ACID

Acid, a large and diverse group of chemicals, both organic and inorganic, having the common properties of a sour taste, solubility in water, and the release of hydrogen ions in solution. Mineral, or inorganic acids, include hydrochloric, nitric, and sulfuric. The organic group includes citric, lactic, and uric acids. A simple test for an acid is to put a small quantity on litmus paper, which acid turns from blue to red.

Many acids play important roles in the chemical processes that are a normal and vital part of the functions of body cells and tissues. Amino acids are the fundamental units of proteins. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, and many vegetables, is an essential part of a balanced diet. A disturbance of the acid content of the body can lead to serious disease. For example, a high level of uric acid produce gout.

Some inorganic acids corrode human tissues. Taken internally, they seriously damage the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach. If they enter the larynx, they will interfere with breathing. Antidotes for acid poisoning include large doses of milk of magnesia, milk, soapy water, or egg whites. Hot-water sponges and moist compresses applied to the throat will aid breathing and hot moist applications on the abdominal area can relieve stomach pains. If the skin is burned by sulfuric or nitric acid, theburned area should be washed immediately with diluted banking soda solution (4 tablespoons of baking soda in a quart of water), then bathed continuously with the soda solution. Basically, first-aid treatment for acid burns involves the neutralization of the affected area by an alkali, the chemical reverse of an acid. If an acid is swallowed, vomiting should not be induced, since this will burn the esophangus and throat a second time.