Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Corrosion

Corrosion

The degradation of metals due to natural electrochemical processes is known as corrosion. Rust formation on iron, tarnishing of silver, and the blue-green patina that develops on copper are examples of corrosion. Corrosion involves the oxidation of metals. Sometimes it is protective, such as the oxidation of copper or aluminum, wherein a protective layer of metal oxide or its derivatives forms on the surface, protecting the underlying metal from further oxidation. In other cases, corrosion is...

Types of Toxins

Types of Toxins

Humans continually engage with an environment rich in potentially harmful chemicals. These are introduced to our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These chemicals exist in various forms, such as air and environmental pollutants, agricultural chemicals, organic solvents, and heavy metals.
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...

Microbial Corrosion

Microbial Corrosion

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This phenomenon poses substantial challenges across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment sectors.MIC occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi, colonize metal surfaces, forming biofilms that alter the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can lead to the production of corrosive...

Surface Membrane Barriers

Surface Membrane Barriers

The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...

Chemical Agents for Microbial Control

Chemical Agents for Microbial Control

Chemicals play important roles in controlling microbial growth by targeting microbial structures and functions as sanitizers, antiseptics, disinfectants, and sterilants.Alcohols are commonly used sanitizers, effectively disrupting lipid membranes, which compromises cell integrity. They are also used as antiseptics and disinfectants due to their rapid action and versatility.Phenols and their derivatives phenolics , known for denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes, are particularly...

Toxic Reactions: Overview

Toxic Reactions: Overview

When toxic substances penetrate the human body, they disseminate to various tissues, undergoing metabolic changes. This process yields reactive metabolites that may covalently bind with specific target molecules, resulting in toxicity.
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Disturbances due to cold.

Disease-a-month : DM·2026

Same author

Changes in Exposures of US Children Ages 12 and Under to Cannabis from 2000 to 2024.

Journal of addiction medicine·2026

Same author

Foreword for Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1) and its promise for potential benefits.

Disease-a-month : DM·2026

Same author

Foreword for insulin autoimmune syndrome (Hirata Disease): An updated review of epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and management.

Disease-a-month : DM·2026

Same author

Foreword for primary ciliary dyskinesia in pediatric persons: A microscopic movement malady.

Disease-a-month : DM·2026

Same author

Foreword for periodontal disease and diabetic kidney disease: A comprehensive analysis.

Disease-a-month : DM·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Eye Irritation Test EIT for Hazard Identification of Eye Irritating Chemicals using Reconstructed Human Cornea-like Epithelial RhCE Tissue Model

Eye Irritation Test EIT for Hazard Identification of Eye Irritating Chemicals using Reconstructed Human Cornea-like Epithelial RhCE Tissue Model

Published on: August 23, 2015

Irritants and corrosives.

Richard Tovar¹, Jerrold B Leikin²

¹Medical Toxicology, Clinical Forensic Medicine, TacticalTox, 3215 Golf Road #130, Delafield, WI 53018, USA.

Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America

|December 3, 2014

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This review covers toxic chemicals causing acute irritation or corrosion. Irritants cause reversible damage, while corrosive agents induce irreversible necrosis and lasting skin damage.

Keywords:

Coagulative necrosis Communication of hazards Contact dermatitis Corrosives Hazardous materials Irritants Liquefactive necrosis Triage systems

More Related Videos

A Whole Mount In Situ Hybridization Method for the Gastropod Mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis

A Whole Mount In Situ Hybridization Method for the Gastropod Mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis

Published on: March 15, 2016

Metal Corrosion and the Efficiency of Corrosion Inhibitors in Less Conductive Media

Metal Corrosion and the Efficiency of Corrosion Inhibitors in Less Conductive Media

Published on: November 3, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Eye Irritation Test EIT for Hazard Identification of Eye Irritating Chemicals using Reconstructed Human Cornea-like Epithelial RhCE Tissue Model

Eye Irritation Test EIT for Hazard Identification of Eye Irritating Chemicals using Reconstructed Human Cornea-like Epithelial RhCE Tissue Model

Published on: August 23, 2015

A Whole Mount In Situ Hybridization Method for the Gastropod Mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis

A Whole Mount In Situ Hybridization Method for the Gastropod Mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis

Published on: March 15, 2016

Metal Corrosion and the Efficiency of Corrosion Inhibitors in Less Conductive Media

Metal Corrosion and the Efficiency of Corrosion Inhibitors in Less Conductive Media

Published on: November 3, 2018

Area of Science:

Toxicology
Dermatology
Pathology

Background:

Chemicals can cause acute organ system damage.
Irritation involves reversible damage.
Corrosion leads to irreversible tissue destruction.

Purpose of the Study:

To review toxic chemicals causing acute irritation and corrosion.
To differentiate between irritant and corrosive chemical effects.
To describe the pathological outcomes of corrosive chemical exposure.

Main Methods:

Literature review of toxic chemicals.
Analysis of acute damage mechanisms.
Description of clinical and histopathological findings.

Main Results:

Irritant chemicals cause reversible damage to organ systems.
Corrosive chemicals induce irreversible necrosis (coagulation or liquefaction).
Visible signs of corrosion include ulcers, bleeding, alopecia, and scars.

Conclusions:

Understanding the difference between irritation and corrosion is crucial for treatment.
Histopathology aids in evaluating corrosive skin lesions.
Acute chemical exposures require prompt recognition and management.