What harm does nitric acid do to the human body

Nitric acid is a strong acid that is highly corrosive to external substances, so most people should avoid contact with nitric acid as much as possible, because once nitric acid comes into contact with the human body, it will cause damage to the skin. Nitric acid is also often used as medicine. There is an ointment called nitric acid ointment, which contains a certain amount of nitric acid. However, since nitric acid is transparent and colorless, many people mistake it for water. What harm will it do to the human body if we accidentally touch nitric acid?

1. Harm of nitric acid to human body

1. Strong corrosiveness

Nitric acid is a strong acid and is highly corrosive. The human body cannot come into contact with nitric acid. Once human tissue comes into contact with nitric acid, it will be corroded and carbonized. Therefore, we should stay away from nitric acid in our daily life.

2. Hypoxia poisoning

Nitrates can also be reduced to nitrites in the human body. Nitrite reacts with human blood to form methemoglobin, which causes the blood to lose its oxygen-carrying function and causes hypoxia poisoning. Mild cases include dizziness, palpitations, vomiting, and blue lips. Severe cases include confusion, convulsions, and rapid breathing. If rescue is not timely, it can be life-threatening.

3. Carcinogenic and teratogenic

Not only that, nitrite reacts with secondary amines inside and outside the human body to form nitrosamines. When it reaches a certain dose in the human body, it is a carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic substance that can seriously endanger human health.

4. Burns

Nitric acid splashing onto the skin can cause burns and stain the skin into yellow spots. It is usually slightly yellow.

5. Causes pneumonia

Concentrated nitric acid produces nitric acid vapor when heated and can also decompose to produce nitrogen dioxide, which can cause acute nitrogen oxide poisoning after inhalation. There is no obvious harm to humans when the concentration is below 12ppm (30mg/m3). Aspiration may cause pneumonia.

6. Corrosive stomatitis, gastroenteritis, shock, renal failure

Inhalation of nitric acid fumes can cause corrosive stomatitis and gastroenteritis, and may lead to shock or renal failure.

2. Precautions for nitric acid operation

During operation, you should wear acid-resistant and alkali-resistant gloves, masks, and other labor protection supplies. In case of skin contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and then soak with 0.01% soda water (or dilute ammonia water). In case of accidental ingestion, induce vomiting with milk or egg white. In the event of an accident caused by nitric acid, the victim should be immediately removed from the accident scene to a place with fresh air.