# Acids and toxicity? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 11, 2017, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724 "2017-06-11T19:43:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2017, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/1 "2017-06-11T19:43:34Z")
I know there are a lot of different kinds of acids. What I am wondering about is are most of those still toxic once they have been neutralized? Does neutralizing an acid create all new set of chemicals or chemical? ---
**Author:** ![Bill\_Door](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@Bill\_Door](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bill_Door)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2017, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/2 "2017-06-11T19:51:03Z")
Sure it does. The toxicity of the new chemicals is determined by the starting acid and the base used to neutralize it. You can neutralize hydrochloric acid with sodium hydroxide and end up with nothing but salt water. Neutralizing a strong acid with a strong base will produce a neutral salt. That’s not to imply that all such neutralizations are non-toxic. Neutralize perchloric acid with sodium hydroxide and you’ll get sodium perchlorate. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2017, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/3 "2017-06-11T20:11:08Z")
> [@HoneyBadgerDC](#): > > I know there are a lot of different kinds of acids. What I am wondering about is are most of those still toxic once they have been neutralized? Does neutralizing an acid create all new set of chemicals or chemical? To add to what Bill said, “toxic” is probably not the best general word for acids, since many common acids are not really poisons. I think it’s better to describe acids as caustic - a high level of acidity may cause chemical burns to tissue. If the acidity is reduced, either by dilution or neutralization, they may be benign. Of course, some acids are caustic and _also_ toxic (hydrofluoric, for example). ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2017, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/4 "2017-06-11T20:15:16Z")
Another slightly different question. I know that dilution is the primary method used to obtain a desired level of acidity but what about partial neutralization to reduce the acidity? Is this another method/ ---
**Author:** ![igor\_frankensteen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/839c29/32.png) [@igor\_frankensteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/igor_frankensteen)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2017, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/5 "2017-06-11T20:17:59Z")
The A in DNA stands for ACID. That’s something to keep in mind here. Most acids are not toxic to humans. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2017, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/6 "2017-06-11T20:21:07Z")
> [@HoneyBadgerDC](#): > > Another slightly different question. I know that dilution is the primary method used to obtain a desired level of acidity but what about partial neutralization to reduce the acidity? Is this another method/ It depends on the purpose. Dilution just gives you a lower concentration of the acid. Neutralization is a chemical reaction that will leave you with different substances. ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2017, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/7 "2017-06-11T20:27:47Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > It depends on the purpose. Dilution just gives you a lower concentration of the acid. Neutralization is a chemical reaction that will leave you with different substances. Acids are fascinating, I wish I would have had more interest 50 years ago. ---
**Author:** ![Ignotus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ecc23a/32.png) [@Ignotus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ignotus)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2017, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/8 "2017-06-11T20:33:22Z")
> [@HoneyBadgerDC](#): > > Another slightly different question. I know that dilution is the primary method used to obtain a desired level of acidity but what about partial neutralization to reduce the acidity? Is this another method/ Partial neutralization of a weak acid with appropriate pK[sub]A[/sub], aka preparation of a [buffer solution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffer_solution), is indeed often the _preferred_ method to keep pH at the desired level. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2017, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/9 "2017-06-11T21:22:27Z")
> [@HoneyBadgerDC](#): > > Another slightly different question. I know that dilution is the primary method used to obtain a desired level of acidity but what about partial neutralization to reduce the acidity? Is this another method/ A trick I was taught as a child after vomiting, take a glass of water with a couple spoons of baking soda in it, and gargle with that – it helps neutralize the stomach acid in your throat, and soothes it. (But don’t swallow it – when it hits the stomach, it produces a lot of gas, with bloating & burping.) ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2017, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/10 "2017-06-11T21:56:33Z")
> [@igor\_frankensteen](#): > > The A in DNA stands for ACID. > > That’s something to keep in mind here. Most acids are not toxic to humans. Most of the body operates on one sort of acid or another. Citric acid, for instance, is pretty vital in metabolism. Your cells are made of fatty acid groups. It is more the other poisonous chemicals involved in ingesting poisonous acids than the fact that it is an acid itself. Bases, on the other hand, are very rarely used in the body, and are generally much more toxic. Both can be caustic and cause burns and other tissue damage as well in strong enough concentrations. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2017, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/11 "2017-06-11T22:39:48Z")
