Nitric acid poisoning Health Article

Definition

Nitric acid is a poisonous clear-to-yellow colored liquid. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing or breathing in nitric acid.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient

Nitric acid

Where Found

• Fertilizers
• Substances used to clean metals (such as gun barrels)

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Symptoms from swallowing nitric acid may include:

• Abdominal pain - severe
• Burns to skin or mouth
• Fever
• Mouth pain - severe
• Rapid drop in blood pressure
• Throat swelling, which leads to breathing difficulty
• Throat pain - severe
• Vomiting, bloody

Symptoms from breathing in (inhaling) nitric acid may include:

• Bluish colored lips and fingernails
• Chest tightness
• Choking
• Coughing
• Coughing up blood
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid pulse
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. Give 4 to 6 ounces of milk of magnesia, if possible.

DO NOT give water or milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.

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

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (and ingredients and strengths, if known)
• The time it was swallowed or inhaled
• The amount swallowed or inhaled

However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.