Hi, Oompa Lumpa and Jason Udall,
Sorry for causing confusion.
I think we are at cross purposes here, I had intended to address the issue of what the fumes related to, HCl gas is definitely a gas. Perhaps I should taken more notice of the 'battery' acid.
I concur entirely with the Hydrogen evolution from H2SO4.
JerryNotts
Sulphur to Sulfur: ask the IUPAC naming committee of a few years ago. When I read chemistry I recall the Profs insistence on using ph. It was one of his pet hates. I employ a recent chemistry graduate who wrote a report for me using the 'modern' spelling which led me to check with my information scientist, (MRSC) who confirmed how it came about. These Americans get everywhere, even into China.