COVID-19 updates, including vaccine information, for our patients and visitors Learn More
- Skip to Main Navigation
- Contact
- |
- Appointments & Referrals
- |
- Volunteer
- |
- About
- |
- Careers
- |
- Newsroom
Related Reading
Some chemicals cause burns. Others may be absorbed through the skin or lungs, causing hidden damage. If possible, always refer to the particular chemical's Safety Data Sheet or contact the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222) for expert advice. In general, follow the steps below.
Step 1. Stop the source
Remove the person from contact with the chemical spill, airborne particles, or fumes. (Wear gloves or use other safety equipment as needed to protect yourself from exposure to the chemical.)
Take off any clothes or jewelry that have been in contact with the chemical. Chemical injuries, just like heat burns, get worse as long as the source is in contact with the body.
Step 2. Clear the lungs
Take the person to fresh air. This may mean going into another room or leaving the building.
Do CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), if there is no pulse or breathing.
Step 3. Flush the eyes
Flush the affected eye with water for at least 15 minutes. Make sure the water is cool, especially if its source is an outside hose or eyewash station.
Don't accidentally flush chemicals into an unaffected eye. Hold the head so that the injured eye is on the bottom. Flush from the nose downward.
Step 4. Clean the skin
Brush water-activated chemicals, such as lime, from the skin, instead of using water. Be careful not to brush particles into the eyes.
If the chemical does not react with water, flush the affected skin with cool water for at least 15 minutes. Make sure the water flow is not forceful enough to cause pain or break blisters.
Don't brush away chemicals with your bare hands.
When to call your healthcare provider
Chemicals may cause serious damage not only to the outside of the body, but also to the inside. If absorbed into the blood, chemicals may start a silent attack on the kidneys or liver. Call your healthcare provider right away if any of the following is true:
A chemical has come into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth.
The Safety Data Sheet calls the chemical hazardous or likely to cause damage.
The container label warns of corrosive contents, which can wear away skin.
Call 911
Call 911 right away if the victim has:
Symptoms of shock
Trouble breathing
Burns over a large area
While you wait for help
Reassure the person.
Do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), if there is no pulse or breathing.
Online
Medical Reviewer: Eric Perez MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2019
© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
In the event of an emergency, call 911 or activate a blue light phone. If you've been exposed to a hazardous material, follow these first aid measures and report all incidents to your manager, supervisor or principal investigator, regardless of severity. Seek treatment at University Health Services at McCosh Health Center or the University Medical Center of
Princeton at Plainsboro. 1. Immediately flush with water for no less than 15 minutes (except for Hydrofluoric Acid, Flammable Solids or >10% Phenol – see below). For larger exposures, use a safety shower. 2. While rinsing, quickly remove all contaminated clothing or jewelry.
Seconds count. Do not waste time because of modesty. Use caution when removing pullover shirts or sweaters to prevent contamination of the eyes. 3. Check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to determine whether to expect delayed effects. 4. Discard contaminated clothing or launder them separately from other clothing. Leather garments or accessories cannot be decontaminated and should be discarded. 5. Do not use solvents to wash skin. They remove the natural protective oils from the
skin and can cause irritation and inflammation. In some cases, washing with a solvent may facilitate absorption of a toxic chemical. Wash the area with soap and water and seek medical attention, if necessary.Chemicals on Skin or Clothing
Chemicals in Eyes
Chemical Inhalation
Accidental Ingestion of Chemicals
Accidental Injection of Chemicals