Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)
Quick Reference
What is H2SO4?
Strong acid commonly found in high concentrations and used as a reagent in industrial processes. One example is the synthesis of ClO2 at pulp mills. Transported and stored in high concentration and large volume for these applications. Also found in smaller quantities and/or lower concentrations in automotive maintenance and laboratory settings. Will not produce vapors unless exposed to heat or water.
Crew Safety
- Staging/Perimeter
- For a spill without fumes: 50 m. With fumes (water or heat exposure): refer to ERG.
- For a large tank or rail care involved in a fire: 800m then refer to ERG for downwind isolation
- Very small spills (i.e., university lab) staging may not be needed if patient is moved away from spill.
- Additional Resources
- Large industrial spill: rescue team or FD HAZMAT team with chemical protective clothing.
- For small lab or automotive spill no additional resources.
- PPE requirements
- Chemical protective clothing and SCBA needed for rescue.
- BCEHS nitrile gloves are not sufficient protection for concentrated sulfuric acid. Only sufficient for accidental contact after initial decontamination has been completed.
- Safely initiating patient contact
- For large spill/exposure, patient to be decontaminated and brought to the crew.
- For limited spill/exposure the patient may meet the crew in a safe location. Crew to coach initial decontamination from a distance.
Effect on the Patient
Strong acid causing coagulative necrosis. High risk of blindness if eye exposure occurs. Inhalation of vapors will cause irritation, burns and edema in upper airway, and ingestion will cause significant GI burns.
Patient Decontamination
* Continuous irrigation of eyes until testing in-hospital confirms neutral pH. EYES TAKE PRECEDENCE.
* Clothing removed from patient without pulling over the head. Contaminated clothes left on scene.
* Irrigation of exposed skin for a minimum of 30 minutes.
* Do not attempt to neutralize acid with a base, will cause exothermic reaction causing thermal burns.
Patient Treatment
* Decontamination as above. If present, burst blisters on skin.
* Treatment of airway/breathing concerns and analgesia as per BCEHS CPGs.
Safe Transfer of Care
If initial decontamination has occurred there is no risk of secondary contamination. If ingested staff should use standard contact and splash precautions. No risk of offgassing.
Paramedic and Equipment Decontamination
Provided decontamination of the patient has occurred as outlined above no special decontamination of equipment or personnel is required.
Quick Access Resources
DPIC Monograph
No DPIC monograph available.
Paramedic Specialist Safety Data Sheet
Emergency Response Guidebook
Revision History
| Version | Date | Changes | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 2026-05-01 | Initial version | Clinical Hub |