Chemical Fires

What Is A Chemical Burn?

A chemical burn results from the skin being exposed to a reactive chemical substance, and can cause prevalent tissue damage. They may also be the result of inhalation or ingestion. Chemical burns are classified under the standard burn classifications, i.e. first-degree, second-degree, etc. Acids, oxidizers, solvents, and bases used in both the home and workplace are usually the cause of most chemical burns.

Dependent on a variety of factors, chemical burns:

• do not need a heat origin
• may occur instantly as it touches the skin
• can cause excruciating pain
• may not be instantly apparent on the skin

Workers At Risk

The frequency of chemical burns is the greatest at the workplace due to the number of chemicals used in cleaning and manufacturing procedures. Industrial cleaners used while at work as well as a variety of chemicals used in laboratories have the capability of burning off deep living tissue. Upon contact with the skin, there is the possibility of suffering instantly from a second-degree or third-degree burn. In cases of chemical spills of gases, vapors, or fumes, you could ultimately suffer from a severe lung injury. There is also the possibility of chemical ingestion, which could cause extreme damage to the mouth, throat, or stomach.

Industries Prone to Chemical Burn Injuries

• Hospitals
• Science Laboratory
• Chemical fabrication
• Mining
• Medicine
• Microinstrument
• Microelectronics
• Steel
• Military

Fire Hazardous Chemicals

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) uses a hazard rating system to better identify the degree of which a certain hazard is related to a chemical or material. It utilizes a diamond-shaped diagram of symbols, with a series of increasing numbers as well as colors. The degree of hazard is instrumental in providing workers and employers with the necessary information pertaining to protective equipment required in regards to providing a safe working environment.

Contributing Elements to a Chemical Fires and/or explosions:

• Flammable liquids
• Gases
• Melted chemical additives
• Il-coated granular rust particles in distribution pipes
• Dusts
• Strong acids or alkalids (i.e. sulfuric, nitric, chromic, and hydrofluoric acids)

Contact Mark & Associates Today

If you, a friend, or family member have suffered a chemical burn, we encourage you to contact the firm of Mark & Associates, P.C. immediately so that our experts may begin a thorough investigation of the incident. We have resources and experience necessary to determine if you are a victim in the situation, and we will work until you have achieved justice. While no amount of money can make up for pain and suffering you may face in a serious chemical fire, compensation recovered in a lawsuit can help you secure the very best medical attention available for your recovery.