Battery Acid Exposure: Immediate First Aid & Medical Care

Battery acid is actually sulfuric acid, a strong mineral acid. Batteries use sulfuric acid to produce electrical current. They can explode if handled improperly. If a battery explodes, you could be exposed to sulfuric acid. Acids are compounds that have a pH lower than 7.0. Bases are the opposite of acids and have a pH greater than 7.0. Acids are neutralized by bases. Common strong bases around the home include drain cleaner, which typically has sodium hydroxide.

Instructions

• 1

  Wash the exposed skin immediately with water. The water should be cold and the flow should be high. Sulfuric acid can draw water from the skin so immediate water washing is critical to keep the damage low.

• 2

  Remove all clothing that has been exposed to the battery acid. This will keep the acid from reaching other skin.

• 3

  Wash the burn with cold milk if itching or pain continues. This will provide immediate relief to the burn area. Wash the area with water after this treatment.

• 4

  Apply antibacterial cream or ointment to the burn and wrap a gauze bandage lightly over the it. Continue to apply antibacterial cream until the wound begins to dry out.