Can Battery Acid Kill You If You Drink It?

Battery acid is a dangerous and corrosive substance used in many industrial and commercial applications. It should never be ingested as it damages your internal organs. This article examines the danger of battery acid to your health. It will also discuss the precautions you should take when working with batteries to ensure safety.

What happens if you drink battery acid?

If you drink battery acid accidentally, it will immediately corrode your throat and esophagus. The acid causes severe burns and may even perforate your stomach or intestines. It will cause extensive damage to your organs if it reaches your bloodstream. Thus, the battery acid kills you right away. If it comes into contact with your skin, rinse the area thoroughly with water and seek medical attention immediately.

Is battery acid safe to drink?

Drinking battery acid is not recommended and can be potentially deadly. Drinking it intentionally or unintentionally damages your esophagus and stomach lining, causing pain.

Also, breathing problems occur if the battery acid enters your lungs or throat. But if this happens and no chemical burns on your body, you can experience vomiting and diarrhea that can last for days to weeks. Lastly, remember that those battery acids are produced for electric batteries, not for drinking.

Will you die if you eat battery acid?

Yes, eating or swallowing battery acid can lead to death. Since battery acid is a corrosive substance, it causes severe damage to the tissues in your mouth, throat, and stomach. Also, boiling batteries produce harmful fumes, and the lye in battery fluid causes rapid stomach tissue destruction.

Additionally, a container that has a battery should not be used to store anything else since the toxins seeped out of the original plastic casing, which is porous even when intact.

Batteries can also explode under certain conditions, so it’s wise not to let them get too hot in an enclosed space. Lastly, you’ll know something is wrong if your tongue tastes differently because your saliva reacts with the acid mixture on your tongue, making it a rusty taste.

To prevent this issue, here are some things to remember when working with batteries:

  • Use safety equipment when handling battery acid.
  • Do not smoke or have an open flame around a battery. It can cause explosions and injuries.
  • If you get some of the acids in your eye, rinse it thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes and seek a doctor immediately.
  • If you swallow some acids by accident, seek medical assistance immediately.
  • Keep a bucket of water nearby in case the battery acid spills so you can wash it away from your skin or clothes.
  • Keep batteries away from little children and pets. They might play or eat them out of curiosity.
  • Dispose of batteries properly by taking them to a recycling center. Do not throw batteries in the trash can.

Conclusion

Taking the necessary precautions when working with batteries is crucial to avoid accidents. Always wear safety gear when handling battery acid, dispose of it properly, and dispose or store it away from children. Remember, do not drink battery acid. If accidents happen, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Battery acid quickly damages your mouth, throat, and stomach tissues if you’ve ingested any of it, causing your death.

About the author, Phil Borges

Phil Borges is a battery aficionado. He's written extensively about batteries, and he loves nothing more than discussing the latest innovations in the industry. He has a deep understanding of how batteries work, and he's always on the lookout for new ways to improve their performance.