Chemical Fumes

[KD101]

Hi Everyone,
I just found out I am pregnant and I accidentally walked by someone using muriatic acid to clean tile (hydrochloric acid).  I did not smell anything or feel any burning or any signs that I inhaled any or anything.  I was only near it for about 30 seconds, but I am so worried.  Am I right for worrying or just plain crazy.  Anyone have any specific info on this limited exposure?
Thanks!

[StephanieAH]

Since you are a Chemist I also have a question regarding chemicals and pregnancy.

I am currently taking a 101 Chemistry course, the lab portion of which includes exposure to fumes from substances like HCl, Sodium hydroxide and some other basic chemicals (things they let 1st year undergrads use).

I became concerned when using the fume hoods because I, and others in the lab became dizzy one lab while we were measuring out reagents- the fume hood was not functioning correctly.

I was 8 weeks pregnant and I am concerned this may have harmed the baby. I know you're not a doctor and I can't recall the exact substances, but can you shed  any light on the situation?

Thanks.

[JoyRenee]

You're no geek! I personally LOVE science (mostly bio). I guess that makes me a geek/nerd, too!

KD101- welcome to motherhood! You'll worry about anything and everything about your child for the rest of your life. Rest easy and don't worry about smelling the chemicals for a very brief moment. Baby will be fine! It is long-term exposure to many chemicals that cause the most problems.

[spade22]

-not sure about the "cool" part, I kinda thought that I was a "geek"!

[spade22]

Oh! Ok, that makes sense!

During my pregnancy I worked directly w/ several liters of concentrated HCl (37%) and nitric acids (70%) on a regular basis.  I was not concerned that it would adversely effect my baby at all.

You should also mention your concerns w/ your doctor at your next visit  though- they will be in a better position to  alleviate your fears than I can.

[gina1978]

spade22 How cool that your a chemist!

[KD101]

They were removing excess grout from the surface of newly installed slate - so they were trying to damage the grout (ie remove it).  
Thanks again!

[spade22]

Its normal to worry about everything during pregnancy ;)

Even with industrial grade HCl (I'm assuming its about 37% HCl) you're only looking at superficial damage (at the worst) with your exposure type.  At this concentration the HCl isnt particularly volatile so you would need to be in very close contact (several inches) for an extended period of time to run into problems and those problems would in all likelihood be minor, superficial, burns.

Acids are really not a problem during pregnancy, its volatile organic compounds that you need to watch out for - paints, window cleaners, gas etc.  And with these, mild exposure is typically ok.

Side note:  why was someone cleaning tiles w/ HCl?  The grout in tiles is made of a basic material which will react with the acid and will result in damage!

[KD101]

Hi,
Thanks for your encouragement.  It wasn't tile cleaner.  It was muriatic acid which is industrial grade hcl.  I was just worried (and still am a little).  I do know that the stomach contains hcl (my undergrad was a double math bio major but thanks)...
I hope I don't worry this much about EVERYTHING during my pregnancy...

[spade22]

KD101,

I am a chemist and can tell you that the type of chemical exposure you describe will not cause a problem with your baby.  

If you had any adverse reaction to the hydrochloric acid you would have known about it moments after you walked by it  due to the corrosiveness of the material.    The concentration of acid in tile cleaner would be very unlikely to cause a problem unless you came in direct contact with it (split it on yourself, ingested it etc.)  and in those cases you would suffer from chemical burns only.

p.s. your stomach contains hydrochloric acid