Inorganic Corrosive Acids in Agada Tantra

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the characteristics, fatal limits, clinical signs, and medicolegal aspects of Sulphuric, Nitric, and Hydrochloric acids as discussed in Agada Tantra.

Agada Tantra

An Ayurvedic subject that covers forensic toxicology, including the study of inorganic corrosive acids and poisons.

Sulphuric acid ($H_2SO_4$) Commercial Appearance

Commercially, this inorganic acid appears brown-black in color.

Sulphuric acid ($H_2SO_4$) Physical Characteristics

A heavy, odorless, colorless, and non-fuming liquid.

Chalky white teeth

A characteristic physical sign seen in individuals who have ingested sulphuric acid.

Sulphuric acid Fatal Dose

$10$ to $5\,ml$.

Sulphuric acid Fatal Period

$12$ to $24$ hours.

Calcium oxalate crystals

Crystals present in the stomach when it becomes a soft, spongy black mass due to sulphuric acid poisoning.

BNS 124

The legal section regarding acid throwing (specifically sulphuric acid); injury or hurt can lead to $10$ years of prison and a fine, while an attempt to throw is $5$ to $7$ years.

Prednisolone

An antidote given at $60\,mg/day$ to prevent esophageal restrictions following acid ingestion.

Nitric acid ($HNO_3$) Physical Characteristics

An odorless, clear, fuming, heavy liquid with a choking odor.

Picric acid

A substance produced when concentrated nitric acid combines with organic matter, resulting in yellow discoloration of tissue.

Eructation

A symptom associated with nitric acid poisoning, often accompanied by great abdominal distension due to gas formation.

Nitric acid Fatal Dose

$10$ to $15\,ml$.

Nitric acid Fatal Period

$12$ to $24$ hours.

Brown Ring Test

A chemical test to confirm nitric acid where strong ferrous sulphate solution ($FeSO_4$) and sulphuric acid ($H_2SO_4$) are added to a solution, forming a brown ring.

Hydrochloric acid ($HCl$) Physical Characteristics

A pungent, colorless, and fuming corrosive poison that is a natural constituent of fluid in the stomach and bowel.

Acid Haematine

The substance responsible for mucous membranes turning brown or black after initial grey/white discoloration in nitric acid and hydrochloric acid poisoning.

Hydrochloric acid Fatal Dose

$15$ to $20\,ml$.

Hydrochloric acid Fatal Period

$18$ to $36$ hours.

Silver Nitrate ($AgN3$) Test

A test for hydrochloric acid ($HCl$) that produces a curdy white precipitate (PPT) of silver chloride ($AgCl_2$).

Chronic HCl Poisoning Symptoms

Includes coryza, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, pharyngitis, bronchitis, and loosening of teeth due to constant exposure to fumes.