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A chemical burn occurs when living tissue is
exposed to a reactive chemical substance such as a strong acid or base.
Chemical burns follow standard burn
classification and may cause extensive tissue damage.
The main types of irritant and/or corrosive products:
acids, bases, oxidizers, solvents, and reducing agents.
Chemical burns may:
- need no source of
heat,
- occur immediately on contact,
- be extremely painful, or
- not be immediately evident or noticeable
The exact symptoms of a chemical burn depend on the chemical involved.
Symptoms include itching, bleaching
or darkening of skin, burning sensations, trouble breathing, coughing blood, tissue necrosis, and death. Common sources of
chemical burns include silver nitrate (AgNO3), hydrochloric acid (HCl), lye (NaOH), and lime(CaO).
Chemical burns may occur through direct contact on body surfaces including skin and eyes, inhalation, and ingestion.
Chemical fabrication, mining, medicine, and related professional fields are examples of occupations where chemical
burns may occur.
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