Safety: Hydrochloric Acid

As with any chemical, it's important to know what the safety concerns are.  This week we have been using HCl (hydrochloric acid), and I want to provide you with a bit more information about handling it safely.  For most of you this is already understood, but I strongly suggest reading what is below.  While some of this information is more relevant to you than some of the other details, too much information is never a bad thing when it comes to safety.  As always, let us know if you suspect you spilled or got something on you!

Common Routes of Hydrochloric Acid Exposure

• Inhalation. The most common way for hydrochloric acid to enter the body is through the respiratory
  system. Signs and symptoms of hydrochloric acid inhalation can include:
  • Coughing
  • Choking
  • Burning of the throat
• Contact with the Skin. Hydrochloric acid can irritate the skin and cause chemical burns ranging from mild to severe depending on the concentration of the hydrochloric acid solution. Concentrated vapor or solution may cause the victim to experience pain, redness of the skin, and blisters. Signs displayed by skin exposed to liquefied hydrochloric acid can include frostbite, tissue death, or severe burns with deep ulcerations.
• Contact with the Eyes. Hydrochloric acid, even with short-term exposure, can irritate the eyes and cause burning, swelling, tearing of the eyes, blurred vision, photophobia, sloughing of the surface cells of the eye, and may cause blindness.
• Ingestion. Immediate burning in the mouth and throat occur when hydrochloric acid is swallowed. Ingestion of concentrated solution can cause severe pain in the mouth, chest and abdomen, nausea and vomiting.

First Aid Management

Prompt action is essential if there is a hydrochloric acid spill or leak. If a hydrochloric acid spill or leak occurs, take the following actions:

• Breathing
  If hydrogen chloride is inhaled, move the person to fresh air at once. If breathing stops, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and resting. Seek medical attention immediately.
• Eye Exposure
  Wash eyes immediately with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting the upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Contacts should not be worn when working with hydrogen chloride/ hydrochloric acid.
• Skin Exposure
  Skin contaminated with hydrogen chloride/ hydrochloric acid should be flushed with water for at least 15 minutes. Do not rub or wash skin. If strong concentrations of gas or solution penetrate clothing, remove clothing and flush the skin with water. Seek medical attention immediately.

More Information: Hydrochloric Acid Exposure