That’s because battery acid is a corrosive substance that can cause achemical burnon your skin.
This article walks you through the symptoms of a battery acid burn and how different battery burns are treated.
It also describes the signs of a medical emergency and possible complications if chemical burns are inappropriately treated.
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You may not have symptoms immediately after getting battery acid on your skin.
Thisdoes notmean that you are not in any danger.
The corrosive effects of some battery acids can be slow and progressive.
This is important even if it doesn’t feel like it is causing any damage.
The longer the battery acid stays on the skin, the more severe the damage can be.
Home Batteries
Home batteries commonly found around the house are called alkaline batteries.
Most are made with a chemical called potassium hydroxide, commonly known as lye.
Even so, lye is extremely caustic and can cause potentially severe chemical burns.
Most alkaline battery burns occur when the battery is corroded and leaks chemicals.
It can also occur if the battery is broken open accidentally or intentionally.
If there is any doubt, continue rinsing.
Severe burns should be seen by a healthcare provider or at your nearest emergency room or urgent care center.
Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive substance that is destructive to the skin, eyes, and lungs.
Severe exposure can result in death.
To treat a sulfuric acid burn:
Continue until you are reasonably satisfied that the symptoms are not worsening.
Car battery acid burns almost always require immediate medical attention.
Loosely wrap the injured site with a sterile bandage or clean cloth and rush to your nearest emergency room.
Rechargeable Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries found in items such as mobile phones and e-cigarettes.
Neither lithium nor graphite is an “acid.”
However, lithium is known to be highly reactive and flammable, and can spontaneously combust when overheated.
This is known to occur when lithium-ion batteries malfunction.
The combustion or explosion of a lithium-ion battery can spill lithium onto the skin.
you might then wrap it in a dry sterile dressing or clean cloth.
Wrap the dressing loosely to avoid pressure or friction.
flush your eyes with cool water for at least 30 minutes.
If you wear contacts, remove them first.
This is true even if your vision seems fine and you feel no pain.
When to Call 911
you better call 911 immediately if a chemical burn is severe.
This includes:
If in doubt, seek medical care.
They can give you information over the phone on how to treat a chemical burn.
Complications
Other complications can occur after exposure to battery acid.
Summary
Battery acid can cause severe burns.
If your skin comes into contact with battery acid, it’s important to take action right away.
Treatment depends on the throw in of acid.
Alkaline battery acid should be rinsed with clear water.
Use warm, soapy water for sulfuric battery acid.
Always seek medical care or call poison control for any kind of chemical burn.
MedlinePlus.Chemical burn or reaction.
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doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2020.06.038
National Capital Poison Center.Suspect a poisoning?
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Used household batteries.
