Acid-base burns

Burns due to acids and alkalies are most common in sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and nitric acid. In addition, acetic acid (glacial acetic acid), hydrofluoric acid, perchloric acid, and chromic acid are corrosive poisons. In addition to skin burns, inhalation of volatile gases and fog points (such as sulfuric acid mist and chromic acid mist) of these acids in the respiratory tract can also cause severe irritation of the upper respiratory tract. In severe cases, chemical bronchitis, pneumonia and pulmonary edema can occur. Alkali burns are more common in ammonia, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and lime burns. The most common is ammonia burns, which are extremely volatile, often with upper respiratory tract burns, and severe cases with pulmonary edema. Erosion of the eyes with a small amount of diluted ammonia is easy to occur, and healing is slow.

Was this article helpful?

The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments.