Hydrocholoric acid is a clear, poisonous liquid. It is highly corrosive, which means it immediately causes severe damage, such as burning, on contact.

This article discusses poisoning due to swallowing or breathing in hydrochloric acid.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Hydrochloric acid

• Certain fertilizers
• Pool chemicals
• Soldering fluxes

This list is not all-inclusive.

Symptoms from swallowing hydrochloric acid may include:

• Abdominal pain - severe
• Breathing difficulty due to swelling of throat
• Chest pain - severe
• Drooling
• Fever
• Mouth pain - severe
• Rapid drop in blood pressure
• Throat pain - severe
• Vomiting blood

Symptoms from breathing in hydrochloric acid:

• Bluish color to lips and fingernails
• Chest tightness
• Choking
• Coughing
• Coughing up blood
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid pulse
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness