A volatile chemical that can kill and maim

Nitric acid, also known as spirit of nitre or aqua fortis, is a highly corrosive and toxic acid.

It is widely used in the manufacturing of explosives and fertilisers; the Diageo plant uses it as part of its cleaning process. The potential health risks after contact with the acid can be very serious depending on the type and length of exposure. Direct contact with the eyes can cause blindness and severe eye burns, while direct contact with the skin can cause deep ulcers.

If ingested, nitric acid may cause severe and permanent damage to the digestive tract and inhaling its toxic fumes could prove fatal, as a result of spasm or severe swelling in the larynx or lungs.

Continued exposure to high concentrations of nitric acid vapour often results in chronic bronchitis and can even begin to erode the teeth, with the canines and incisors being particularly affected.

Because it reacts with such a large number of other chemicals, nitric acid is usually stored alone, to avoid accidental mixing that can cause fire, explosions and large-level gas leaks. Such are the dangers of a nitric acid spill, fire departments in the United States now run exercises to simulate the effects of a high-level spill.