What should I do if concentrated sulfuric acid comes into contact with my skin?

In daily life, most people have heard of sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is highly corrosive and volatile; exposure to concentrated sulfuric acid can cause severe skin damage. What should you do if concentrated sulfuric acid comes into contact with your skin?

First Aid for Skin Contact with Concentrated Sulfuric Acid

If concentrated sulfuric acid contacts the skin, immediately remove yourself from the environment where the acid is present to avoid secondary inhalation injury. If only a small amount of concentrated sulfuric acid splashes onto the skin, rinse thoroughly with copious amounts of water. However, if a large quantity contacts the skin, do not rinse with water initially—doing so may exacerbate thermal injury due to the exothermic reaction between sulfuric acid and water. Instead, gently blot the affected area with a dry cloth to remove as much acid as possible from the skin surface, then rinse extensively with cool running water. After thorough rinsing, apply a small amount of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) solution to the area; this will neutralize residual acid and help minimize chemical burn extent.

After completing initial first aid, apply a 3–4% sodium bicarbonate solution to the affected skin. This promotes neutralization of residual sulfuric acid and reduces the amount of acid penetrating the skin. If clothing is contaminated with only low concentrations of sulfuric acid, it may cause minimal or no significant skin burns.

Concentrated sulfuric acid is a hazardous industrial chemical. If required for household or other uses, always handle it properly and store it securely—preferably in a locked cabinet—not in open or exposed locations. Accidental misuse by others can result in serious skin injury. We hope this information proves helpful!