Dried Battery Acid Exposure

I opened a tape recorder and found the batteries had a dried white substance all over them, i took the batteries out and threw them away and cleaned the carpet of my bedroom as best i could but there may still be some particles left. Is it dangerous to be around a relatively small amount of dried battery acid?

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello,

The most important pieces of information that I can give you now are:
1. Clean the area with a vacuum, then carpet cleaner.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly.

And, for your question, a small amount of dried battery acid can be dangerous (and very painful) if it contacts the eyes or other mucous membranes (nose, mouth).

I hope that this is helpful to you.

~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal health care provider for further evaluation of your individual case.