Chemical burns occur when the skin is in contact with strong acids or alkalids. The extent of damage depends on how long the skin is exposed to the chemical. The chemical will continue to 'eat' its way through the skin and deeper layers until it is washed away. It is important to wash away the chemical burn as soon as possible and remove clothing and jewelry that may have the chemical on them.
Household chemicals that cause burns include bleach, boric acid, paint thinner, and plumbing decloggers such as Drano or Liquid Plumber. While many chemical burns occur in the home, they are also common in the workplace in certain industries. Occupational agents such as liquid concrete in the road construction and paving industry are also the source of chemical burns.
Read examples of burn injuries and law suits resulting from exposure to chemicals:
Johnson & Johnson - Chemical burns from leaking cold packs
People have reported burn injuries caused by chemical burns from leaking Johnson & Johnson cold packs. They plastic bags filled with chemicals that you activate to become cold and then apply to sports injuries or other injuries. Apparently the chemical is quite toxic and leaks cause chemical burns which can be quite severe.
Chemical Storage Tank Ruptures
A storage tank was being refilled with a concentrated alkaline cleaner. A man stepped behind the tank to check its progress, and the tank ruptured, dumping the chemical all over him. He sustained chemical burns to both eyes, tongue, lips, buttocks, genitals, legs, trunk and arms. The corneas of both eyes were burned, resulting in continual dryness, irritation and occasional blurred vision. His right leg was broken and the severity of the burns on his buttocks required a skin graft. The tank was made from a resin which became brittle and lost its strength after about six months. Widespread premature aging had occurred to thousands of these tanks all across the country, resulting in tank failures and ruptures.
