It can be easy to forget that the batteries you use to power your toys, electronics, household appliances, and vehicles are actually filled with dangerous chemicals like battery acid.
When a battery is damaged, liquid battery acid can leak out and put you at risk. Battery acid on your skin needs to be treated right away to prevent serious chemical burns. How you treat battery acid on your skin depends on the type of battery.
Different types of battery acid
When battery acid makes contact with your skin, it can create a skin reaction. Chemical burns can be the result. Unlike thermal burns caused by fire or heat, burns caused by batteries can quickly dissolve your skin.
Here are the different types of battery acid you may encounter:
Household batteries
Batteries in your household appliances tend to be alkaline batteries.
When these batteries become corroded, they leak potassium hydroxide. This substance is can cause chemical burns, but it can be safely neutralized and carefully cleaned up.
Car batteries
Car batteries are usually lead batteries, and they contain sulfuric acid. The sulfur in a lead battery is highly corrosive.
Diluted sulfur is sometimes used topically to treat acne and other skin conditions, but sulfur in battery acid is not diluted enough to be safe for your skin.
Skin contact from battery acid from a lead battery can be a medical emergency and may require immediate attention from a doctor.
How to treat battery acid on your skin
If you get battery acid on your skin, don’t panic. Follow the directions below to treat the problem properly.
When in doubt, call the 24/7 Poisons Information Helpline 0861 555 777.
Follow these steps if you get battery acid from an alkaline battery on your skin:
- Immediately flush the area with saline or cool running water for 20 minutes.
- Apply Burnshield to the affected area.
- Continue to apply Burnshield and contact your doctor or the Poisons Information Helpline.
If your skin comes in contact with hydrofluoric acid do not apply water and immediately use a Calcium Gluconate cream and seek medical attention.
Complications from battery acid on your skin
Battery acid on your skin can result in skin, eye, and respiratory conditions.
Chemical burns
Contact with battery acid can cause chemical burns. These types of burns might not show up right away. It can take several minutes or hours for symptoms to start to appear.
Skin irritation, redness, and blackened or dead skin can be symptoms of chemical burns.
Damage to your eyes
If battery acid or battery acid fumes get anywhere near your eyes, there’s a chance that your eyes will experience tearing, redness, and inflammation.
In cases where there is direct contact between your eyes and battery acid, there’s a possibility that your eyes can become damaged, interfering with your eyesight, and potentially causing blindness.
First aid for chemical burns to your eyes involves immediately flushing with water for 20 to 30 minutes. Burnshield can then be applied as it is a non-irritant and non-toxic. Seek immediate medical attention.
How to properly dispose of batteries
Disposing of batteries properly depends on the type of battery.
Alkaline
If an alkaline battery is leaking, put on protective gloves before you try to pick it up. Place the battery in a plastic bag and seal it before putting it on the garbage.
You can use a cotton swab dipped in vinegar to neutralize the acid and clean it off any electrical surfaces. It’s safe to dispose of household alkaline batteries with your regular garbage.
Lithium and lead
Lithium and lead batteries need to be disposed of as hazardous waste, whether or not they’re leaking. You can call ahead to your local household waste center and ask about their preferred method for battery disposal.
You can often dispose of lithium batteries at laptop and cell phone retailers. If you’re having your car battery replaced, your mechanic will most likely dispose of the lead battery for you.
Takeaway
Prevent contact with battery acid whenever possible by getting rid of old batteries and following best practices for disposing of them.
resource: https://www.healthline.com/health/battery-acid-on-skin
