Substance
Oxalic acid and oxalate salts

Pathology
Corrosion of tissues on contact; precipitation with calcium to form insoluble deposits throughout organs, causing systemic damage.

Symptoms
Irrigation of mouth and esophagus, vomiting, weakness, shock, tetany, convulsions, cardiac arrest, death. Inhalation can cause pneumonitis and pulmonary edema.

Emergency Measures
Calcium chloride, calcium gluconate, or calcium carbonate to precipitate oxalate; flushing and lavage with copious amounts of water; IV calcium chloride or calcium gluconate for symptomatic hypocalcemia; maintenance of high urine output; therapy for seizures and arrhythmias.

Comments
Ingestions of 5–15 g of oxalic acid have resulted in death.