ABSTRACT
The occurrence of acid ingestion injuries in the U.S. is less common than those caused by alkali products, as greater use is made of the latter (1). The mildly alkaline pH of the esophagus, as well as its squamous epithelial covering, also provides relatively greater resistance to acid than to alkali (2). In contrast to lye, strong acids have an offensive odor and a bitter taste, and hurt the lips, buc cal mucosa, and hypopharynx, resulting in rapid expul sion if taken accidentally (3).
