Question

If you spill a chemical toilet cleaning liquid on your hand, your first aid would be:

• A. Aqueous NH₃
• B. Aqueous NaHCO₃
• C. Aqueous NaOH
• D. Vinegar

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Aqueous NaHCO₃

Solution: Option (B)

• As toilet cleaning liquid is acidic in nature, so we have to use a base to neutralise its effect.
• Toilet cleaning liquid has only 10.5% HCl, aqueous NaHCO3 will be sufficient for it.
• Neutralisation reaction: reaction between acid and base to neutralise (cancel out) each other.

Option A: Aqueous ammonia cannot be used for this purpose as mixing aqueous ammonia with toilet cleaning liquid will lead to the formation of a toxic gas called chloramine which can hurt the lungs and even be deadly in higher concentrations.

Option C: Aqueous NaOH cannot be used for this purpose because it is corrosive in nature to the skin.

Option D: Vinegar cannot be used for this purpose as it is acidic in nature and cannot neutralise the effect of toilet cleaning liquid.

So, the correct answer is Option B.