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Chemical Sources of Burns

Chemicals are useful in everything from science projects to cleaning house. However, some chemicals are dangerous and can cause mild to severe skin burns. Strong acids or bases can cause damage to the skin and eyes. Many household cleaners list strong chemicals in their ingredients. Concrete and pool chemicals can cause burns, as well.

  1. Household Chemicals

    • Many household cleaners are made with alkaline chemicals that burn skin and eyes. Bleach and drain cleaners can burn anyone using them. Chemical contact with eyes can cause seriously injury, and blindness in extreme cases. It is important to keep household cleaners away from eyes. Wearing rubber gloves helps reduce skin exposure to harmful household chemicals.

    Acids

    • Acids can come from such products as batteries or tile cleaners. Acids such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid can be found at some industrial jobs. Acids are corrosive. Depending on the amount of exposure, acids can cause anything from minor skin irritation to severe burns.

    Concrete

    • Even though concrete is used for many different things, wet concrete can cause a serious burn. It has a high ph level, making it alkaline. Concrete also contains lime, which is known to burn skin, as well. Prolonged exposure to wet concrete can cause dermatitis and scarring.

    Pool Chemicals

    • Most pool chemicals are used to kill bacteria and algae in the water. They can be either acids or bases. Chlorine in dry or liquid form is concentrated and very strong. Undiluted chlorine can burn skin. Other pool chemicals, such as algae killers, are very strong bases. These can burn skin, as well.

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