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Sulphuric acid - Toxicological Overview

Key Points

Kinetics and metabolism

  • A key toxicokinetic consideration of sulphuric acid inhalation is where is the respiratory tract the aerosols are deposited
  • Once in the lung, sulphate from sulphuric acid is rapidly absorbed into the blood stream

Health effects of acute exposure

  • The major routes of exposure are by ingestion, inhalation, dermal or ocular exposure
  • Irritant and corrosive to all tissues with which it comes into contact
  • Inhalation may cause burning or choking, sore throat, irritation of nose and eyes, cough and chest tightness. In severe cases pulmonary oedema may occur hours or days after exposure
  • Ingestion can cause immediate burns to the mouth, throat, larynx, oesophagus and stomach, resulting in oedema, airway obstruction and difficulty in clearing bronchial secretions. Symptoms may include salivation, dysphagia, intense thirst, nausea, vomiting, haemorrhage, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Shock, collapse, acute renal failure and death may arise
  • Ocular or dermal exposure causes erythema, lacrimation, conjunctivitis, photophobia, or irritation, erythema or burns, respectively

Health effects of chronic exposure

  • Chronic inhalation may lead to chemical pneumonitis, bronchitis, changes in lung function and dental decay
  • Few data on the toxicity of sulphuric acid following chronic ingestion
  • Limited mutagenicity data are available but it is predicted that it does not have mutagenic potential
  • Inorganic acid mists containing sulphuric acid are carcinogenic to humans. Sulphuric acid or sulphuric acid solutions are not considered to be carcinogenic

Decontamination and First Aid       Summary of Health Effects

Prepared by J D Pritchard
CHAPD HQ, HPA
2007
Version 2

This document will be reviewed not later than 3 years, or sooner if substantive evidence becomes available.