Reports from the medical sector indicate more than 450,000 people suffer from severe burns each year in the United States. When people think of burn injuries, they often envision fires or coming into contact with hot objects. Those are the most common causes of burns, but they’re not the only ones. At least three percent of adults and more than 2,000 children per year acquire chemical burns. While chemical burns occur less frequently than their counterparts, they can be just as devastating.
What Constitutes a Chemical Burn?
In short, chemical burns are caused by exposure to corrosive substances. Many victims acquire chemical burns to the skin or eyes due to spills and splashes. It’s also possible to inhale or swallow chemicals, though. That causes internal chemical burns, poisoning, and numerous other problems. As is the case with fire- and heat-related burns, chemical burns can range from mild to severe. Those interested may look at here to find more in-depth information, but some basic details will be made available below.
How Do Chemical Burns Happen?
As mentioned, chemical burns occur when a victim is exposed to a corrosive substance. These injuries can happen virtually anywhere according to realtimecampaign.com and other authorities. They often happen in workplaces where employees may use, handle, or process chemicals. Workers can be at risk even if chemical exposure isn’t a primary on-the-job concern.
That being said, quite a few chemical burns happen in people’s homes as well. Many people don’t realize just how dangerous some household items can be. Specialists have even reported Treating a facial chemical burn due to skin care products. That proves harsh substances can lurk in seemingly harmless everyday items.
What Types of Chemicals Cause Burns?
Several chemicals are harsh enough to cause burns. Some of the most well-known are hydrochloric acid and ammonia. Bleach is also a common irritant. It’s found in nearly all homes and many other places. When used with care, it can brighten white laundry and remove stains. It’s also a powerful disinfectant. Still, it can be dangerous as well. Acetic acid is another potentially dangerous chemical. In high concentrations, it can certainly cause extensive damage.
Acids found in car batteries are common sources of chemical burns, too. Even brief exposure to the acid in a battery can cause skin irritation. More prolonged exposure can bring about serious injuries. Battery manufacturers, mechanics, employees of automotive parts stores, and vehicle owners may all be at risk of chemical burns due to those acids.
How Are Chemical Burns Treated?
Chemicals can cause serious damage to the skin and eyes. They can also cause internal damage if inhaled or swallowed. Some chemical burns are so severe they require specialized treatment from facilities like Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America. In-depth burn care, skin grafts, and other types of treatments are available through facilities like these.
Initially, it’s important to prevent a chemical from spreading once exposed. Experts advise calling 911 immediately in the event of chemical exposure. From there, victims should remove any clothing that was exposed to the chemical and rinse the affected area thoroughly for at least half an hour or until emergency medical personnel arrive. Never try to wipe away the chemical as doing so could cause further damage.
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