DR NOOR-UL-AIN

Demonstrator
Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Department
Quaid-e-Azam Medical College,
Bahawalpur
 CORROSIVES
Definition:
Are defined as substances which
have the ability to destroy&
denature the tissue proteins.
Classification :
ACIDS:
A- Mineral Acids e.g.
a. Sulphuric acid (H2SO4)
( Oil of Vitrol)
b. Nitric acid (HNO3)
(Aqua Forti/ heavy water)
c.Hydro Chloric acid (HCL)
( spirit of salt)
B- Organic poisons
a.Oxalic acid
b.Carbolic acid( phenol)
c.Acetic acid
d- Salicylic acid (aspirin)
C-Vegetable acids
Hydrocyanic acid( HCN)
ALKALIES
a . Caustic Soda (NaOH)
b Caustic Potash( KOH)
c. Washing soda (Na2 CO3)
d. Ammonia & it’s Compounds
e. pearl ash ( K2CO3)
Mechanism of action of Corrosives

They act in 3 ways by

a- By ingestion of acids.
b- By inhaling of fumes.
c- By throwing on skin.

They cause
a- Conversion of haemoglobin into haematin.
b- Coagulation of tissue protein.
c- Dehydration , asphyxia , Shock due
hypovolumia to & even death.
 A. MINERAL ACIDS
Difference between Mineral acid, (General Features)
H2SO4 HNO3 HCl
Heavy, Oily, Colourless Yellowish, colourless colourless

Non-fuming agent Fuming agent Fuming agent

High affinity for water xanthoproti Reaction: Have an irritating odour.

leading to rapid tissue Nitri acid + proteins→
destruction Picric acid
(trinitrophenol)+NO
(Nitrogen Monooxide)

Fatal dose 10-15ml 15-20ml 1-18 ml

Fatal period 12-24 h 12-24 h 12-24h

 CLINICAL FEATURES
A- Due to ingestion:
1. burning sensation in the intestineal tract from mouth to stomach
followed by intense thirst, difficulty in swallowing, continuous
retching and vomiting of shreddy blood stain material.
2. Linear burns along the angles of mouth, brownish black/
yellowish in colour due to sulphuric & nitric acid resort.
3. Intense vomiting acidi/ alkaline on reaction.
4. Mucus membranes are swollen in mouth.
5. Cold sweats , paller, sunken eyes, dilated pupils.
6. Bowels tend to be constipated.
7. Oliguria due to dehydration.
8. Late complications = stricture , stenosis , fistula.
B-Due to INHALATION of Fumes :
1. Increased coughing, sneezing and lacrimation.
2. Suffocation due to oedema of glottis, laboured
breathing.
3. Dyspnea, cyanosis.
4. Broncho pneumonia,
5. Pulmonary Oedema
6. Death due to respiratory arrest
 MANAGEMENT OF POISONING

1.Maintain ABC
2.Gastric Lavage was previously contraindicated, but
now Soft LEVINE tube can be used to perform Lavage
within about an hour of ingestion of poison to prevent
serious caustic burns of the stomach wall.
3.Neutralize acid with weak alkali/ milk / egg white.
4.IV fluids for dehydration.
5.Pain relief —- with Injection Morphine.
6.Tracheostomy may be necessary if there is acute
oedema of the glottis.
 POST MORTAM FINDINGS:
H2SO4 HNO3 HCL
Brownish- black Liner burns Yellowish discoloration of Involved areas are pale/
. along the affected areas white
the angles of mouth
All mucous membranes of Same as in case of H2SO4
mouth and stomach are
corroded & ulcerated
Stomach may show Lungs show signs of Respiratory passages show
perforation inflammation and oedema signs of oedema and
asphyxia

MEDICOLEGAL IMPORTANCE
1. Vitriolage is more common with H2SO4.
2. Attempted suicide & homicide less than common (due to painful action).
3. Accidental spillage results in severe injuries or even death.
 C. VITRIOLAGE:

Definition :
Throwing of any acid/alkalies on a person with
the malicious intention to cause facial disfigurement,
destroying vision and grievous hurt.
According to Qasas and Diyat Ordinance
vitriolage comes under the heading of
ITLAF-E- SALAHIYAT-E-UDW.
Sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol) is most commonly
employed for this purpose and hence it is
called vitriolage.
They are characterized by discoloration and
staining of skin and clothing (brown or black in
sulphuric acid and yellow in nitric acid) Trickle
marks, absence of vesication, red line of
demarcation.
 TREATMENT OF VITRIOLAGE
1. Wash the affected area and eyes with plenty of plan
water, soap or dilute solution of sodium or potassium
bicarbonate.
2. Irrigate eyes with 1% dilute sodium or potassium
Bicarbonate solution.
3. Instill eyes with few drops of olive oil for lubrication.
4. Use antibiotic containing eye drops.
5. Apply thick paste of Magnesium Oxide on affected
skin.
6. Apply Antibiotics containing ointment.
7. Steroids if required.
THANKS