Dangers of sulfuric acid
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Sulfuric acid, a highly corrosive chemical, can cause physical and respiratory injuries, among others, following exposure.
Interstate 29 in Holt County, Missouri, near Mound City, was recently closed due to a tanker filled with sulfuric acid overturning on the highway.
Authorities on scene confirmed the contents of the tanker to KQ2 around 11 a.m., saying the cleanup event could span multiple days.
A KQ2 reporter on scene said the Department of Natural Resources was deployed to the area, and equipment has to be dispatched to slowly clean up the liquid.
Sulfuric acid is a colorless to brown and odorless liquid, but its impact could affect people when touched or when in close proximity.
The hazardous, flammable substance is used to make storage batteries, fertilizers, paper products, textiles, explosives, pharmaceuticals and assists with steel and iron production.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the acid can cause severe skin burns and eye damage, as well as respiratory issues.
Breathing in sulfuric acid mists can result in tooth erosion and respiratory tract irritation. Drinking concentrated sulfuric acid can burn your mouth and throat and can erode a hole in your stomach. It has also resulted in death.
Touching sulfuric acid will burn your skin. If it gets in your eyes, it will burn them as well and cause them to water. It can also cause blindness.
According to the American Chemical Society, sulfuric acid is the most-produced chemical globally. The annual market size is about 333 million U.S. tons and is expected to grow to about 364 million tons by 2030.
Information from MedlinePlus, included in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, said that how well a person does with exposure depends on how fast the poison is diluted and neutralized.
If the chemical is swallowed, immediately give the person milk or water and call 911. Do not give the person milk or water if they are having symptoms that make it hard to swallow. These may include vomiting, convulsions or a decreased level of alertness.
