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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Chemical Burns

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Chemical burns involve injury to a part of the body caused by short- or long-term exposure to a chemical substance. They are generally caused by acids or bases, which are caustic products that can cause damage on contact.

What are the causes and risks of the injury?

Chemical burns usually occur on the surface of the body, such as the skin or eyes. However, chemicals may also be inhaled or swallowed, causing lung or gut damage.

Acids used at home that can cause chemical burns are as follows:

acetic acid, used in dyes, hair wave neutralizers, and disinfectants

formic acid, used in airplane glue

hydrochloric acid, used in toilet bowl cleaners, metal cleaners, and soldering fluxes

hydrofluoric acid, used in rust removers, tile cleaners, and tanning

nitric acid, used in metal engraving

phosphoric acid, used in rustproofing, disinfectants, and detergents

sulfuric acid, used in drain cleaners, metal cleaners, and automobile battery fluid

Bases used at home that can cause chemical burns include the following:

ammonia and phosphates, used in detergents and cleaners

calcium hydroxide, used in mortar, plaster, and cement

calcium oxide, or lime, used in cement

silicates, used in detergents

sodium and calcium hypochlorite, used in pool chlorinating agents and household bleach

sodium carbonate, used in detergents

sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, used in drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and denture cleaners

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