Editing Nitric acid (section)

==Safety==
Nitric acid is a [[corrosive]] [[acid]] and a powerful [[oxidizing agent]]. The major hazard posed by it is [[chemical burn]]s, as it carries out [[acid hydrolysis]] with [[protein]]s ([[amide]]) and fats ([[ester]]), which consequently decomposes [[tissue (biology)|living tissue]] (e.g. [[skin]] and [[flesh]]). Concentrated nitric acid stains [[human skin]] yellow due to its reaction with the [[keratin]]. These yellow stains turn orange when neutralized.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nitric acid |url=http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/nitric/nitrich.htm|first=Paul|last=May|access-date=2009-05-28|date=November 2007}}</ref> Systemic effects are unlikely, and the substance is not considered a carcinogen or mutagen.<ref>{{cite web | title = Nitric acid: Toxicological overview | url = http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1194947355794 | publisher = [[Health Protection Agency]] | access-date = 2011-12-07}}</ref>

The standard first-aid treatment for acid spills on the skin is, as for other corrosive agents, irrigation with large quantities of water. Washing is continued for at least 10–15 minutes to cool the tissue surrounding the acid burn and to prevent secondary damage. Contaminated clothing is removed immediately and the underlying skin washed thoroughly.

Being a strong oxidizing agent, nitric acid can react violently with many compounds.

===Use in acid attacks===
Nitric acid is one of the most common types of acid used in [[acid attacks]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rees |first1=Anna |title=Freeze mob to highlight the issue of acid attacks |url=https://en.reset.org/blog/freeze-mob-highlight-issue-acid-attacks |access-date=25 June 2021 |work=RESET.to |date=1 October 2013 |language=en}}</ref>