Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America’s nationwide system cares for patients suffering from a continuum of burn and wound injuries. These injuries may include everything from diabetic wounds and ulcers to thermal and chemical burns. Our expert burn and wound care teams are experienced in the emergency, acute and reconstructive treatment of burns of all severities and mechanisms of injury, including burns by fire, road rash and battery acid burns.
What is a battery acid burn?
A battery acid burn is a form of chemical burn that occurs when the acidic contents of batteries come into contact with the skin. A chemical burn can be as minor as an itch or rash to severe as a progressive burn or wound. With more than 30,000 known chemicals, chemical burns account for 5% of all burn admissions. The substances to be aware of are caustic bases and corrosive acids, including the contents of many different batteries.
What is the difference between an acid and a base (alkaline)?
The scientific distinction between an acid and a base or alkaline is that bases absorb hydrogen ions while an acid produces hydrogen ion activity. On an average pH (power of hydrogen) scale numbered from zero to 14, an acid is what measures from zero to six, and a base measures from eight to fourteen, with seven being neutral. The stronger the acid is, the lower the number—meaning one is the category of the most potent acids. However, the stronger the base, the higher the number—meaning 14 is the category of the strongest bases. Some examples of where things fall on the average pH scale are:
- Water: considered a seven. It is a neutral substance.
- Coffee: considered a five. It is mildly acidic and can erode the enamel on teeth.
- Soap: is moderately alkaline, making it the perfect mild cleaner. The more alkaline the soap or cleaner, such as bleach or drain cleaner, the more caustic.
So, where do acidic batteries fall on the pH scale? Batteries made of acidic chemicals are considered a zero on the pH scale, making them one of the most corrosive acidic substances and extremely harmful if swallowed. But not all batteries are made of acidic chemicals. Many standard household batteries are made of basic chemicals, also known as alkaline batteries. This does not make them less corrosive. Both acids and bases are corrosive; it just means they’re made of different chemicals and must be treated in different ways.
The different types of battery acid burns
There are three main types of batteries we use in our everyday lives: alkaline, sulphuric and lithium-ion. All three of these batteries are dangerous in their own right and can cause varying degrees of injuries.
Alkaline batteries
Alkaline batteries are your common household batteries, such as AA, AAA, D, button batteries, etc. They contain a strong base called potassium hydroxide (KOH), also known as lye or caustic potash, with pH alkalinity of 13.5.
A battery acid burn can occur if the battery is corroded and leaking chemicals or if the battery is broken open. However, they can also be dangerous if swallowed or heated up. Coming into contact with, inhaling or swallowing alkaline battery acid can cause the following:
- Possible eye damage, temporary loss of vision or blindness
- Skin irritation or burning
- Nose and throat irritation or coughing and shortness of breath upon inhalation
- A build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) and severe shortness of breath upon prolonged inhalation
- Choking and severe internal burns or damage in under two hours upon swallowing
Alkaline chemicals are reactive to acids, including stomach acids. If swallowed, the situation should be considered a medical emergency, and treatment should be sought immediately. Swallowed batteries can begin to burn the esophagus in under two hours. Further damage and complications will progress until the battery is removed.
Sulphuric batteries
The average large battery, such as car, golf cart and boat batteries, is considered sulphuric. Sulphuric batteries contain sulphuric acid (H2SO4), which, as it states, is a strong acid.
A sulphuric battery acid burn can occur similarly to an alkaline battery—if the battery is corroded or leaking chemicals. However, another hazard to be wary of is the possibility of the battery exploding and causing both chemical and thermal burn injuries. Sulphuric battery hazards include:
- Possible eye damage, temporary loss of vision or blindness
- Skin irritation or burning
- Nose and throat irritation or coughing and shortness of breath upon inhalation
- A build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) and severe shortness of breath upon prolonged inhalation
- Cancer
- Risk of explosion in a fire
- Risk of ignition when near combustible materials such as wood, paper and oil
Sulphuric acid is known as an oxidizer. This means that while sulphuric acid itself is not a flammable or combustible substance, it can cause other materials to ignite. While this is always a risk, chemical burns are also something to be avoided as sulphuric acid is highly corrosive and can seriously damage the skin and tissue. If sulphuric acid comes into contact with you, it is considered a medical emergency, and medical attention should be sought immediately.
