QUESTION: Safety and chemistry: what to do in case of a burn or poisoning?

Ensuring safety when working with household chemicals at home requires strict adherence to rules and an integrated approach, where the well-known eighty-twenty rule works great. First of all, it is necessary to cover the three main pain points of any home that are associated with potential health risks for household members and pets. These are the correct and safe storage of aggressive products, sufficient lighting in cleaning areas, and maintaining basic cleanliness without using toxic concentrates.

Let's start with organizing the proper storage of household chemicals, as this is the main factor in preventing accidental poisonings and chemical burns. All cleaning products, powders, bleaches, and acids must be in places out of the reach of children and pets, preferably on upper shelves or in lockable cabinets. It is strictly forbidden to transfer aggressive liquids into food packaging from juices or mineral water so as not to accidentally confuse them and drink them.

The second important aspect is lighting and compliance with the instructions on the package when working with chemicals. Before starting general cleaning, make sure that the room is well lit, and during work, provide a fresh air supply through an open window vent or a running exhaust hood. Be sure to use personal protective equipment, such as thick rubber gloves, and when spraying caustic aerosols, safety glasses and a respirator.

What to do if an accident still occurs and a chemical burn of the skin or mucous membranes happens? Immediately rinse the affected area with plenty of running cold water for fifteen to twenty minutes to completely remove residues of the caustic substance. Under no circumstances try to neutralize acid with alkali or vice versa, and also do not apply ointments, oils, or adhesive plasters to a fresh chemical burn before a doctor's examination.

In case of accidental ingestion of household chemicals and poisoning, the algorithm of actions must be completely different and very fast. It is strictly forbidden to induce vomiting on your own if a person has swallowed acid, alkali, or a drain cleaner, as the repeated passage of the chemical through the esophagus will increase the burn. You must immediately call emergency medical care, try to find out the name of the swallowed product, and give the victim a little clean water to drink if they are conscious.