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Dangers of Oxalic Acid

Article about: Hi all The use of oxalic acid is advocated by a number of members, but I felt compelled to put up a few notes about its use and possible toxic effects. This is not meant to be a definitive g

  1. #1

    Default Dangers of Oxalic Acid

    Hi all

    The use of oxalic acid is advocated by a number of members, but I felt compelled to put up a few notes about its use and possible toxic effects.

    This is not meant to be a definitive guide, nor is it intended to be used as a kind of safety data sheet, but merely to alert those who have or are going to use oxalic acid as to its effects on the body, and precautions that should be taken.

    Just because it is readily available doesn't mean it should not be treated with respect !!!

    It cannot be stressed too strongly that oxalic acid is an aggressive substance and needs to be treated with respect. Acid resistant gloves and goggles should be worn and an apron of the type used by mortuary attendants, along with wellington boots that have the tops covered by gaiters so that any falling liquid cannot fall into the boot. A respirator that has specialised organic acid filtering will be required in cases where the acid is sprayed or vapourised. Oxalic acid is also poisonous to humans by ingestion.

    Health Factors

    Corrosive to tissue... When ingested, causing sore throat, burning sensation, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, passing stools with blood, drowsiness, loss of feeling in fingers and toes. Oxalic acid removes calcium from the blood causing kidney damage as the calcium is removed from the blood in the form of calcium oxalate. The calcium oxalate then obstructs the kidney tubules.

    Harmful if inhaled... Causes severe irritation and burns to nose, throat, and respiratory tract. Irritations of mucous membranes, eye discomfort and burns, blue colouration of lips, fingernails or skin, shock, collapse, convulsions, kidney damage, pulmonary oedema.

    Toxic... May cause burns, nausea, gastroenteritis, vomiting, shock and convulsions. May cause renal damage, as evidenced by blood in urine. Estimated fatal dose for humans is 5 to 15 grams. That's the equivalent of one teaspoonful !!

    Skin Contact... Causes severe irritation and skin burns. It is also absorbed through the skin.

    Eye Contact... Oxalic acid is an extreme eye irritant by virtue of being corrosive and physically abrasive.

    Chronic Exposure... Causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Prolonged skin contact can cause dermatitis, cyanosis of the fingers and ulceration. May cause kidney damage.

    Pre-existing Conditions... Exacerbates pre-existing skin disorders or eye problems, kidney problems or respiratory complaints.

    NIOSH (IDLH) Immediately Dangerous To Life or Health Concentration, 500 mg/m3. THIS IS NOT ALOT AT ALL !!!



    First Aid Measures

    Inhalation... Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Call a doctor immediately.

    Ingestion... DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING! Give large quantities of limewater or milk to drink. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Call a doctor immediately.

    Skin Contact... In cases of contact, wipe off excess from skin then immediately flush skin with high volumes of water for at least 15 minutes while removing all contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing thoroughly before reuse unless obviously damaged. Call a doctor or physician immediately.

    Eye Contact... Immediately flush eyes with a gentle flow of a copious amount of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Call a doctor immediately.


    The amount of oxalic acid needed to produce these effects is as small as 1mg. Larger amounts either ingested or that come into contact with skin should be dealt with my medical professionals as a matter of urgency.

    If you use oxalic acid, keep it away from children and pets and only use outside. Do not dispose of in the normal sewerage system, (it is against the law and subject to a hefty fine in the UK).


    PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH THIS CHEMICAL !


    Steve T

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  3. #2

    Default Re: Dangers of Oxalic Acid

    I think you will find that most corrosive materials carry warnings of this type. The manufacturers have to cover all eventualities these days because of the danger of litigation from morons using dangerous substances incorrectly. The use of any type of corrosive cleaning agent should be used with utmost care. I worked in the chemical industry for 25 years, and you wouldn't believe how stupid some people can be when handling hazardous chemicals.

  4. #3
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    Excuse me, what is this acid for?

  5. #4
    ?

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    Its used to remove rust for relic items.

    Semper Fi
    Phil

  6. #5

    Default

    Oxalic Acid is not to be taken lightly but certainly has it place in removing rust on certain items. All chemicals, that actually do work, will be hazardous as stated. If they are not, they will likely not work. A good example would be a parkerizing solution. Hazardous; but what else are you going to use to achieve the parkerized finish? Common sense must prevail in most cases. I do understand that common sense is not a common virtue.
    John

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