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Hazard symbols for
caustics |
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Fortunately, chemical burns resulting from concentrated acids and lyes (e.g. sulphuric acid and caustic soda) have become rare, since these agents are hardly used at home any more.
Detergents, on the other hand, are problematic. However, they usually only contain substances that irritate the skin and no caustic substances.
Outlet pipe and toilet cleaners, oven sprays, dishwasher detergents and cleaners containing bleach are more aggressive.
First aid in the event of chemical burns (to the skin)
- Stop contact of the caustic fluid with skin, mucous membrane or eyes.
As long as the chemically active substance is in contact with the skin, it will continue to burn.
– Remove clothing burned by the chemical.
– Rinse injured area of skin with copious amounts of running water (approx. 20-30 minutes).
– Please make sure to heed the warnings and burn measures printed on the product’s packaging.
In the event of eye burns, rinse the eye immediately with running water. In the process, the other eye as well as the mouth and nose should be protected from the water used to rinse the affected eye.
If orally ingested, contact with the caustic substance is often limited to the mouth and throat. In less serious cases, thorough rinsing with copious amounts of water is sufficient first aid. Otherwise, it is necessary to drink copious amounts of water in order to dilute the caustic substance. Retching must be avoided, so as not to damage the esophagus again.
In all cases, a physician must be seen immediately after initiating the first aid measures (after rinsing with water). Depending on the situation, also an emergency doctor or eye specialist will need to be seen.
Take the pack of the product that caused the burn with you. In this way, the physician will be able to take the required measures.
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