Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring Venous Waveforms for Non-Invasive Respiratory Monitoring in Pigs
Published on: March 8, 2024
Delayed Respiratory Failure After Sulfuric Acid Mist Inhalation From a Foaming Lead-Acid Battery
Rio Saruta1, Yuya Suzuki1, Kasumi Satoh2
1Advanced Emergency and Critical Care Center Akita University Hospital Akita Japan.
Background:
Sulfuric acid inhalation can cause respiratory tract injury and life-threatening respiratory failure. Reports of delayed hypoxemia after exposure to acid aerosols generated from foaming lead-acid batteries are rare.
Case Presentation:
An 80-year-old auto mechanic inhaled an odorless aerosol for seconds while leaning over a foaming lead-acid battery in an enclosed garage, and presented with dyspnea and type I respiratory failure (PaO2/FiO2 ratio = 195) after 13 days. Chest computed tomography showed bilateral ground-glass opacities with superimposed right lung consolidation. Microbiological tests and autoantibody panel results were negative. High-flow nasal cannula oxygen and intravenous systemic corticosteroids were initiated, with rapid improvement. Antibiotics were discontinued on day 8 and corticosteroids were tapered over 40 days followed by the patient's discharge on day 43.
Conclusion:
Sulfuric acid inhalation can follow a subacute and progressive course. In severe cases, multimodal supportive care and selective systemic corticosteroids may be considered post-assessment.
Related Concept Videos
Polyprotic Acids
Amino acids
Batteries and Fuel Cells
Titration of a Polyprotic Acid
Respiratory Regulation of Acid-Base Balance
When carbon dioxide levels increase in the blood, more H+ and HCO3⁻ are...
Acids, Bases and Neutralization Reactions

