Which statement is true about nitric acid exposure over time?

• A. Nitric acid may cause tissue damage after 48 hours.
• B. Nitric acid never damages tissue.
• C. Nitric acid only damages tissue within 1 hour.
• D. Nitric acid improves tissue integrity after 48 hours.

Answer: (A)

Nitric acid exposure can cause tissue damage that shows up later rather than right away. It’s a strong, corrosive oxidizing acid that denatures proteins and damages cells. When tissue is exposed, injury starts at the surface and can continue to worsen as the acid diffuses and the inflammatory response develops, so damage may become evident many hours after exposure, including around 48 hours. That’s why the statement about possible tissue damage after 48 hours is true. The other options don’t fit because nitric acid does damage tissue, its effects aren’t confined to the first hour, and it does not improve tissue integrity after exposure.