Nitric acid injury

In a cross-sectional study of a bum registry from Sri Lanka for a period of 18 months, chemical splash injuries with acids represented 4 % of all patients and deliberate chemical assaults comprised 57 % of all chemical skin injuries. There were 14 formic acid injuries (41.3 %), 1 nitric acid injury (2.1 %), and 26 cases of unknown acid injuries (56.5 %). Prehospital water decontamination was done in 26 cases (56.5 %) and not done in 20 cases (43.5 %). Long-term sequelae were hypertrophic scars with constriction bands, ectropion, and microstomia. Scar revision surgery was required in 5 cases (10.8 %) and there were 2 fatalities [192]. 

These metals, particularly zinc, appear to react with the platinum in some way, for when they are dissolved off with nitric acid the platinum surface is dulled or blackened. Injury to the platinum can be prevented in these cases by first plating it with copper, and then depositing the metal on this. 

Three pulp mill workers died after inhalation of fumes for approximately 10-15 minutes from a nitric acid tank explosion (concentrations not available). No significant respiratory complaints were apparent during initial examination. However, 4—6 hours later they became cyanotic with frothy fluid escaping from the nose and mouth. All died in less than 24 hours. Necropsy showed bronchiolar epithelial necrosis, marked capillary engorgement, and slight interstitial edema of alveoli the lungs were five times heavier than normal and released abundant frothy fluid from all lobes. The delayed manifestations of lung injury were consistent... 

Several uranium compounds tested on the eyes of animals caused severe eye damage as well as systemic poisoning. The anion and its hydrolysis products determine the degree of injury. A hot nitric acid solution of uranyl nitrate spilled on the skin caused skin burns, nephritis, and heavy metal encephalopathy. Prolonged skin contact with uranium com-... 

Vanadium molybdate reagent - Note wear PPE to prevent injury from concentrated nitric acid. Separately dissolve 20 g of ammonium molybdate and 1 g of ammonium vanadate in water, transfer to a 250-ml beaker and swirl to mix. Slowly add 140 ml nitric acid (approximately 70% m/m HNO3), carefully transfer to a 1-1 volumetric flask, make up to the mark with water and mix. 

Two inflammatory enzymes, inducible nitric acid oxide synthase (iNOS) and inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) have critical roles in the response of tissues to injury or infectious agents. These inducible enzymes are... 

SAFETY PROFILE Poison by intravenous route. Lanthanum and other lanthanoids can cause delayed blood clotting leading to hemorrhages. Has caused liver injury" in experimental animals. The dust is a dangerous fire hazard when exposed to flame can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. Violent reaction with nitric acid, phosphoms (above 400°C), air, halogens. Moderately explosive in the form of dust when exposed to flame or by chemical reaction. Incompatible with H2O, C, N, B, Se, Si, S. See also RARE EARTHS and POWDERED METALS. 

Injuries are caused by the nitric acid, formed in the respiratory system by the interaction between the nitric oxide and the water in the bronchial secretion, damage is also provoked by the nitrites deriving from the nitric acid and the alkaline compounds of the secretion. The latter are resorbed through the capillary walls into the blood and form methaemoglobin. The lesions are manifested by catarrhal, sometimes micronecrotic affections of the respiratory tract mucosa, by toxic oedema and inflammatory processes in the lungs. 

Leak from nitric acid lines Injury to personnel Use stainless steel pipes of high-pressure rating covers on all flanged joints Design and construction as per high-pressure piping system. 

A student was preparing a solution reported in a published paper using nitric acid and ethanol. He mixed the two chemicals and did not notice anything unusual, such as a rise in temperature. He capped the bottle and went home. Later that night the bottle exploded, sending glass shards across the lab more than 30 feet away. Another bottle more than 5 feet away containing oil was broken by the blast. Since no one was present when the explosion occurred there were no injuries. 

He found that fixed air (carbon dioxide) in a fairly pure state is injurious to plants, and that water impregnated with fixed air has a harmful effect on plants with the roots immersed in it, although at first the growth seemed to be promoted. This was perhaps due to the stimulus only, and a similar effect was produced by a little common salt, or even a little spirit of nitre [nitric acid] in the water. Air extracted from pure water is generally purer than atmospheric air. Plants do not grow well in dephlogisticated air. ... 

Two undergraduates were involved working together on an independent research project. As they were finishing at the end of the day s work, a flask exploded - one student was burned on an arm and the other student was burned on a leg. A flask containing nitric acid was used in experiments and at the end of the day it was cleaned and sealed. Shortly thereafter the flask exploded causing the injuries. There was no fire with the explosion. 

Office of Environment, Health, and Safety, University of CaUfornia, Berkeley. Lessons Learned. Nitric Acid Spray—September 2004 http // www.ehs.berkeley.edu/lesson-leamed-imprt r-labeUng-causes-injury-acid-spray, (accessed Mar 2015). 

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