When most people think of burns, they think of hot stoves,
blazing fires, or boiling water - things which cause damage through
heat. While heat burns are indeed very common, other types of burn
injury exist which are equally harmful but require different methods of
treatment. One of these other types of burn injury is the chemical burn.
Like heat burns, chemical burns can occur in a variety of ways, and not just in an industrial setting with volatile chemicals bubbling in vats. Many household goods contain chemicals which are useful when handled correctly, but can cause serious damage when accidents happen.
The majority of chemical burns are caused either by strong acids or strong bases. While these dangerous chemicals are more often found in factories and manufacturing plant, some examples can also be found around the house. Toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, and drain cleaners are all products used around the house which, because they contain strong chemical components, can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
Chemical burns are very different from heat burns in several ways. Whereas heat burns are caused by various sources of heat and are generally alike in all ways except severity, chemical burns can be caused by different substances entirely, thus producing different symptoms and requiring different remedies. Some factors in heat burns however, are also important in chemical burns. For example:
- The location of the burn - burns are more serious if on a sensitive area such as the groin, buttocks, or face.
- The condition of the skin - both heat and chemical burns can destroy the protective layer of skin. Not only does this usually indicate a serious injury, but also makes the victim more vulnerable to infection and shock.
- The time - duration of exposure to heat or chemicals makes a difference. In both heat and chemical burns, quick treatment is essential to prevent further injury.
In most cases, it is a good idea to contact emergency services or poison control center when faced with a chemical burn. Many chemical burns may appear harmless on the outside, while causing serious damage under the skin. Because of the variety of chemicals which can burn, untrained people may have a difficult time treating chemical burns. If you or someone near you suffers a chemical burn, here are some steps you can take while waiting for medical personnel to arrive:
- First, get away from the accident site. This reduces the risk that either you or the victim will be exposed to more of the dangerous chemical, either in solid, liquid, or even airborne states.
- Next, remove any clothing which has been in contact with the chemical in question. It is very important to limit exposure to such dangerous substances.
- Finally, gently brush away any solid particles and rinse the affected area with cool running water for at least 20 minutes.
Remember, if the victim experiences any symptoms of a severe injury, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, seizures, or irregular heartbeat, contact emergency services immediately. As mentioned above, time is of the essence when treating chemical burns.
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Danger-Of-Chemical-Burns&id=1032056
Like heat burns, chemical burns can occur in a variety of ways, and not just in an industrial setting with volatile chemicals bubbling in vats. Many household goods contain chemicals which are useful when handled correctly, but can cause serious damage when accidents happen.
The majority of chemical burns are caused either by strong acids or strong bases. While these dangerous chemicals are more often found in factories and manufacturing plant, some examples can also be found around the house. Toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, and drain cleaners are all products used around the house which, because they contain strong chemical components, can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
Chemical burns are very different from heat burns in several ways. Whereas heat burns are caused by various sources of heat and are generally alike in all ways except severity, chemical burns can be caused by different substances entirely, thus producing different symptoms and requiring different remedies. Some factors in heat burns however, are also important in chemical burns. For example:
- The location of the burn - burns are more serious if on a sensitive area such as the groin, buttocks, or face.
- The condition of the skin - both heat and chemical burns can destroy the protective layer of skin. Not only does this usually indicate a serious injury, but also makes the victim more vulnerable to infection and shock.
- The time - duration of exposure to heat or chemicals makes a difference. In both heat and chemical burns, quick treatment is essential to prevent further injury.
In most cases, it is a good idea to contact emergency services or poison control center when faced with a chemical burn. Many chemical burns may appear harmless on the outside, while causing serious damage under the skin. Because of the variety of chemicals which can burn, untrained people may have a difficult time treating chemical burns. If you or someone near you suffers a chemical burn, here are some steps you can take while waiting for medical personnel to arrive:
- First, get away from the accident site. This reduces the risk that either you or the victim will be exposed to more of the dangerous chemical, either in solid, liquid, or even airborne states.
- Next, remove any clothing which has been in contact with the chemical in question. It is very important to limit exposure to such dangerous substances.
- Finally, gently brush away any solid particles and rinse the affected area with cool running water for at least 20 minutes.
Remember, if the victim experiences any symptoms of a severe injury, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, seizures, or irregular heartbeat, contact emergency services immediately. As mentioned above, time is of the essence when treating chemical burns.
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Danger-Of-Chemical-Burns&id=1032056
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