Chemical Forums
Chemistry Forums for Students => Inorganic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: aquaregia on March 27, 2022, 02:31:35 PM
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I worked in a lab unsupervised and inhaled aqua regia once two weeks ago (aqua regia was freshly made then), then another one the previous week (aqua regia was a week old, but still had a strong smell). It was sealed in an Erlenmeyer flask for days (it was 60 ml or so). I wasn't wearing a mask or protection glasses. It was directly under my nose. How bad is it? Should I see a doctor?
I'm not experienced with lab equipment or any chemicals. I wasn't aware it was that bad till after I inhaled it and felt a sting in my nose.
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If it was many days ago and you have no observable symptoms (like cough) you should be OK. Gases that are emitted are strong irritants and they can quickly destroy tissues, but I am not aware of delayed effects (at least if it is just a random exposure, not something repeating every day).
A bit like contact with something hot - you were either burnt to the point of needing medical attention, or it was just unpleasant but no need for a doc.
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If it was many days ago and you have no observable symptoms (like cough) you should be OK. Gases that are emitted are strong irritants and they can quickly destroy tissues, but I am not aware of delayed effects (at least if it is just a random exposure, not something repeating every day).
Thank you for the reply, I appreciate it!
A bit like contact with something hot - you were either burnt to the point of needing medical attention, or it was just unpleasant but no need for a doc.
This part scares me :C I wanna go, but I doubt the doctor has prior experience to this chemical or would even know what it is.
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You would just tell the doctor you inhaled concentrated acid fumes. They would treat accordingly, eg pulmonary edema.