Overview
- Happens at school/work/ home
- Risk is greater at place of work/factories
- Happens as a result of accident / assault
- Injury caused by coagulation / necrosis of tissue
- Damage depends on exposure / time / chemical
Causes
- Strong acids or bases (alkali)
- Chemical Irritants
Symptoms
- Irritation / burning
- Redness of skin
- Pain / numbness
- Blisters
- Coughing
- Breathlessness
- Vision loss, if eye is affected
- Head ache
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Symptoms in severe cases
- Dizziness
- Severe cough
- Seizures
- Low blood pressure
- Irregular heart
- Cardiac arrest
Treatment
- Remove patient from accident site
- Wash injury with tepid water liberally
- Identify chemical for effective therapy
- Seek medical treatment
- IV fluids need to be administered
- Pain medications and antibiotics needed
- Wounds cleaned and bandaged
- Follow -up care compulsory
- Consultation with specialist is a must
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Prevention
- While using chemicals, follow safety precautions
- Avoid overexposure to chemicals
- Store chemicals safely in containers
- Keep them out of reach of children
- Avoid misuse of hair, skin, nail care products
- Avoid mixing different chemicals
- Avoid using toxic substances in kitchen /near food
- Use fume-emitting products in ventilated areas
