When Should I Seek Medical Care for a Chemical Burn? This way, you can tell the Poison Control staff member what information is on the chemical's contents label. If you are not sure whether it is safe to proceed with a water rinse, or if you are not sure how to treat the chemical burn, call Poison Control immediately and have the chemical's container or Safety Data Sheet handy. Important note: While thoroughly washing the affected area with cool water is recommended for most chemical burns, a water rinse may actually make some chemical burns worse, including burns caused by carbolic acid or phenol (which should be first flushed with alcohol to remove the chemicals from the skin prior to washing with water). Do NOT expose the burn to very cold water or prolonged cooling, due to the risk of hypothermia.Do NOT apply ice, oils, salves, raw cotton, pastes, or any type of home remedy to the burn.Do NOT begin first aid before ensuring the scene is safe (e.g., watch for spills, shut off any electrical currents, don gloves and chemical-resistant PPE).The World Health Organization also shares some important things to NOT do when providing first aid for chemical burns and other types of burns: After thoroughly rinsing the burned area, wrap it loosely with a clean cloth or, if available, a dry sterile dressing.While flushing the injured area, remove any clothing or jewelry that has also been contaminated by the caustic chemical.Irrigate (flush) the affected area with large volumes of cool running water-ideally, for at least 10 to 20 minutes, and again for at least a few minutes if a burning sensation continues after completing the initial flush.Chemical Burn Treatment and First AidĪccording to sources like Mayo Clinic and the World Health Organization, basic first aid techniques for chemical burns may involve slightly different techniques than thermal burns, and include the following: Always seek medical attention if you are unsure about the extent of the injury, or how to treat it. It's important to know that a chemical burn may appear small and seemingly minor even though there could be severe deep tissue damage below the surface. Problems with vision (if the chemical gets into a person's eyes).Blisters or black dead skin in the affected area.Redness, pain, numbness, and/or burning in the affected area.The most common signs and symptoms of chemical burns include: 2020 data from BLS indicates that some of the most common industries associated with employee chemical burns include manufacturing, construction, mining, agriculture, specialty trade contractors, plumbing and heating, animal slaughtering and production, waste management and remediation, healthcare, amusement and recreation industries, and food services. These chemicals have a wide variety of purposes and uses, from detergents to goods production. Some specific chemicals that may cause burns include: Common Causes of Work-Related Chemical BurnsĬhemical burns occur when part of a person's body, such as their skin or eyes, comes in contact with a caustic or corrosive substance, including acids (pH less than 7), alkalis (pH greater than 7), solvents, and irritants. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the workplace as the most common place for burns to occur, in addition to the home. Of these, at least 3,540 were related to chemical burns or corrosions (e.g., ingesting a corrosive agent). Bureau of Labor Statistics, a total of 16,550 nonfatal burns occurred in the workplace in 2020. Current research suggests that chemical burns are fairly common in the workplace, especially among young male workers.Īccording to the latest data from the U.S. Chemical Burns in the Workplace: Latest Facts and FiguresĬhemical burns, also called caustic burns, are a type of injury caused by contact with a corrosive substance or chemical. In this article, we highlight important things to know about work-related chemical burns, including which industries commonly work with chemicals that pose a burn risk, the most common causes of chemical burns, burn symptoms and treatment, and the type of personal protective equipment (PPE) and/or safety measures needed to keep workers safe. In severe cases, chemical burns can lead to death and disfigurement. Certain chemicals, including gasoline and lye, can even cause burns on the eyes, skin, mouth, or even internal organs. Preventing and Treating Chemical Burns in the Workplace: Essential PPE and Safety ProtocolsĬhemicals are widely used across numerous industries but can cause serious harm if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.
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