What acid are hazardous?

Answer 1

Of the common laboratory acids, the most dangerous to work with is usually concentrated nitric acid because it reacts so strongly with so many chemicals, releasing poisonous gases. It also fumes, can cause explosions, and instantly oxidizes flesh causing severe burns.

There is no easy answer to what is the most dangerous acid because some acids are more corrosive, some are poisonous, and some are explosive. The strongest acid is SbF5 in HF. This is rare and the strongest acid one would find in a normal chemistry laboratory is usually hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydriodic acid, or perchloric acid.

Hydrofluoric acid is an interesting case - it is a weak acid (it does not ionize) and as a result can be absorbed by the skin very quickly. Once absorbed, it damages tissue causing severe pain, chemical imbalances, and almost certain death if more than 50mL are in contact with skin.

Other acids are dangerous because of toxic qualities rather than acidic qualities. Hydrocyanic acid is a poison gas that cannot be detected by everyone. Sulfuric acid is a dangerous dehydrating agent. Hydrochloric acid readily releases toxic fumes and can corrode many metals. Picric acid is extremely explosive. Sulphuric acid can also be dangerous if in contact with eyes, skin, mouth or other acids.

Answer 2

Concentrated strong acids are usually dangerous.

Concentrated acids in general are usually dangerous.

Substances with a pH lower than 4 are usually dangerous.

Generally speaking, don't eat anything you find in a laboratory.

And wear gloves.

Answer 3

This is a good question. There are hundreds of acids, but why are some more dangerous than others? We need to know what an acid is and how it acts. * First, an acid is a chemical that has available hydrogen ions. If the acid is able to release lots of hydrogen ions, H+, then it is a strong acid and one to handle with care - 'skull and crossbones' warning stickers are needed. * But there are some acids that are nice to eat: citric acid in Oranges and lemons, vinegar (ethanoic acid) in mayonnaise or salt and vinegar chips. These are weak acids, they do not release many hydrogen ions. * However, there are some acids that are weak but are extremely poisonous. Therefore, they, too, are dangerous, for example cyanuric and oxalic acids. * Sulfuric, hydrochloric and nitric acids are dangerous to humans and most living things. Some bacteria can live in very high concentrations of acids but little else.

Answer 4

Any and all acids are hazardous at low enough pH.

Water = pH 7

Stomach acid = pH 3

Battery acid = pH 1-2

However bases are equally dangerous:

liquid draino = pH 14 --> strong enough to melt the proteins in your eyes, and other soft tissues!

pH is dependent on concentration (i.e. the number of H+ in solution) so any very concentrated acid or base is EXTREMELY dangerous.

The most commonly "feared" acids would be HCl, H2SO4, HBr, and HF.

Answer 5

Acids that are hazardous include sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and hydrofluoric acid. These acids can cause severe burns upon contact with skin and can be harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Special precautions should be taken when handling these chemicals, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

Answer 6

While any alkali is potentially dangerous, concentrated ones like heavy-duty chemical cleaning products are the worst, because of their strength and common usage.

Answer 7

There are several dangerous acids, but it depends on how concentrated they are. Hydrochloric acid, Sulphuric acid, Nitric acid... to name but a few.

Answer 8

Concentrated Nitric acid is most dangerous acid

Answer 9

HClO4 perchloric acid..