How Do Acids and Bases Affect Your Life?

Acids are solutions with an excess of positive hydrogen ions (H+); and bases, or alkalis, are solutions with an excess of negative hydroxide ions (OH-). They react together to form salts. Acids and bases are essential components of the human body as well as having numerous everyday applications.

pH

Human cells are extremely sensitive to pH, a measure of the concentration of free hydrogen ions, and the pH of cell and tissue fluid must be maintained at around 7.0 (neutral) for the body to function properly. The balance between acids and bases in the body is critical to overall health.

Metabolism

Human metabolism produces metabolic acids, and the acid-base balance is maintained by the lungs, liver and kidneys. Too much acid can result in a condition known as acidosis, characterised by headache, drowsiness and coma, while too much alkali can result in alkalosis, characterised by irritability and muscle cramp or spasm.

Everyday Acids and Bases

Aside from their important functions in human physiology, acids and bases are all around us. Lemon juice, which can be used as a cleansing agent and antiseptic, and household vinegar, which has a myriad of uses, are acids, while baking soda is a base.

References

• Chem4Kids: Acids and Bases are Everywhere
• Anaesthesia Education: Acid-Base Physiology
• Vision learning: Acids and Bases
• Merck: Acidosis
• Merck: Alkalosis