Oxalic acid and oxalates are used as bleaches, metal cleaners, and rust removers and in chemical synthesis and leather tanning. A laundry powder containing sachets of oxalic acid and potassium permanganate was reported to cause an epidemic of fatal self-poisonings in Sri Lanka. Soluble and insoluble oxalate salts are found in several species of plants.

1. 
   

   Mechanism of toxicity

   
   
   
   
   1. 
      

      Oxalic acid solutions are highly irritating and corrosive. Ingestion and absorption of oxalate cause acute hypocalcemia resulting from precipitation of the insoluble calcium oxalate salt. Calcium oxalate crystals may then deposit in the brain, heart, kidneys, and other sites, causing serious systemic damage.

      
      
   2. 
      

      Insoluble calcium oxalate salt found in Dieffenbachia and similar plants is not absorbed, but it causes local mucous membrane irritation.

   
   
   
   
2. 
   

   Toxic dose. Ingestion of 5–15 g of oxalic acid has caused death. The recommended workplace limit (ACGIH TLV-TWA) for oxalic acid vapor is 1 mg/m3

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