Potassium hydroxide injury

Materials which readily form alloys with Pt (nonmetals P, As, Te, Si, B and C) or metals which melt at low temperatures (Pb or Sn) or substances which liberate these materials during ignition or melting processes can not only damage but even destroy platinum apparatus. This also holds for all melts containing potassium hydroxide, sodium nitrate, or mixtures of the alkali hydroxides or alkali carbonates with sodium nitrate melts containing peroxides, cyanides or sulfides are particularly Injurious to crucibles. 

Corrosives damage by chemical destruction of the tissue they contact. Strong acids (hydrochloric, nitric and sulfuric) or alkalis (sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide) can cause corrosive bums. Alkalis can cause progressive bums, meaning the injury increases as the alkali moves through the damaged tissue. This is especially critical in injuries to the eye, where delicate tissues can be damaged little by little until vision is destroyed. The severity of a corrosive bum depends on ... 

Lead-acid batteries contain the electrolyte sulfuric acid (H2SO4). NiCd batteries contain mostly the electrolyte potassium hydroxide (KOH). Both electrolytes create burns and can cause injury to the skin. In the event of electrolyte entering the eyes burns of the cornea with permanent damage are possible (Table 6.7). For first aid wash with plenty of water and obtain medical attention. 

Of the bum injury patients admitted to a specialized Regional Bum Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, over an 8-year period, the 24 chemically injured patients made up 2.6 % of the total [29], Occupationally related chemical exposures accounted for 75 % of these injuries, and the involved chanicals included hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric add, black liquor (a heated mixture of sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide, sodium thiosulfate, and sodium sulfate), lyes (alkaline corrosives), phenol, and potassium permanganate. Complications were seen in 58 % of chemically injured patients, including chemical ocular injuries, wound infections, tendon exposures, toe amputation, and systemic toxicity. Of these 24 patients, 14 required extensive surgical debridement and skin grafting. One patient with a 98 % TBSA chemical skin injury died. Of those patients who had typical decontamination measures such as removal of contaminated clothing... 

Involved chemicals hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric acid, black liquor (a heated mixture of sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide, sodium thiosulfate, and sodium sulfate), various lyes, potassium permanganate, phenol Comphcations were frequent (58 % of patients) chemical eye injuries, wound infections, tendon exposures, toe amputations, systemic toxicity from chemical absorption... 

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