonary effects may not be apparent for up to 72 hours after exposure.

Does hydrogen sulfide affect the throat?

Respiratory. Inhaled hydrogen sulfide initially affects the nose and throat. Low concentrations (50 ppm) can rapidly produce irritation of the nose, throat, and lower respiratory tract.

Is hydrogen sulfide flammable?

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, highly flammable and explosive gas produced naturally by decaying organic matter and by certain industrial processes. Hydrogen sulfide has a characteristic rotten-egg odor; however, olfactory fatigue may occur and consequently it may not provide adequate warning of hazardous concentrations.

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Acute Exposure

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Carcinogenicity