Almost everything we eat is acidic. And the most refreshing fruits and beverages are highly acidic : coffee, tea, fruit juices, soft drinks, etc. We often add one or two acids to water and flavoring just to make it better, read a label on any soft drink. Dennis ---
**Author:** ![Bill\_Door](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@Bill\_Door](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bill_Door)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2017, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/12 "2017-06-11T23:28:47Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > To add to what Bill said, “toxic” is probably not the best general word for acids, since many common acids are not really poisons. I think it’s better to describe acids as caustic - a high level of acidity may cause chemical burns to tissue. (snip) To add the little dose of pedantry without which this site would grind to a halt, it’s better to describe acids as corrosive. High pH bases are more correctly described as caustic. ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2017, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/13 "2017-06-12T00:20:31Z")
> [@HoneyBadgerDC](#): > > Another slightly different question. I know that dilution is the primary method used to obtain a desired level of acidity but what about partial neutralization to reduce the acidity? Is this another method/ It’s done within your body, it’s probably the primary method. ---
**Author:** ![DrForrester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8edcca/32.png) [@DrForrester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrForrester)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2017, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/14 "2017-06-12T00:21:05Z")
There are many wonderful graphics available on the inter webs which will help you get a sense of where common materials fall on the pH scale. [Here](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Power_of_Hydrogen_%28pH%29_chart.svg/1210px-Power_of_Hydrogen_%28pH%29_chart.svg.png) is a nice one. Generic Advice: As when trying all new things, please be careful. See if you can find a video of someone else doing whatever it is that you think of doing. Keep a seasoned professional on speed dial. You need to respect chemicals, because they won’t respect you. I have colleagues with fewer than the usual number of fingers and/or eyes. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2017, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/15 "2017-06-12T14:02:46Z")
> [@](#): > > Quoth **k9befriender** : > > Bases, on the other hand, are very rarely used in the body, and are generally much more toxic. Which is why bitter is one of the flavors we can detect, and why it’s generally considered the worst flavor: Bitter flavor is the body’s way of detecting bases, and most bases we’d encounter are toxic. Acids, meanwhile, taste sour, and too much sour flavor is bad, but we enjoy it in moderation (such as in most fruits). ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2017, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/16 "2017-06-12T14:07:53Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Which is why bitter is one of the flavors we can detect, and why it’s generally considered the worst flavor: Bitter flavor is the body’s way of detecting bases, and most bases we’d encounter are toxic. > > Acids, meanwhile, taste sour, and too much sour flavor is bad, but we enjoy it in moderation (such as in most fruits). This is interesting, I have always had a bit of a thing about tasting plants I don’t have any knowledge of. Tiny tastes of course, some are very bitter and will even numb the tongue. ---
**Author:** ![Terminus\_Est](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terminus_est/32/3087_2.png) [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2017, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/17 "2017-06-12T14:34:15Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > Bases, on the other hand, are very rarely used in the body, and are generally much more toxic. One of the components of DNA (and RNA) is the nitrogenous base. You know how DNA is measured in base pairs? These are the bases that’s being referred to. Quite essential to life. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2017, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/18 "2017-06-12T14:42:22Z")
> [@igor\_frankensteen](#): > > The A in DNA stands for ACID. Also, the “acid” in “amino acid” stands for “acid.” ---
**Author:** ![femmejean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/0ea827/32.png) [@femmejean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/femmejean)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2017, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/19 "2017-06-12T14:58:42Z")
On another note, could someone explain if HF (hydrofluoric acid) is a neurotoxin in the human body? I remember in Chemistry that despite HF and HCl being closely related, one main difference was that HF could cause death from exposure in adequate amounts compared to HCl. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2017, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724/20 "2017-06-12T16:07:05Z")
> [@femmejean](#): > > On another note, could someone explain if HF (hydrofluoric acid) is a neurotoxin in the human body? HF is an **everything** toxin in the human body. It reliably dissolves just about everything organic and most things inorganic. Nerves included. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acids-and-toxicity/788724.md?page=2)