Complete List of Acids: Types, Uses, Potential Hazards, and Genetic Factors

By SWA

Acids are essential chemicals widely used in various industries and biological processes. They are broadly classified into inorganic acids and organic acids, depending on their composition and origin. 

Inorganic acids generally do not contain carbon, while organic acids contain carbon and are often involved in metabolic processes within living organisms. Understanding their types, uses, potential hazards, and genetic factors that may influence their impact on health is essential, especially since acids can have significant negative effects on muscular and vascular systems. Below is a comprehensive list of acids, along with their potential negative reactions and genetic considerations.

1. Inorganic Acids

Inorganic acids, also known as mineral acids, are commonly derived from non-living materials and are used in industrial processes. These acids typically dissociate completely in water, making them strong acids that can be highly corrosive.

1.1. Hydrohalic Acids

Hydrohalic acids are binary acids composed of hydrogen and halogen elements from Group 17 of the periodic table. These acids are strong and dissociate completely in water.

  • Hydrochloric Acid (HCl):

    • Uses: Metal refining, cleaning agents, food processing, and production of fertilizers.
    • Potential Hazards: Corrosive to skin and respiratory tract. Inhalation can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and lung damage. Skin contact can cause burns and blistering.
    • Read more: ATSDR Hydrochloric Acid Toxicity

  • Hydrobromic Acid (HBr):

    • Uses: Organic synthesis, particularly for bromination reactions.
    • Potential Hazards: Inhalation can cause respiratory irritation and burns, while skin contact leads to severe chemical burns.
    • Read more: Hydrohalic Acids - Chem LibreTexts

  • Hydroiodic Acid (HI):

    • Uses: Reducing agent in chemical synthesis, production of iodides.
    • Potential Hazards: Corrosive and causes severe burns, respiratory distress if inhaled, and gastrointestinal burns if ingested.

  • Hydrofluoric Acid (HF):

    • Uses: Glass etching, cleaning of metals, and semiconductor manufacturing.
    • Potential Hazards: Unlike other hydrohalic acids, HF can penetrate deeply into the skin and affect bones and tissues. It binds with calcium and magnesium, leading to systemic toxicity, heart arrhythmias, and death.
    • Read more: ATSDR Hydrofluoric Acid Toxicity

1.2. Oxygen Acids (Oxoacids)

Oxoacids contain oxygen, hydrogen, and another element, often a nonmetal. These acids are widely used in industrial and chemical processes.

  • Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄):

    • Uses: Production of fertilizers, battery acid, and in chemical manufacturing.
    • Potential Hazards: Highly corrosive; causes severe burns to the skin and eyes. Inhalation can lead to respiratory irritation, and ingestion results in serious gastrointestinal damage.
    • Read more: ATSDR Sulfuric Acid Toxicity

  • Nitric Acid (HNO₃):

    • Uses: Fertilizer production, explosives manufacturing, metal processing, and dyes.
    • Potential Hazards: Corrosive to skin and respiratory system. Inhalation can cause choking, coughing, and lung damage. Skin exposure leads to deep burns.
    • Read more: Nitric Acid Hazards - PubChem

  • Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄):

    • Uses: Food additives, fertilizers, and rust removal.
    • Potential Hazards: Mildly corrosive compared to other acids, but can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
    • Read more: Phosphoric Acid - PubChem

  • Carbonic Acid (H₂CO₃):

    • Uses: Involved in biological processes, including blood pH regulation.
    • Potential Hazards: Although weak, excessive carbon dioxide in the body (which leads to carbonic acid formation) can cause respiratory acidosis, impacting muscle function and vascular health.
    • Read more: Carbonic Acid - PubChem

1.3. Other Inorganic Acids

Other significant inorganic acids include:

  • Boric Acid (H₃BO₃):

    • Uses: Antiseptics, insecticides, and eye drops.
    • Potential Hazards: Mildly irritating, but ingestion in large amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, and kidney damage.
    • Read more: Boric Acid - PubChem

  • Hydrosulfuric Acid (H₂S):

