Oxalic acid and oxalates are used as bleaches, metal cleaners, and rust removers and in chemical synthesis and leather tanning. A laundry powder containing sachets of oxalic acid and potassium permanganate was reported to cause an epidemic of fatal self-poisonings in Sri Lanka. Soluble and insoluble oxalate salts are found in several species of plants.

1. 
   

   Mechanism of toxicity

   
   
   
   
   1. 
      

      Oxalic acid solutions are highly irritating and corrosive. Ingestion and absorption of oxalate cause acute hypocalcemia resulting from precipitation of the insoluble calcium oxalate salt. Calcium oxalate crystals may then deposit in the brain, heart, kidneys, and other sites, causing serious systemic damage.

      
      
   2. 
      

      Insoluble calcium oxalate salt found in Dieffenbachia and similar plants is not absorbed, but it causes local mucous membrane irritation.

   
   
   
   
2. 
   

   Toxic dose. Ingestion of 5–15 g of oxalic acid has caused death. The recommended workplace limit (ACGIH TLV-TWA) for oxalic acid vapor is 1 mg/m3

   Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue

   Share this:

   • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
   • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

   Related

   Related posts:

   Anesthetics, Local Special Considerations in Pediatric Patients Anticonvulsants, Newer Emergency Evaluation and Treatment Beta2-Adrenergic Stimulants Copper