Chemical Burns on Skin After a Car Accident: Health Risks, Treatment & Prevention

Chemical burns on skin are rare but dangerous. They account for only 4% of all burns. Yet they cause nearly 30% of burn-related deaths. Car accidents create the ideal environment for these injuries—especially due to airbag chemicals, battery acid, and fuel leaks.

This article focuses on the health impact of chemical burns on skin from car crashes. We’ll explain the causes, symptoms, treatment steps, and when to seek emergency care. Legal options are also covered, but the main focus is your physical health and safety.

Table of Contents

1. What Are Chemical Burns on Skin?

2. How Car Accidents Cause Chemical Burns

3. Common Symptoms to Watch For

4. First Aid for Chemical Burns on Skin

5. When to Seek Emergency Medical Help

6. Medical Treatment Options

7. Airbag Chemical Burns: A Special Case

8. Your Legal Rights After a Burn Injury

9. Final Thoughts on Protecting Your Health

What Are Chemical Burns on Skin?

Chemical burns happen when a corrosive substance damages the skin. Unlike heat burns, these injuries may continue to cause harm until the chemical is washed away.

In car crashes, chemical burns on the skin are often caused by:

• Airbag deployment chemicals

• Battery acid

• Fuel and engine fluid leaks

These burns often affect the face, hands, arms, and legs, especially areas exposed during a crash. Left untreated, they can cause infection, scarring, and even long-term disability.

How Car Accidents Cause Chemical Burns on Skin

Car crashes release a mix of harmful substances. These chemicals damage skin tissue on contact. Here's how:

1. Airbag Chemicals

Airbags deploy through a rapid chemical reaction. That reaction releases sodium hydroxide, a strong alkaline substance.

Burns may happen due to:

• Aerosol exposure during inflation

• Direct skin contact with chemical byproducts

• Exposure during airbag deflation

Around 8% of airbag injuries result in chemical burns. These are most likely to occur on the face, neck, and arms.

2. Battery Acid

Car batteries can rupture during impact. Most contain sulfuric acid or potassium hydroxide.

Contact with these substances causes:

• Intense skin burning and redness

• Eye damage or blindness

• Respiratory issues from inhaling fumes

Even small leaks can create serious health risks if not treated promptly.

3. Fuel and Engine Fluids

Coolant, brake fluid, and gasoline are all skin irritants. When spilt, they can soak into clothing and cause chemical burns on the skin. Fuel burns also pose an inhalation hazard

and may be combined with heat burns if the fuel ignites.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Early recognition of chemical burns on skin is critical. These injuries may appear mild at first but worsen quickly.

Symptoms include:

• Redness, rash, or irritation

• Stinging or burning pain

• Swelling around the contact area

• Blisters or peeling skin

• In severe cases: dizziness, headache, or low blood pressure

Unlike heat burns, chemical burns can damage tissues long after exposure. Alkali burns are especially dangerous because they penetrate deeper.

First Aid for Chemical Burns on Skin

Acting quickly can limit damage and improve recovery.

What to do immediately:

1. Remove contaminated clothing and jewellery.

2. If it’s a dry chemical, brush it off gently. Don’t add water yet.

3. Rinse the burn with cool running water for at least 20 minutes.

4. Cover the area with a clean, dry cloth.

5. Avoid ice or ointments.

Constant water irrigation is the safest method. It flushes the chemical away and reduces damage.

Avoid trying to neutralise the chemical. Combining acids and bases can cause heat reactions that worsen the injury.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Help

Call 911 or go to the ER if:

• The burn is larger than 3 inches

• The skin looks charred or white

• The burn is on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints

• Symptoms include shortness of breath, confusion, or vision issues

• Eyes are affected

Some burns appear mild at first. But internal tissue damage can progress rapidly. When in doubt, get evaluated by a medical professional.

Medical Treatment Options

Doctors follow specific steps to manage chemical burns on the skin:

• Prolonged irrigation, sometimes for hours

• pH testing of the affected area

• Pain medications to relieve discomfort

• Antibiotics to prevent infection

• Debridement to remove dead tissue

• Skin grafts in severe cases

• Special eye care for facial exposure

Follow-up visits are critical. Burn injuries may evolve over days. Ongoing medical care helps ensure proper healing and reduces the risk of complications like infection or scarring.

Airbag Chemical Burns on Skin: A Special Case

Airbags save lives. But they can also leave chemical burns on skin, especially on the hands and face.

These burns require extra care:

• Alkaline chemicals require longer flushing times

• Sun exposure must be avoided to prevent scarring

• Physical therapy may be needed for hand burns

• Burns near the eyes may need an ophthalmologist

It's best to consult a doctor even if the injury seems minor. Early care can prevent long-term damage.

Also READ - The Health and Legal Implications of Airbag Injuries: What You Need to Know

Your Legal Rights After a Burn Injury

Your health is the top priority. However, you also have the right to compensation if the injury was caused by someone else.

Most states enforce strict time limits for legal action after a car accident. The statute of limitations usually allows two years from your chemical burn to file a claim.

Courts rarely make exceptions to this deadline. Missing it means you'll likely lose your chance to seek compensation.

You may have a claim if the burns were caused by:

• Another driver's negligence

• Faulty airbags or car parts

• Poor vehicle maintenance

• A commercial chemical spill

Types of compensation include:

• Medical costs (past and future)

• Lost wages due to recovery time

• Pain and suffering

• Scarring and disfigurement

Each state has a time limit (usually two years) to file a claim. Speak with a legal professional to learn your options.

Final Steps to Guard Your Health After a Chemical Burn

Chemical burns on the skin are severe. They require fast action and proper treatment. Whether caused by airbags, battery leaks, or fuel exposure, these injuries can lead to lasting health problems.

Key takeaways:

• Act quickly with water irrigation

• Never use neutralisers unless directed by a doctor

• Seek emergency help for deep or widespread burns

• Get follow-up care to monitor healing

Understanding the health risks of chemical exposure during a car crash can save lives. Stay alert, know the signs, and take the proper steps to protect yourself and others.