Which gas, when inhaled, can burn mucous membranes due to moisture forming hydrochloric acid on contact with tissues?

Which gas, when inhaled, can burn mucous membranes due to moisture forming hydrochloric acid on contact with tissues?

• A. Chlorine gas
• B. Hydrogen chloride gas
• C. Phosgene
• D. Ozone

Answer: (B)

Hydrogen chloride gas causes mucous membrane burns because it dissolves directly in the moisture of the respiratory tissues to form hydrochloric acid. That strong acid then damages the lining of the nose, throat, and airways, leading to immediate irritation and chemical burns. The key idea is that the tissue moisture acts with the gas to create a corrosive acid right at the site of contact, which is why this gas is especially known for producing that rapid, burning irritation. Chlorine gas also irritates by forming acids in moisture, but its effects come from a combination of acid formation and oxidative action. Phosgene, while it hydrolyzes to hydrochloric acid and carbon dioxide, is primarily notorious for delayed pulmonary edema. Ozone irritates mainly through oxidative injury rather than acid formation.

Hydrogen chloride gas causes mucous membrane burns because it dissolves directly in the moisture of the respiratory tissues to form hydrochloric acid. That strong acid then damages the lining of the nose, throat, and airways, leading to immediate irritation and chemical burns. The key idea is that the tissue moisture acts with the gas to create a corrosive acid right at the site of contact, which is why this gas is especially known for producing that rapid, burning irritation.

Chlorine gas also irritates by forming acids in moisture, but its effects come from a combination of acid formation and oxidative action. Phosgene, while it hydrolyzes to hydrochloric acid and carbon dioxide, is primarily notorious for delayed pulmonary edema. Ozone irritates mainly through oxidative injury rather than acid formation.