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ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX
Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T V W Y Z

Sulfuric acid

Overview Symptoms Treatment
Alternative Names:
Battery acid
Home Treatment:

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING.

Seek emergency medical care immediately.

If on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If swallowed, drink water or milk IMMEDIATELY. Give 4-7 oz. milk of magnesia, if on hand. (If the patient is vomiting or appears altered, DO NOT give liquids.)

For inhalation poisoning, remove the patient to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency:

Determine the following information:

  • the patient's age, weight, and condition
  • the name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
  • the time it was swallowed
  • the amount swallowed
  • Call 911, Poison Control, or the local emergency number:

Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room:

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

  • For swallowed poison:
    • Give fluids.
    • Give milk of magnesia.
    • Treat the symptoms.
    • Antibiotics.
    • Surgical repair if indicated.
  • For inhalation:
    • Treat the symptoms.
    • Intubation (breathing tube).
Expectations (prognosis):
Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach are possible. The prognosis (probable outcome) depends on the extent of this damage and how rapidly the acid was diluted and neutralized. Ingestion may be fatal.
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