Household Items That Can Lead to Chemical Burns
When we think of household items that can burn, our minds often jump to obvious culprits like stovetops, candles, or matches. However, many common household products can cause chemical burns, which are just as dangerous as thermal burns. Chemical burns occur when the skin or eyes come into contact with corrosive substances, leading to tissue damage.
Understanding which household items pose this risk is crucial for ensuring safety at home. As part of National Burn Awareness Week in February, the burn injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group take a look at some common household items that can burn and how to handle them safely.
7 Types of Household Items That Can Burn
Many people greatly underestimate the number of everyday household products that can lead to chemical burns. The first step in avoiding such burns is knowing what causes them. Our Kansas injury attorneys recommend educating your household about the following seven types of household items that can burn.
1. Cleaning Products
Many cleaning agents contain harsh chemicals that can cause chemical burns if not handled properly. Bleach, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners are among the most dangerous. These products often contain acids (like hydrochloric acid) or alkalis (like sodium hydroxide), which can severely damage skin and mucous membranes upon contact. Always wear gloves and protective eyewear when using these products, and ensure proper ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes.
2. Battery Acid
Household batteries, especially car batteries, contain sulfuric acid, which is highly corrosive. If a battery leaks or breaks, the acid can cause severe chemical burns. Avoid direct contact with battery acid, and if a spill occurs, neutralize it with baking soda and clean the area thoroughly.
3. Laundry Detergents and Fabric Softeners
While generally safe when used as directed, concentrated laundry detergents and fabric softeners can cause chemical burns if they come into prolonged contact with the skin. Pod-style detergents, in particular, are a concern for children, as their colorful appearance can be mistaken for candy. Additionally, some impressionable teens have suffered injuries by following Internet memes involving laundry detergent pods. Keep these products secure and store them in their original containers.
4. Dishwasher Detergents
Dishwasher detergents are highly alkaline and can cause burns if they come into contact with the skin or eyes. The pods or powdered forms are especially risky if ingested or mishandled. Always use caution when loading dishwashers and keep detergents stored securely.
5. Paint Strippers and Solvents
Paint strippers and solvents often contain chemicals like methylene chloride or toluene, which can cause chemical burns and respiratory irritation. These products should be used in well-ventilated areas, and protective gear like gloves and masks should be worn.
6. Personal Care Products
Some personal care items, such as hair relaxers, perm solutions, and certain acne treatments, contain strong chemicals that can cause burns if left on the skin for too long. Always follow the instructions on the packaging and perform a patch test before using new products.
7. Automotive Products
Items like antifreeze, motor oil, and brake fluid are common in households with vehicles. These products can cause chemical burns and are toxic if ingested. Store them in a secure location away from children and pets.
Safety Tips to Prevent Chemical Burns
While most homes are filled with products that can cause chemical burns, the good news is that they’re highly avoidable. To help you and the members of your family avoid these injuries, our Kansas burn injury attorneys suggest:
- Reading Labels: Always read and follow the instructions on product labels.
- Using Protective Gear: Wear gloves, goggles, and masks when handling corrosive substances.
- Storing Safely: Keep hazardous household items out of reach of children and pets.
- Acting Quickly: If a chemical burn occurs, rinse the affected area with cool water for at least 20 minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.
By being aware of the household items that can burn and taking proper precautions, you can minimize the risk of chemical burns and keep your home safe.
Contact a Top Kansas Burn Injury Lawyer Today
The Kansas burn attorneys at Patterson Legal Group hopes that this blog has helped you and your family learn about the different types of household items that can burn. Unfortunately, there may be cases where another person mishandling one of the items mentioned above causes you to be burned. In other cases, a product without proper safety labels causes a member of your family to suffer chemical burns. If you believe that you have such a case then contact us for a free consultation to explore your legal options.
You can reach Patterson Legal Group by phone at (888) 687-2400 and online through our encrypted contact form or our LiveChat agents. For more than 25 years, Patterson Legal Group has helped injury victims throughout Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado receive the settlement money that they deserve. Our esteemed trial lawyers have recovered more than $250-million in settlements for thousands of injury victims. Reach out to us today and take the first step towards the compensation that you deserve.
