Aa
battery fumes
we have a lead acid battery installed in our bathroom and there always persists a caustic like odour, somewhat acidic like odor and after i bathe i cough for sometime and also feel fatigued and burning sensation through my colon , i never had this problem earlier and i was not concerned initially but as i came to know about battery emissions i felt consulting, can it be due to inhaling ACIDIC FUMES i am more worried than being concerned about my health. please help
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
When batteries get wet or damp, sulfuric acid may be present in the air as small droplets or attached to other small airborne particulates (for example, dust). Sulfuric acid is extremely irritating to skin, mucous membranes (eyes, inside of the nose, throat), and to the upper airway (trachea) and to the lungs.
Inhalation of sulfuric acid droplets can cause a chemical pneumonitis (inflammation in the lungs). If someone has chemical pneumonitis, the lungs may not be able to clear other particles that are inhaled and there may be an increased risk for developing pneumonia. In addition, the sulfuric acid is irritating to the gastrointestinal tract and could cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
In your posting, you describe your concerns. Your symptoms of coughing may be related to irritation of your upper airway.
Why do you have a battery installed in your bathroom? Is it possible to relocate or remove the battery?
Lastly, where can you find more information on this topic?
You can perform a google search and use “battery acid fumes” and “MSDS” as search terms. MSDS = Material Safety Data Sheet.
Here is a link as well:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=255&tid=47
~ 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 physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
When batteries get wet or damp, sulfuric acid may be present in the air as small droplets or attached to other small airborne particulates (for example, dust). Sulfuric acid is extremely irritating to skin, mucous membranes (eyes, inside of the nose, throat), and to the upper airway (trachea) and to the lungs.
Inhalation of sulfuric acid droplets can cause a chemical pneumonitis (inflammation in the lungs). If someone has chemical pneumonitis, the lungs may not be able to clear other particles that are inhaled and there may be an increased risk for developing pneumonia. In addition, the sulfuric acid is irritating to the gastrointestinal tract and could cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
In your posting, you describe your concerns. Your symptoms of coughing may be related to irritation of your upper airway.
Why do you have a battery installed in your bathroom? Is it possible to relocate or remove the battery?
Lastly, where can you find more information on this topic?
You can perform a google search and use “battery acid fumes” and “MSDS” as search terms. MSDS = Material Safety Data Sheet.
Here is a link as well:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=255&tid=47
~ 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 physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
thanks doc and the battery is installed far away from shower yet i do consider your advice to relocate it and my other symptoms are shortness of breath and diarrhea
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