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Cutaneous burns caused by sulfuric acid drain cleaner
S J Bond1, G C Schnier, M J Sundine
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Kentucky, USA.
The Journal of Trauma
|April 7, 1998
Summary
Highly concentrated sulfuric acid drain cleaners can cause severe skin burns, often requiring skin grafting. While accidental injuries can be reduced by safe storage, intentional misuse remains a significant public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Household drain cleaners often contain highly concentrated sulfuric acid.
- These products are a frequent cause of accidental and intentional cutaneous burns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cases of cutaneous burns caused by concentrated sulfuric acid drain cleaners.
- To analyze injury data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric and adult patients with sulfuric acid burns (13-year period).
- Analysis of drain cleaner injury reports from 1991-1995.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one patients (13 children, 8 adults) experienced sulfuric acid burns.
- Burns were accidental in 8 cases and intentional (assault) in 13 cases.
- Median burn size was 5% total body surface area, with 50% involving the face/neck; 66% required skin grafting.
Conclusions:
- Concentrated sulfuric acid drain cleaner causes severe, full-thickness burns necessitating skin grafting.
- Safe storage can prevent accidental exposure, but intentional misuse leads to significant morbidity.