• What should I do if someone becomes ill from breathing sulfuric acid?
• What do I do if someone gets sulfuric acid on their skin?
• What do I do if someone gets sulfuric acid in their eyes?
• What do I do if someone swallows sulfuric acid?
• Is there anything else I need to know about first aid?

What should I do if someone becomes ill from breathing sulfuric acid?

Remove source of contamination or move victim to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, oxygen may be beneficial if administered by trained personnel, preferably on a doctor's advice. DO NOT allow victim to move about unnecessarily. Symptoms of pulmonary edema can be delayed up to 48 hours after exposure. Immediately transport victim to an emergency care facility.

What do I do if someone gets sulfuric acid on their skin?

Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical protective clothing, if necessary. As quickly as possible, flush contaminated area with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 20-30 minutes, by the clock. If irritation persists, repeat flushing. DO NOT INTERRUPT FLUSHING. If necessary, keep emergency vehicle waiting. Under running water, remove contaminated clothing, shoes and other leather goods (e.g. watchbands, belts). Transport victim to an emergency care facility immediately. Discard contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods.

What do I do if someone gets sulfuric acid in their eyes?

Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical resistant gloves, if necessary. Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 20-30 minutes, by the clock, while holding the eyelid(s) open. Neutral saline solution may be used as soon as it is available. DO NOT INTERRUPT FLUSHING. If necessary, keep emergency vehicle waiting. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the unaffected eye or onto the face. If irritation persists, repeat flushing. Quickly transport victim to an emergency care facility.

What do I do if someone swallows sulfuric acid?

NEVER give anything by mouth if victim is rapidly losing consciousness, is unconscious or is convulsing. Have victim rinse mouth thoroughly with water. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Have victim drink 240 to 300 mL (8 to 10 oz) of water to dilute material in stomach. If milk is available, it may be administered AFTER the water has been given. If vomiting occurs naturally, repeat administration of water. Quickly transport victim to an emergency care facility.

Is there anything else I need to know about first aid?

Provide general supportive measures (comfort, warmth, rest). Consult a doctor and/or the nearest Poison Control Centre for all exposures except minor instances of inhalation or skin contact. Some recommendations in the above sections may be considered medical acts in some jurisdictions. These recommendations should be reviewed with a doctor an appropriate delegation of authority obtained, as required. All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a doctor familiar with the materials and its conditions of use in the workplace.

Want more information?

Document last updated on June 18, 1999

Copyright ©1997-2013 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety