Chemical Injuries

Welcome to Article #7 in our series on Mechanism of Injury: Chemical Injuries

Chemical injuries are produced by contact with caustic materials (acids and bases) that damage cells by directly reacting with cellular components to alter or destroy their structure.? The severity of the injury is dependent on the concentration and amount of chemical agent and the duration with which it is in contact with tissue.?

Chemical burns range from mild to severe. Mild chemical burns usually heal quickly, but severe chemical burns can cause permanent tissue damage, scarring, or death. Chemical burns require immediate medical treatment.

Who’s at risk for chemical burns?

Anyone who works with chemicals is at risk for chemical burns, including:

• Construction workers
• Factory workers
• Farmers
• Laboratory technicians
• Mechanics
• Military personnel
• Plumbers

It is important to note that children (especially toddlers) are at a high risk for burns caused by household chemical products. They may accidentally touch or swallow detergents, bleach, or cleaning products.

Common examples of chemical injuries include:

1. Chemical Burns: These occur when corrosive substances like bleach, battery acid, or disinfectants come into contact with the skin, eyes, or internal tissues.
2. Inhalation Injuries: Breathing in harmful chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia, or carbon monoxide can cause respiratory issues and damage to the lungs.
3. Eye Injuries: Exposure to chemicals like acids or alkalis can lead to severe eye damage, including burns and vision loss.
4. Poisoning: Ingesting toxic substances such as pesticides, detergents, or certain household cleaners can result in systemic poisoning.
5. Skin Irritations and Blisters: Contact with irritants like detergents or solvents can cause skin rashes, blisters, and other dermatological issues.

While there are a multitude of substances that can cause chemical burns, some of the most common include:

• Battery acid
• Bleach
• Detergents
• Drain cleaners
• Fertilizers
• Hair relaxers
• Metal cleaners and rust removers
• Paint removers
• Pesticides
• Sanitizers and disinfectants
• Swimming pool chemicals
• Toilet bowl cleaners
• Wet cement

What are the symptoms of chemical burns?

Chemical burns on your skin may cause:

• Blisters or scabs
• Cracked, dry skin
• Pain
• Peeling skin
• Redness
• Skin discoloration
• Swelling

Chemical burns in your eyes may cause:

• Blurry vision
• Eyelid swelling
• Pain.
• Redness
• Stinging or burning
• Watery eyes
• Blindness (in severe cases)

Chemical burns from ingestion (swallowing) may cause:

• Chest pain
• Cough
• Difficulty speaking (dysphonia)
• Drooling
• Hoarseness
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Nausea and vomiting, or vomiting blood
• Pain in your mouth or throat (especially when swallowing)
• Perforations (holes) in your stomach, esophagus (the tube connecting your stomach and throat), or cornea (the outermost lens of your eye)
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Upper airway swelling (edema)

Chemical burn assault crimes, also known as acid attacks or vitriolage, are violent acts that involve throwing corrosive substances, often household chemicals such as bleach or ammonia, on a victim’s body.? The common targets of the attacks are the face, head, and neck and the main objective is often not to kill, but to maim and/or punish.? Potential consequences for the victims of these crimes range from permanent blindness and disfigurement to long-term feeding difficulties and psychological trauma.? Some of the most common motives center on relationship issues, such as marital issues, volatile relationships, revenge for extramarital affairs, divorce, etc.? Other motives may involve larceny and assault.? Acid attacks take place worldwide but are more prevalent in developing countries.

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Beth Brant and Teresa Devitt-Lynch have over 55 years of combined nursing experience and specialize in forensic cases.? We excel at assisting attorneys with injuries or medical issues by thoroughly analyzing and interpreting the medical evidence in the records.? Contact us and let’s chat about your needs and how we can help you with your next case!

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[email protected]

??614.270.1930

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[email protected]

??210-570-5860

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