Factors associated with chemical burns in Zhejiang province, China: An epidemiological study

Abstract

BackgroundWork-related burns are common among occupational injuries. Zhejiang Province is an industrial area with a high incidence of chemical burns. We aimed to survey epidemiological features of chemical burns in Zhejiang province to determine associated factors and acquire data for developing a strategy to prevent and treat chemical burns.MethodsQuestionnaires were developed, reviewed and validated by experts, and sent to 25 hospitals in Zhejiang province to prospectively collect data of 492 chemical burn patients admitted during one year from Sept. 1, 2008 to Aug. 31, 2009. Questions included victims' characteristics and general condition, injury location, causes of accident, causative chemicals, total body surface area burn, concomitant injuries, employee safety training, and awareness level of protective measures. Surveys were completed for each of burn patients by burn department personnel who interviewed the hospitalized patients.ResultsIn this study, 417 victims (87.61%) got chemical burn at work, of which 355 victims (74.58%) worked in private or individual enterprises. Most frequent chemicals involved were hydrofluoric acid and sulfuric acid. Main causes of chemical injury accidents were inappropriate operation of equipment or handling of chemicals and absence of or failure to use effective individual protection.ConclusionsMost chemical burns are preventable occupational injuries that can be attributed to inappropriate operation of equipment or handling of chemicals, lack of employee awareness about appropriate action and lack of effective protective equipment and training. Emphasis on safety education and protection for workers may help protect workers and prevent chemical burns.

Injuries following a serious hydrofluoric acid leak: First aid and lessons

“…The rates of sporadic HF injury are increasing due to the extensive utilisation of this chemical in some areas around the world [17][18][19]. Within these areas of high chemical usage, the incidence of HF burns is ranked first among all chemical burns [6]. This unusual case of HF leakage suddenly occurred as a result of a large-scale traffic collision in a suburban area.…”

“…HF injury usually occurs in sporadic cases, with multiple cases being rare. Most HF burns are work related, and young males are most commonly involved [6]. Since the applications of HF have become increasingly widespread, HF injuries now occur relatively frequently in the workplace and even in the domestic setting [7].…”

Clinical arterial infusion of calcium gluconate: The preferred method for treating hydrofluoric acid burns of distal human limbs

“…According to incomplete statistics, thousands of patients suffer from chemical burns each year in the Zhejiang Province. HF has now become the most common substance to cause chemical injuries [3]. HF is a relatively weak acid, but it is strongly corrosive to biological tissues [8,9].…”

“…Among all the chemicals resulting in chemical burns, HF could become the first most common substance to cause chemical injuries [3]. Moreover, the fluoride ion can be absorbed quickly through the skin and further result in secondary lesions, such as serious skin necrosis, hypocalcemia, and severe pain [4].…”

“…The accidents of HF burns have occurred not only in the enterprises dealing with chemical production and transportation, but also in the daily life [1][2][3]. Among all the chemicals resulting in chemical burns, HF could become the first most common substance to cause chemical injuries [3].…”