What if I get a chemical burn from battery acid?

For less severe burns, call the Poison Control Hotline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (800) 222-1222. They can give you information over the phone on how to treat a chemical burn. Other complications can occur after exposure to battery acid.

Does Battery Acid Burn Your Skin?

That's because battery acid is a corrosive substance that can cause a chemical burn on your skin. Some battery acids can be more damaging than others, so continue flushing the skin even after 15 minutes if pain, irritation, and burning sensations persist.

How does battery acid affect your health?

Aside from its adverse effects on your skin, exposure to battery acid can also affect your health, even in the absence of physical contact. For instance, if you breathe in the exposed lead from lead-acid batteries, it can cause damage to your liver and brain. This kind of lead exposure is very harmful to pregnant women and children.

What happens if a battery is exposed to alkaline acid?

Most alkaline battery burns occur when the battery is corroded and leaks chemicals. It can also occur if the battery is broken open accidentally or intentionally. Here is what to do if someone is exposed to alkaline battery acid: Move them from the battery acid leak. Be careful not to touch the acid yourself.

How do you treat a battery acid burn?

Treatment depends on the type of acid. Alkaline battery acid should be rinsed with clear water. Use warm, soapy water for sulfuric battery acid. Always seek medical care or call poison control for any kind of chemical burn.

Is nickel cadmium battery acid toxic?

If you are exposed to the chemicals from nickel-cadmium batteries, you may experience itching, burns, and other skin irritations. Battery acid is a mixture of water and sulfuric acid. The usual acid concentration is about 36 to 40 percent. It is wrong to assume that battery acid is 100 percent sulfuric acid.