Lithium-ion batteries
Rechargeable batteries, such as phone and e-cigarette batteries, are considered lithium-ion batteries. As the name suggests, lithium-ion batteries are made of the chemical lithium (Li). Lithium is an alkali metal in its most basic state. However, most lithium-ion batteries are a chemical compound that includes lithium, among other chemicals.
Lithium-ion isn’t known for causing chemical burns. Instead, these batteries are known for their explosive tendencies. Lithium-ion battery hazards include:
- Possible eye damage, temporary loss of vision or blindness
- Skin irritation or burning
- A build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) and severe shortness of breath upon prolonged inhalation
- Combustion or explosion
- Corrosive when in contact with moisture or water
Lithium is a highly combustible material that is at risk of exploding when in contact with water, fire or spontaneously exploding in the air. It is recommended never to sleep with your phone or e-cigarettes on your bed in case of a fire. If you feel your device overheating, remove it from your person and place it an appropriate distance away from you or anything flammable. Malfunction of the lithium battery component of devices in cellphones or e-cigarettes can cause thermal runaway, a process that causes fire. This is why e-cigarettes and other lithium battery devices aren’t allowed to be used in airplane cabins.
How do you treat the different types of battery acid burns?
A battery acid burn is considered a medical emergency and should not be treated at home. A visit to a healthcare professional should always supplement at-home treatments. The following are pre-hospital treatments to help stop the burning process before seeking medical attention.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO NEUTRALIZE A CHEMICAL INJURY.
Alkaline battery acid burn treatment
- Step one: With gloves on or hand protection, remove what you can from the affected area, including jewelry and clothing. If there is a potential of spreading or inhaling the acidic substance, cut away clothing with a pair of scissors instead of dragging the clothes across your body.
- Step two: For alkaline battery acid burns only, rinse the affected area with soap and clean water for at least thirty minutes. If the substance is in your eye, remove any contact lenses, lift your eyelids and flush with clean water for at least thirty minutes.
- Step three: Monitor symptoms and seek medical attention immediately.
Acids burn by coagulation necrosis that burns as they go and are immediately recognized. Alkaline burns don’t react at once. They react with fat and react very violently with the fat, and ramifications are apparent after a few days with innocuous symptoms until it becomes a bigger problem.
Sulphuric battery acid burn treatment
- Step one: With gloves on or hand protection, remove what you can from the affected area, including jewelry and clothing. If there is a potential of spreading or inhaling the acidic substance, cut away clothing with a pair of scissors instead of dragging the clothes across your body.
- Step two: For sulphuric battery acid burns only, do not rinse with plain water! Plain water may worsen the symptoms. Instead, rinse with a large amount of soap and water. If the substance is in your eye, remove contact lenses.
- Step three: Seek medical attention immediately.
Lithium-ion battery acid burn treatment
- Step one: With gloves on or hand protection, remove what you can from the affected area, including jewelry and clothing. If there is a potential of spreading or inhaling the acidic substance, cut away clothing with a pair of scissors instead of dragging the clothes across your body.
- Step two: For lithium-ion battery acid burns only, rinse with large amounts of water for at least sixty minutes uninterrupted. If the substance is in your eye, remove contact lenses, lift your eyelids and flush with large amounts of water for at least sixty minutes uninterrupted.
- Step three: Seek medical attention immediately.
How do you dispose of the different types of batteries?
All three batteries are poisonous if set on fire and inhaled and should not be placed in a burn pile! Instead, here is how you can safely dispose of these batteries:
Alkaline battery disposal
These batteries should be disposed of while wearing gloves if they are leaking corrosive substances, placed in a sealable plastic bag, and thrown in the garbage.
Sulphuric battery disposal
These batteries are considered hazardous waste and should not be thrown in your regular household garbage. Mechanic and automotive repair shops typically have a safe way of disposing of these batteries. If you are unsure where to take a sulphuric battery, call your local waste management center and ask where you can dispose of it.
Lithium-ion battery disposal
These batteries are also considered hazardous waste and should not be thrown away in your regular household garbage. Instead, check with your local laptop and phone retailers for a recycling or disposal program. Contact your local waste management for disposal options if one isn’t available.
Further Information
For more information about chemical burns, please visit our website at www.burncenters.com or click here. If you are suffering from a battery acid burn, please don’t wait to seek help. Call our experts 24/7 at (855) 863-9595 for all your non-emergent needs. For emergencies, please call 911 or, if a battery has been swallowed, call the Poison Control Hotline at (800) 222-1222.
