Corrosive catastrophe: Unveiling a deadly alkali exposure

• Author Details:   
• Manoj Bhimrao Patekar ^*
• Ashish Mohan Pathak
• Amol Balwant Shinde
• Kailash Ukhardaji Zine

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Chemical burns are commonly encountered accidental burns in both household and workplace areas. While chemical burns are a recognized occupational hazard, fatalities resulting specifically from alkali exposure, particularly in the context of industrial accidents, are relatively rare. This case report details the autopsy findings of a fatal incident involving extensive chemical alkali burns in an industrial setting. The deceased succumbed to extensive chemical burns due to chemicals containing caustic potash (potassium hydroxide) and aluminium sulfate. Autopsy revealed widespread dermal liqiuefactive  necrosis, pulmonary edema. This case underscores the critical importance of inflexible workstation safety protocols in chemical industries, highlighting the need for vigorous personal protective equipment and other safety measures. The rarity of reported autopsy cases related to fatal alkali burns highlights the necessity for detailed documentation and analysis of such incidents to improve preventative measures and enhance worker safety. This report aims to contribute to the limited body of literature on fatal alkali burn injuries and serve as a blatant reminder of the possible danger of chemical exposures in industrial atmospheres.

Keywords: Chemical burns, Alkali, Corrosive, Caustic potash, Liqiuefactive necrosis.