What does aqua regia do to humans?

The Severe Dangers of Aqua Regia on the Human Body

Renowned for its rare ability to dissolve noble metals like gold and platinum, aqua regia is a potent mixture of concentrated nitric acid and hydrochloric acid. While invaluable in specialized chemical processes, its extreme reactivity presents critical risks to human health.

One of the most immediate hazards comes from the toxic gaseous fumes it constantly off-gases. The mixture releases nitrosyl chloride, nitrogen dioxide, and chlorine gas. Inhaling these deadly vapors rapidly damages the respiratory tract, leading to severe chemical pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, or fatal toxicity even in brief exposures.

In liquid form, aqua regia acts as an aggressive oxidizing agent and an extremely corrosive solution. Direct physical contact results in severe chemical burns to the skin, irreversible eye damage, and destruction of mucous membranes. Furthermore, because the chemical reaction continuously generates gas, storing aqua regia in a sealed or improperly vented container creates immense pressure buildup, frequently resulting in violent physical explosions.