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Household acids and bases are essential in everyday cleaning, maintenance, and personal care. However, these substances can pose serious health risks when mishandled or accidentally encountered. 1,000 children are hospitalized each year due to caustic burns and ingestion. (Hoffman. 2020) Understanding the common injuries caused by these chemicals and how to mitigate their impact is vital for safety in the home.
An acid is a proton donor; or a substance that releases hydrogen (H+) ions in water. Weaker acids will have their ions remaining bonded in a compound in water whereas stronger acids ionize completely. Acids read from 0-7 on a pH scale and will turn litmus paper red or orange. Acids also have a sour taste and will often cause a stinging sensation when in contact with the skin. (Palao. 2010)
Acids, such as hydrochloric acid in toilet bowl cleaners, sulfuric acid in drain cleaners, and acetic acid in vinegar, are corrosive and can cause severe tissue damage upon contact. Skin exposure to acids typically results in immediate pain, redness, and burns due to their low pH and ability to denature proteins. These burns are often well-defined and can range from superficial irritation to deep ulceration, depending on the concentration and duration of exposure. (Palao. 2010)
Eye exposure to acids can lead to conjunctivitis, corneal damage, or even blindness. Inhalation of acidic vapors, such as those from improperly diluted cleaning products, can irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing, difficulty breathing, or, in severe cases, chemical pneumonitis. Accidental ingestion of acidic substances may result in severe esophageal and gastric burns, leading to complications such as strictures or perforations. (Palao. 2010)
A base is a proton acceptor; or a substance that releases hydroxyl (OH-) ions in water. Weaker bases only release a few of their OH- ions or accept few H+ ions whereas strong bases release most or all their OH- ions. Bases read from 8-14 on a pH scale and will turn litmus paper blue or green. Bases also have a bitter taste and feel soapy or slippery. (Anatomy and Physiology 2e. pp 58-61.)
Household bases, including sodium hydroxide in drain cleaners, ammonia in glass cleaners, and calcium hydroxide in cleaning powders, are equally hazardous. Bases are highly alkaline and saponify lipids, which causes them to penetrate tissues more deeply than acids. This property makes base-related injuries usually more severe than acid injuries. (Palao. 2010)
Skin exposure to strong bases can result in delayed pain but extensive tissue necrosis due to their ability to dissolve fats and proteins. Eye exposure is particularly catastrophic, leading to deep corneal injuries and potential vision loss. Inhalation of ammonia fumes can irritate the respiratory tract and cause bronchospasm, while ingestion of bases may result in severe esophageal and gastrointestinal burns, with similar complications to those seen with acid ingestion. (Hoffman. 2020)
Preventing injuries from household acids and bases begins with proper handling, such as using gloves, goggles, and adequate ventilation when working with these chemicals. Products should be stored securely, away from children and pets, and never mixed, as some combinations, such as ammonia and bleach, produce toxic gases.
In the event of exposure, immediate action is critical. For skin and eye exposure, thorough rinsing with water is the first step. The ingestion of caustic substances requires urgent medical attention, as inducing vomiting can exacerbate the damage. Proper first aid and seeking professional help promptly can significantly reduce long-term consequences. (Hoffman. 2020)
Understanding the risks associated with household acids and bases helps minimize accidents and injuries, fostering a safer home environment for all.
References:
- Hoffman, Robert S., et al. “Ingestion of Caustic Substances.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 382, no. 18, 30 Apr. 2020, pp. 1739–1748, https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmra1810769.
- Palao, R., et al. “Chemical Burns: Pathophysiology and Treatment.” Burns, vol. 36, no. 3, May 2010, pp. 295–304, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2009.07.009. Accessed 23 Jan. 2020.
- Anatomy and Physiology 2e. Openstax, 2022.