Household Products Can Cause Serious Chemical Burns
The legal team at Gary A. Zucker & Associates help the people of Brooklyn in their time of need. Our lawyers have years of experience dealing with complex litigation matters, from serious burn injury cases to product liability lawsuits against manufacturers, distributors, and designers.
These issues related to burns and defective products come together when people are injured by common household cleaning products. With that in mind, let's consider chemical burns and how they are caused.
Dangerous Chemicals in Your Own Home
Many people don't realize it, but many of the common household cleaners in their house can cause serious burns. These burns aren't like the traditional first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns you associated with fires or electrical injuries, however. Chemical burns can be mild to minor, though they can also be extremely serious. These kinds of burns can affect the skin, the eyes and nose, and even the internal organs, particularly the throat and lungs if inhaled or swallowed. Major tissue damage can occur if the chemical is not washed off immediately.
Given these dangers, it's extremely important that you take any use of chemicals seriously and use extreme caution while cleaning.
Common Dangerous Household Cleaners
The most common sources of chemical burns tend to involve strong acids or strong bases (which are also known as alkalies).
Common acidic and alkaline household cleaners:
- Toilet bowl cleaners
- Drain cleaners
- Metal cleaners
- Rust removers
- Tile cleaners
- Swimming pool cleaners
- Oven cleaners
- Bleach
- Chlorine
- Ammonia
Wear Eye Protection, Face Masks, and Gloves
Whenever you are cleaning with these solutions, you can protect yourself from minor burns and major injuries by playing things safe. Be sure to wear rubber gloves, goggles, and a surgical mask. This protects various parts of the body that may be exposed to these harmful substances. It's also helpful to wear sleeves and pants while cleaning to avoid potentially getting these substances on your extremities.
Work Only in Well-Ventilated Areas
Internal chemical burns can be very distressing and painful. While a surgical mask or a full facial mask can help, it's of the utmost importance that you consider ventilation while cleaning. Proper ventilation prevents inhalation of harmful chemicals, and it also allows the household cleaners to air out of the room, so any residual harm from use is minimized.
Follow Instructions Closely
Many cleaning products including warning labels and safety instructions. Be sure to follow all of these closely. Failure to follow instructions with these cleaners can result in serious harm.
Keep in mind, however, that some products do not contain sufficient information on safe use or proper use. In these cases, the danger of using these products is much greater.
Holding Negligent Companies Accountable
When companies put out dangerous items that consumer are intended to use, there should be warnings in place. This will prevent harm and ensure that no one gets hurt while simply cleaning around their home. Sadly this does not always happen, which is why it's so important to us that negligent companies be held fully accountable for their actions.
How Attorneys Can Help in Product Liability Lawsuits
Our lawyers will take on corporate interests, and we will not be intimidated by large businesses at all. During a product liability lawsuit, we will be sure to fight for damages that cover medical bills as well as other types of harm that were the result of a dangerous product. Our focus will be on legal matters so you can achieve peace of mind and concentrate on your daily concerns.
Learn More About Burn Injury Lawsuits
For more information about burn injuries and the dangers that they can pose, be sure to contact our experienced personal injury attorneys today. Our team of attorneys will hold negligent companies accountable for their actions.