a)

Write short notes on :

Vitriolage
physical properties of sulphuric acid
PM / autopsy findings of sulphuric acid poisoning
signs & symptoms of H2SO4 poisoning
Answers
a)

Vitriolage (vitriol throwing):

i)
throwing of a corrosive (usually concentrated sulphuric acid) on
another individual (usually on exposed parts like face, hands, etc)
with a malafied intention to damage, disfigure or cause death
ii)
substances used for vitriolage are: concentrated acid (H2SO4,
HNO3, carbolic acid); corrosive alkali; juice of marking nut &
calotropis; etc are used to disfigure face
iii)
ML importance: - amounts to grievous hurt due to permanent
disfiguration caused by vitriolage (eg: blindness if eyes are
involved, permanent scarring/painless penetrating burns with
infections as tissues are devitalised, burnt & completely disfigured
face, etc); other injuries may also be found if done out of enemity,
jealousy or for robbery
iv)
a strong element of hate is involved in this act
v)
clinical appearance: chemical burns over the exposed part
vi)
T/T: - wash the affected part with soap & water; MgO2 or MgCO3
paste; eyes: irrigate with water, few drops of olive oil; analgesics for
pain relief; antibiotics for infection

physical properties of H2SO4 are:

i)
heavy hygroscopic oily/ viscid liquid (oil of vitriol or sulphuric acid)
ii)
charring positive (turns organic matter like skin into black colour)
iii)
colourless, odourless, non-fuming
iv)
has tendency to carbonize organic substances
v)
gives heat with water
vi)
burning acid taste; superficial burns within 1 sec & full thickess
burns within 30 sec of contact
vii)
commercial acid: brown or dark in colour due to impurities like
arsenic or PbSO4, used in textiles, arts or industries

PM / autopsy findings of H2SO4 poisoning

i)
External : - corrosion; clothes amy have burns & stains; necrotic
areas initially grayish-white & turn brown or black & leathery
ii)
Internal: upper GIT: inflamed, swollen, oedematous; larynx &
trachea: corrosion, severely inflamed, oedematous gottis; stomach:
soft, boggy, black mass that readily disintegrates on touch;

perforation of stomach & diaphragm; chemical peritonitis; mucous

membranes are brown/black
-

Signs & symptoms of H2SO4 poisoning:

i)
oral cavity: chalky-white teeth; swollen, sodden & black tongue; lips
are swollen & excoriated
ii)
constipation & tenesmus
iii)
voice: hoarse & husky
iv)
mind remains clear till death
v)
eyes: sunken, dilated pupils
vi)
oedema over glottis, circulatory collapse
vii)
corrosion over mouth, throat , oesophagus, stomach
viii) permanent scarring & stricture on recovery (grievous hurt)
ix)
nausea & vomiting (brown/black mucoid vomitus); intense thirst
x)
pharyngeal & epigastric pain