Chemical Burns are More Dangerous Than You Think
Posted June 23rd, 2014 by Anthony Carbone, PC.
Categories: Personal Injury.
It’s an injury that the majority of us will never get. Only 2-6 percent of victims seek medical attention after receiving a chemical burn. But just because this type of burn is uncommon, doesn’t mean it’s any less dangerous. Especially if you commonly use these chemicals on a regular basis for work.
Let’s say you work at as janitor for the local high school. Getting ready to clean the bathroom, you grab the toilet cleaner. However, the last person who used the product had forgotten to tighten the cap and when you pick up the container, the cap fall off and the liquid spills on your hand. Perhaps it doesn’t have a reaction to your skin and you just wipe it off your hand with a towel. It’s only later, when your hand is red and is in severe pain that you realize you’ve been a victim of a chemical burn. What happens next?
The first thing you should do whenever you are in contact with a chemical is wash it off your skin. Even if there isn’t a reaction at first, it could happen at a later time. If there is a reaction, you should seek medical attention immediately. Even if the area affected is small, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Some of the symptoms you may experience after a chemical burn include:
- Irritation to the area
- A burning sensation or numbness
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Severe cough
- Low blood pressure
- Irregular heart beat
- Fainting or dizziness
- Involuntary muscle movement, such as seizing
If you work with chemicals, your employer should provide you with safety training and the proper equipment such as gloves and masks. If you have been a victim of a chemical burn at work, we are to help! For more than 25 years, the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, PC has been fighting for chemical burn victims. Call us today for a free consultation.
