- Visibility 272 Views
- Downloads 440 Downloads
- Permissions
- DOI 10.18231/j.ijfmts.2025.016
-
CrossMark
Corrosive catastrophe: Unveiling a deadly alkali exposure
- Author Details:
-
Manoj Bhimrao Patekar *
-
Ashish Mohan Pathak
-
Amol Balwant Shinde
-
Kailash Ukhardaji Zine
Manoj Bhimrao Patekar *
Ashish Mohan Pathak
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.
References
- Robinson, Jennifer. Chemical Burns. WebMD, 202 2; www.webmd.com/first-aid/chemical-burns.
- Aggrawal A. Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. 1st ed. New Delhi: Avichal Publishing Company; p. 310.
- Boutefnouchet T, Moiemen N, Papini R. An atypical cause of alkali chemical burn: a case report. Ann Burns Fire Dis. 201;23(4):216-8.
- VanHoy TB. Chemical Burns. StatPearls. 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499888/
- Eftekhari H, Sadeghi M, Mobayen M. Epidemiology of chemical burns: An 11-year retrospective study of 126 patients at a referral burn centre in the north of Iran. Int Wound J. 2023;20(7):2788-94.
- Akelma H, Karahan ZA, Kılıç ET. Rare chemical burns: first response, early hospitalization and first treatment: retrospective analysis from a single center. Chronic Wound Care Manag Res. 2019:71-81.
- Boutefnouchet T, Moiemen N, Papini R. An atypical cause of alkali chemical burn: a case report. Ann Burns Fire Disas. 2010;23(4):216-
- Akelma H, Karahan ZA. Rare chemical burns: Review of the Literature. Int Wound J. 2019;16:1330-8.
- The Workmen's Compensation (Amendment) ACT, 2009: Available from: https://labour.gov.in/sites/default/files/compensation- act_0.pdf.
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Available from: https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/250883_english_010420
- Ramakrishnan KM, Mathivanan T, Jayaraman V, Babu M, Shankar J. Current scenario in chemical burns in a developing country: Chennai, India. Ann Burns Fire Disas. 2012;25(1):8-12.
- Akelma H, Karahan ZA, Kılıç ET. Rare chemical burns: first response, early hospitalization and first treatment: retrospective analysis from a single center. Chronic Wound Care Manag Res. 2019:6:71-81.