Exposure to a wide variety of caustic chemical substances can cause burns to the body. Most burns occur on the face, extremities and eyes, with the majority causing first-degree burns. More serious second- and third-degree burns can also occur. Chemical burns can occur at home, in the workplace or by assault, such as in chemical warfare.
Chemicals
Many chemicals can cause burns, but they generally fall into two categories--strong acids and strong bases. Common strong acids include acetic, hydrochloric, sulfuric and phosphoric. Ammonia, calcium hydroxide and calcium oxide are examples of strong bases. Common household products containing high concentrations of these chemicals include bleach, toilet and drain cleaners and some kinds of detergents and disinfectants. Other products that may cause burns include battery acid, metal cleaning solution, pool chlorinators and certain types of dyes.
Symptoms
The symptoms of chemical burns vary widely, depending on the type, concentration and length of exposure to chemicals, and they can be unpredictable. The most common symptoms include redness, irritation and burning of the affected tissue. Other symptoms include pain and numbness, blisters and visionary changes. When inhaled, coughing and shortness of breath can occur. Signs of more severe injury include low blood pressure, fainting, headache, seizures and cardiac arrest. Although rare, death can occur from exposure to harmful chemical substances.
First Aid
First aid is the initial care for the majority of chemical burns, followed by medical attention if necessary. The first step is to remove the cause of the burn from the area and then remove any contaminated clothing. Flush the chemicals off the affected area with cool, gently running water for at least 20 minutes, recommends the Mayo Clinic. After flushing, loosely wrap the region in a dry, sterile dressing cloth. Rewashing may be necessary if the burning sensation continues or increases in intensity. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate any associated pain or discomfort. The Mayo Clinic recommends getting a tetanus shot after a chemical burn, especially it has been five or more years since the last tetanus shot.
Prevention
The majority of chemical burns can be avoided with proper safety precaution methods. In the home, all chemicals should be secured in locked cabinets and out of reach of children. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions, store products in original containers and never mix different products together. In the workplace, where the majority of more severe chemical burns occurs, it is crucial for the safety of everyone to follow all employer-established safety protocols and standards of OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Considerations
Note that it is not always initially apparent when exposure to harmful chemical substances has occurred. Also, extended exposure to certain chemicals can have changing effects on the body. Chemical exposure may be suspected when an otherwise healthy individual falls ill for no apparent reason and is more likely if chemical bottles or other substances are found nearby. A person should seek medical attention as soon as possible if unknown or severe chemical exposure is experienced.
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