Ferric Chloride + Water + Aluminum fumes?

[atoff]

Hi everyone.  Today I tried a reverse etch in ferric chloride for the first time.  The results weren't great, but aside from that, about 10 minutes later I'm having itching in my throat and feel wheezy.  I used a homemade vent, but I still probably breathed in enough. 
Anything to worry about? 

[Jdansti]

The reaction should be FeCl3 + Al -> AlCl3 + Fe

All of the products shown above are either in aqueous solution or a solid precipitate. I'm not sure what gas would be emitted. I don't think the water participates in the reaction, but maybe there was some hydrogen gas generated (and the O2 combines with the Fe to form Fe2O3.). Even so, the main danger of inhaling hydrogen is asphyxiation, which would be difficult to achieve in a well ventilated room.

If it doesn't get better, see your doctor.

[atoff]

The reaction should be FeCl3 + Al -> AlCl3 + Fe

All of the products shown above are either in aqueous solution or a solid precipitate. I'm not sure what gas would be emitted. I don't think the water participates in the reaction, but maybe there was some hydrogen gas generated (and the O2 combines with the Fe to form Fe2O3.). Even so, the main danger of inhaling hydrogen is asphyxiation, which would be difficult to achieve in a well ventilated room.

If it doesn't get better, see your doctor.

Thanks for the reply.  I was more worried that I was breathing in hydrogen chloride.   I'm breathing a little better, but throat is still sore and itchy.  I'm newly sensitive to irritants, so hopefully it's just that, and will be gone in the morning. 

[samhay]

>I was more worried that I was breathing in hydrogen chloride.

You probably were, in part. While I wouldn't advise you do this regularly, the amount you inhaled is unlikely to do any major damage (assuming you weren't using litres of etchant and a small dingy).
The chemistry is a bit more messy that John suggested (more complicated than copper etching) and water is involved in various ways, particularly with the Al species. The reaction probably got hot, so I would guess the fumes are a mixture of water vapour, Al chloride salts and HCl. It is the Al that I would not be wanting to inhale on a regular basis. A vent is a good idea, but I would personally do this outside if at all possible.