Oxalic acid toxicity

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Background

  • Used in bleach and rust removers
  • Also found in some species of plants

Mechanism of Toxicity

  • Solution form:
    • Irritative and Corrosive
    • Causes hypocalcemia and formation of calcium oxalate crystals that can deposit in brain, heart, and kidneys.
  • Insoluble form:
    • Local mucous membrane irritation

Toxic Dose

  • 5-15 g can be lethal

Clinical Features

  • Direct contact with skin/eyes
    • Skin and eye irritation and burning
  • Inhalation
    • Sore throat, cough, wheezing, pulmonary edema
  • Ingestion
    • Weakness, tetany, cardiac arrest

Differential Diagnosis

Evaluation

  • Clinical
  • No specific levels for oxalic acid

Management

  • Protect the airway
  • Decontamination
  • Calcium chloride or calcium gluconate to reverse hypocalcemia

Disposition

References

  • Olson, K. Poisoning and Drug Overdose, 1999.
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