Poisoning with hydrochloric acid vapors
Hydrochloric acid (HCl, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen chloride) is a colorless corrosive liquid with a specific odor, one of the strongest acids capable of dissolving many metals. It is obtained by dissolving gaseous hydrogen chloride in water.
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In the air, hydrochloric acid smokes, since the released HCl forms the smallest drops, fog, with water vapor.
Hydrogen chloride used in production has a yellow-green color due to admixtures of iron and chlorine salts. Its industrial application is very wide:
- hydrometallurgy of precious metals;
- electrotype;
- the production of chloride salts;
- tanning and dyeing of leather in the leather industry;
- production of adhesives, alcohols, acids;
- pharmaceutical production;
- textile industry, etc.
In a concentration of 0.3 to 0.5%, hydrochloric acid is found in the body under normal conditions, being the main component of gastric juice. Aggressive properties allow it to effectively protect the body from viruses and bacteria that have entered the digestive tract. In addition to the protective function, hydrochloric acid contributes to the normal process of digestion, stimulates the work of the pancreas, participates in the synthesis of hormones, and under its influence ripens the digestive enzymes of the gastric juice.
At a concentration of 24 to 38%, it is highly toxic, and therefore the turnover of an acid of similar saturation in the Russian Federation is limited. Particularly dangerous when working with concentrated HCl solutions are mists that form when it comes into contact with air, due to the ability to cause damage to the eyes and respiratory system. If it comes into contact with the skin, the concentrated acid causes a chemical burn.
A lethal dose when taken orally is 15-20 ml of concentrated acid.
How does hydrochloric acid vapor poisoning occur?
Poisoning with vapors and mists of hydrochloric acid occurs, as a rule, in industrial and laboratory conditions and is usually associated with the occurrence of emergency situations:
- depressurization of acid containers in production;
- violation of the integrity of the container during transportation;
- corrosion of steel equipment;
- damage to ventilation systems.
In such cases, it is especially dangerous to be on the windward side on the lower floors of buildings, in basements, since the vapor of hydrogen chloride is heavier than air and, going down, moves by the movement of air masses.
In addition to emergency situations, the cause of poisoning can be a violation of the technological process, neglect of personal protective equipment and non-compliance with safety measures at the workplace.
You can get poisoned with hydrochloric acid in everyday life in several cases:
- using a concentrated solution for cleaning plumbing fixtures, utensils, removing stubborn stains;
- preparation of solutions for external use for the purpose of self-treatment at home;
- inhalation of vapors from acid transfer.
Poisoning symptoms
Poisoning with hydrochloric acid can be both acute and chronic (with prolonged exposure to low doses).
In case of acute intoxication, there are:
- pain, feeling of sand in the eyes;
- photophobia;
- profuse lacrimation;
- hyperemia of the conjunctiva;
- pain, tickling and burning in the nasopharynx;
- mucous membrane, possibly mixed with blood, discharge from the nose;
- hoarseness of voice;
- sneezing, coughing;
- difficulty breathing;
- nosebleeds.
When in contact with the skin and mucous membranes, strong acid vapors interact with tissue proteins, causing their coagulation, and, as a result, coagulation necrosis: ulcerative defects and erosion are formed on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
The systemic effect of toxins manifests itself 2-3 days after direct exposure to various diseases of the bronchopulmonary zone, in severe cases, asphyxia develops.
The most dangerous form of acute inhalation poisoning with hydrogen chloride is toxic pulmonary edema, which is manifested by:
- general weakness;
- chest pain;
- severe shortness of breath;
- cough with copious, frothy pink phlegm;
- increased heart rate;
- cyanotic staining of the skin;
- wet rales all over the lungs.
A detailed clinical picture lasts up to 2 days, during the next few days, the reverse development occurs.
Chronic exposure to hydrochloric acid vapor leads to the occurrence of non-infectious inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, tooth decay, ulceration of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, and gastrointestinal disorders.
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First aid for poisoning with hydrochloric acid vapors
At the first symptoms of poisoning with hydrochloric acid vapors, it is necessary:
- Evacuate the victim from the place of contamination.
- Provide access to fresh air (open windows, doors, unfasten tight clothing).
- If the victim is unconscious, lay on his side or on his back with his head turned to one side to prevent aspiration of vomit in case of vomiting.
- Rinse the nose and exposed skin with 2% baking soda solution (1 teaspoon of baking soda in a 200 ml glass of water) and plenty of running water, rinse your mouth.
- For a long time (15-20 minutes) and abundantly, rinse open eyes with running water, drip 1-2 drops of 2% Novocaine solution, 1-2 drops of vaseline oil.
- Inhale with 2% soda solution.
- Give the victim an alkaline drink (still mineral water, milk).
When is medical attention required?
In case of poisoning with hydrochloric acid vapors, medical attention should be sought in 100% of cases.
Treatment is aimed at maintaining vital activity and restoring the functions of the affected organs.
Possible consequences
Complications of acid vapor exposure can include:
- conjunctivitis, clouding of the cornea of the eye, complete or partial loss of vision;
- rhinitis, rhinopharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, tracheobronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, pulmonary edema.
Prevention
To prevent inhalation poisoning with hydrochloric acid both at home and at work, a number of requirements must be observed:
- work in overalls that cover all parts of the body;
- work only with the use of personal protective equipment (glasses, respirator, gloves);
- in the room where concentrated acid is used, ensure effective ventilation.
Olesya Smolnyakova Therapy, clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapy About the author
Education: higher, 2004 (GOU VPO "Kursk State Medical University"), specialty "General Medicine", qualification "Doctor". 2008-2012 - Postgraduate student of the Department of Clinical Pharmacology, KSMU, Candidate of Medical Sciences (2013, specialty "Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology"). 2014-2015 - professional retraining, specialty "Management in education", FSBEI HPE "KSU".
The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
