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Things That Cause Chemical Burns

Chemical burns occur when you come into contact with caustic substances, which eat away at the skin and internal organs. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia says chemical burns do not always affect the top layer of the skin; you may experience symptoms such as abdominal pains, convulsions, dizziness, headaches and unconsciousness. Everyday items used in the home or on the body cause chemical burns, leading to serious damage if not treated.

  1. Drain Cleaners

    • Drain cleaners contain caustic substances, including sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Household Products database. They cause chemical burns when swallowed, inhaled and splashed in the eyes. Severe burns cause blistered skin. Children suffer from chemical burns when they accidentally swallow drain cleaners; parents should keep cleaners in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf.

    Bleach and Ammonia

    • Bleach products contain sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite. You can find sodium hypochlorite in bleach products used in household cleaners as well as pool cleaners and water purifiers, says MedlinePlus. Chemical burns from bleach affect the eyes, the throat, the mouth and the esophagus. Mixing bleach with ammonia causes respiratory problems and choking. Diluting either bleach or ammonia reduces the caustic nature of these substances when used as cleaning products.

    Construction Materials

    • Materials used in construction, including concrete, mortar, grout, paint and metal shop materials, cause chemical burns in people working in this industry. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Pocket Guide, workplace-related chemical burns from concrete cause lung damage, eye irritation and skin burns that eat away at the skin. Fresh concrete burns occur because the abrasive sand in the mixture irritates the skin's surface. The American Concrete Pumping Association's website says chemical burns caused by concrete, mortar and cement range from minor skin irritations to third-degree burns.

    Science, Medicine and Industry

    • Workers in science, medicine and industrial plants expose themselves to chemicals that cause skin burns and organ damage. These individuals include those in hospitals, science labs, mines and chemical plants. Chemical burns in these settings occur from breathing in caustic chemical, chemical spills and explosions or fires. Science labs at schools or at medical research facilities must adhere to safety regulations such as wearing protective gear, having eye washes and keeping fire extinguishers available.

    Chemical Burn Treatment

    • The first steps in treating chemical burns include removing dry chemicals and rinsing skin with cool water for 20 or more minutes. Mayo Clinic's website also says to remove clothing and jewelry, wrapping area with sterile, dry clothes and taking pain medication. Call 911 to make sure the burn has not caused internal damage or permeated the top layers of the skin. Medical professionals recommend tetanus shots if the most recent shot is over five years.

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