    • Uses: Found in natural gas and industrial processes.
    • Potential Hazards: Highly toxic; inhalation causes respiratory paralysis and death.
    • Read more: Hydrogen Sulfide - CDC

  • Perchloric Acid (HClO₄):

    • Uses: Analytical chemistry, explosives manufacturing.
    • Potential Hazards: Highly reactive and corrosive, capable of causing severe burns and explosive reactions.
    • Read more: Perchloric Acid - PubChem

2. Organic Acids

Organic acids contain carbon and are important in biological systems, particularly in metabolism. These acids tend to be weaker than inorganic acids but can still have negative effects if mishandled or present in high concentrations.

2.1. Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids contain one or more carboxyl (-COOH) groups.

2.1.1. Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids

  • Formic Acid (HCOOH):

    • Uses: Found in ant venom, used in leather production and as a preservative.
    • Potential Hazards: Causes burns, respiratory irritation, and gastrointestinal issues when ingested in large amounts.
    • Read more: Formic Acid - PubChem

  • Acetic Acid (CH₃COOH):

    • Uses: Vinegar, food additives, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.
    • Potential Hazards: Concentrated forms cause burns and respiratory distress.
    • Read more: Acetic Acid - PubChem

  • Butyric Acid (C₄H₈O₂):

2.1.2. Aromatic Carboxylic Acids

  • Benzoic Acid (C₆H₅COOH):

    • Uses: Food preservatives and pharmaceuticals.
    • Potential Hazards: Causes skin irritation and respiratory problems when inhaled in dust form.
    • Read more: Benzoic Acid - PubChem

  • Salicylic Acid (C₇H₆O₃):

    • Uses: Acne treatments, precursor to aspirin.
    • Potential Hazards: Can cause skin irritation, peeling, and in high doses, systemic toxicity leading to nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
    • Read more: Salicylic Acid - PubChem

2.2. Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are long-chain carboxylic acids that are important in biological processes such as energy storage.

  • Palmitic Acid (C₁₆H₃₂O₂):

  • Oleic Acid (C₁₈H₃₄O₂):

    • Uses: Found in olive oil and used in food and cosmetics.
    • Potential Hazards: Generally safe but can cause mild irritation in concentrated forms.
    • Read more: Oleic Acid - PubChem

  • Linoleic Acid (C₁₈H₃₂O₂):

    • Uses: Essential fatty acid found in vegetable oils.
    • Potential Hazards: Safe in dietary amounts but can cause irritation when handled in concentrated forms.
    • Read more: Linoleic Acid - PubChem

2.3. Amino Acids

Amino acids are building blocks of proteins and are crucial for various biological functions.

  • Glycine (C₂H₅NO₂):

    • Uses: In protein biosynthesis and as a sweetener.
    • Potential Hazards: Generally safe but can cause mild digestive discomfort if taken in large amounts.
    • Read more: Glycine - PubChem

  • Glutamic Acid (C₅H₉NO₄):

    • Uses: Flavor enhancer (MSG), involved in neural communication.
    • Potential Hazards: May cause headaches, flushing, and sweating in sensitive individuals.
    • Read more: Glutamic Acid - PubChem

  • Aspartic Acid (C₄H₇NO₄):

    • Uses: Protein synthesis, neurotransmitter.
    • Potential Hazards: Safe in normal dietary amounts, but overconsumption can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
    • Read more: Aspartic Acid - PubChem

Conclusion

Acids play a vital role in various industrial, biological, and environmental processes. While some are relatively safe in controlled amounts, many acids, especially in concentrated forms, can be highly corrosive and dangerous to health. External exposure can lead to burns, tissue damage, and respiratory distress, while internal acid imbalances can disrupt normal muscular and vascular function. Proper safety measures and understanding genetic predispositions to acid sensitivity are crucial to mitigating these risks.

For further research and reading on specific acids:

Always ensure safe handling and proper protective equipment when working with or around acids.

© 2000-2025 Sieglinde W. Alexander. All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a fife year copy right.
Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742
ISBN: 0-9703195-0-9

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