What is the correct care for chemical exposure to the skin or eyes?

What is the correct care for chemical exposure to the skin or eyes?

• A. Remove contaminated clothing; rinse skin or eyes with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical care.
• B. Rub the exposed area with lotion.
• C. Rinse briefly with water for 5 seconds.
• D. Apply ointment and cover without rinsing.

Answer: (A)

When skin or eyes are exposed to a chemical, the priority is to remove the chemical and flush it away with water, then get medical help as needed. Start by removing any contaminated clothing to stop the chemical from continuing to contact the skin. Then rinse the affected area with plenty of clean running water for at least 15 minutes. For eye exposure, hold the eyelids open and continue flushing for the same duration to thoroughly wash out the substance. After flushing, seek medical care because some chemicals can cause ongoing or delayed damage and may require professional treatment. Rubbing with lotion can trap or spread the chemical and worsen injury, a brief rinse (only a few seconds) is not enough to remove the chemical, and applying ointment or covering without rinsing can seal the chemical in and increase harm.

When skin or eyes are exposed to a chemical, the priority is to remove the chemical and flush it away with water, then get medical help as needed. Start by removing any contaminated clothing to stop the chemical from continuing to contact the skin. Then rinse the affected area with plenty of clean running water for at least 15 minutes. For eye exposure, hold the eyelids open and continue flushing for the same duration to thoroughly wash out the substance. After flushing, seek medical care because some chemicals can cause ongoing or delayed damage and may require professional treatment.

Rubbing with lotion can trap or spread the chemical and worsen injury, a brief rinse (only a few seconds) is not enough to remove the chemical, and applying ointment or covering without rinsing can seal the chemical in and increase harm.