Direct contact can be severely irritating to the skin and may result in redness, swelling, burns and severe skin damage. Direct contact with the liquid or exposure to vapors or mists may cause stinging, tearing, redness, swelling, corneal damage and irreversible eye damage. Splashes in the eyes will cause severe burns. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical. Overexposure to acid mists has been reported to cause erosion to tooth enamel.
Periodic surveillance is indicated.
Sulfuric acid may cause acute lung damage. Surveillance of the lungs is indicated. Ingestion may cause gastroesophageal perforation. Perforation may occur within 72 hours, but along with abscess formation, can occur weeks later. Long term complications may include esophageal, gastric or pyloric strictures or stenosis.