Hydrogen chloride / hydrochloric acid Toxicological overview

Health effects of acute exposure • The main routes of exposure to hydrogen chloride are via inhalation, or skin or eye contact and exposure to hydrochloric acid is predominantly by ingestion, or skin or eye contact • Inhalation may cause irritation to nose and upper respiratory tract, ulceration, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Higher concentrations cause tachypnoea, pulmonary oedema and suffocation • Ingestion may cause corrosion of lips, mouth, oesophagus and stomach, dysphagia and vomiting • Pain, eye ulceration, conjunctival irritation, cataracts and glaucoma may occur following eye exposure • Erythema and skin irritation, as well as chemical burns to skin and mucous membranes may arise following skin exposure