Many chemicals present a serious hazard.   Associated problems are:

1. Being able to identify the chemical.
2. The lack of knowledge regarding the chemical's mechanism.
3. The lack of synergy between the chemical and the treatment.

The consequences following a splash with an aggressive chemical can result in a chemical burn.

 

	WHAT IS A CHEMICAL BURN?

A chemical burn is the partial or total modification/destruction of the molecules, cells or structure of the skin/eye due to contact with an irritant or corrosive chemical product. The degree to which the tissue has been modified/destroyed will determine the seriousness of burn.

 

	THE PRODUCTS THAT CAN CAUSE A CHEMICAL BURN

 

Irritant and Corrosive products represent two classifications of hazardous chemicals, each with the potential to cause a chemical burn on contact with the skin or eye.

Some of these chemicals present a double hazard because of a secondary generalised toxic action associated with the primary irritant / corrosive action (example: Hydrofluoric acid)

 

 

	THE STEPS THAT LEAD TO A CHEMICAL BURN

 

1. Contact from the chemical onto the skin or eye.
2. Penetration of the chemical into the skin or eye.
3. Reaction between the chemical and the constituents of the skin or eye.

 

	HOW A CHEMICAL BURN DEVELOPS

 

Irritant and Corrosive products can create an exchange between the aggressive chemical molecules and the constituent  parts of the skin or eye.   The six categories of chemicals that have the potential to provoke an exchange are:

1. acids
2. bases
3. oxidizers
4. reducing agents
5. chelating agents
6. solvents

 

	FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE PENETRATION OF THE CHEMICAL

 

1. Concentration -   The more concentrated the chemical the more aggressive it is.
2. Temperature   -   The higher the temperature of the chemical the quicker it causes cell modification or destruction.
3. Time                  -   The ability of the chemical to penetrate and react depends, in part, on the duration of contact.   The                                     quicker that the appropriate first  aid response is commenced, the more effective the treatment will be.

	STEPS REQUIRED FOR EFFECITVE DECONTAMINATIOsN

 

1. Remove the chemical remaining on the surface of the skin or eye to avoid further penetration.
2. Stop the aggressive chemical action.
3. Stop further penetration of the chemical inside the tissue.

 

	THE EFFECTIVE SOLUTION

 

The PREVOR Laboratory of Toxicology and Chemical Risk Management  -  Headquarters in France, has developed a unique range of products for the effective emergency decontamination of chemical accidents or incidents.