Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. We often think of broken bones or whiplash. But one lesser-known danger is chemical burns. After a crash, you or others may be exposed to harsh chemicals that can cause skin burns. 

This guide will explain how chemical burns from car accidents happen, how to prevent and treat them, and what your legal rights are if you’ve suffered such an injury. Staying informed can help you protect yourself both medically and legally.

How Car Accidents Can Cause Chemical Burns

We don’t usually consider our cars as sources of dangerous chemicals, but they can be. Here are some common ways a crash might lead to chemical burns:

• Battery Acid: Car batteries contain sulfuric acid. In a violent collision, the battery can crack or explode, spraying acid. Sulfuric acid causes severe burns on contact with skin.
• Fuel and Oil: Gasoline and diesel are irritants and also highly flammable. While fuel itself is not a strong acid or base, it can cause skin irritation. 
• Airbag Chemicals: Airbags deploy via a rapid chemical reaction, producing gases. The byproducts can include alkaline substances such as sodium hydroxide, which is caustic. When an airbag deploys, the hot gases and chemicals can cause burns or skin irritation. 
• Cargo Spills: If the accident involves a truck or vehicle carrying chemicals, those substances might spill. Examples include industrial acids, caustic cleaning solutions, or agricultural chemicals. 
• Radiator Steam: If a radiator is damaged, superheated coolant can spray out as steam. While primarily causing thermal burns from heat, radiator coolant is also a chemical that shouldn’t contact skin or eyes.
• Fire and Combustion Byproducts: If there’s a fire, not only is there heat, but burning plastics and materials can produce corrosive smoke and residues that might irritate or harm the skin or lungs.

Prevention: Reducing the Risk of Chemical Burns

While you can’t predict an accident, you can take a few precautions to reduce the chance of chemical exposure if one happens:

• Secure Hazardous Materials: Don’t carry unsecured chemicals in your car. For example, if you’re transporting a car battery, gasoline can, pool chemicals, or even a bottle of bleach from the store, keep them upright and secure. 
• Maintain Your Vehicle: A well-maintained car is less likely to leak fluids even if jolted. Check that your battery is properly mounted and not corroded. Ensure caps on coolant, oil, etc., are on tight. 
• After an Accident, Be Cautious: If you can move after a crash, be mindful of where you step and what you touch as you exit the vehicle. Avoid smoke, steam, or liquid spills if possible. 
• Protective Barriers: While not common, some drivers carry basic protective gear in their emergency kit. Nitrile gloves and even safety goggles don’t take much space. If you have to help someone who is covered in a chemical, wearing gloves can protect your skin while aiding them. 
• Keep Windows Open for Airbag Smoke: After an airbag deploys, there’s often a smoky residue in the car. It can irritate your lungs and eyes.

Immediate Treatment: First Aid for Chemical Burns

If you or someone else has a chemical burn after a car accident, prompt action is crucial. Here’s what to do:

1. Call for Medical Help: Always call 911 if an accident has injuries. When speaking to dispatch, mention if you suspect chemical burns or chemical exposure so they can advise you and prepare responders.
2. Avoid Further Contact: Make sure the person is no longer touching the chemical. Gently remove any clothing or jewelry that got splashed, if it’s not stuck to the skin. If you’re helping, avoid getting the substance on your skin. 
3. Flush with Water (Lots of Water): This is the most essential first aid for most chemical burns. Rinse the affected skin immediately with cool, clean water. The only exception might be if a specific chemical reacts dangerously with water, but for common automotive chemicals, water is appropriate. 
4. No Home Remedies on Scene: Do not apply ointments, neutralizing substances, or other chemicals to the burn. For instance, an old myth is to put baking soda on an acid burn – don’t. 
5. Cover with a Clean Cloth (if help is delayed): After thorough flushing, if medical help is not immediately available and the person must wait, you can loosely cover the burn with a clean, moist cloth or sterile gauze. 
6. Monitor and Comfort: Chemical burns can be very painful and also frightening. While giving first aid, reassure the person. 

Conclusion

Chemical burns from car accidents add an extra layer of injury that can be devastating. Understanding the risk factors and practicing prevention can reduce the likelihood of these burns. If they do occur, immediate and proper first aid, primarily flushing with water, is the best way to limit damage. Always prioritize calling for medical help and getting professional treatment, as chemical burns can have insidious effects not visible to the naked eye.