A chemical burn occurs generally to the skin and eyes when they come into contact with strong acids, alkaloids or other corrosive or caustic materials that eat away or burn skin and deeper tissue. A chemical burn may cause a reaction on your skin or within your body. If you swallow chemicals you may also sustain a chemical burn to your internal organs. Common causes of chemical burn injuries in the workplace include:
- Car battery acid;
- Cleaning chemicals such as bleach or ammonia;
- Drain chemicals;
- Metal cleaning chemicals;
- Paint thinners;
- Hydrochloric acid;
- Dental chemicals; and/or
- Pool cleaning chemicals.
There are some professions that are more at risk of sustaining a chemical burn injury than others. The following are some higher risk workers: cleaners, car mechanics and battery fitters, dentists and dental assistants, pool maintenance workers, chemical plant workers, plumbers, hairdressers, nail technicians and painters. Other types of burns that can be sustained at work, including: thermal burns, electrical burns, or gas explosions.