Safety of Reacting: What's the Best Way?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the safety measures to take when exposed to sulfuric acid, particularly regarding the use of vinegar as a potential treatment for skin contact. Participants explore the appropriateness of various responses to chemical injuries, focusing on first aid practices in chemistry-related emergencies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares a personal account of a friend injuring their hands with sulfuric acid and questions the efficacy of using vinegar to wash the affected area.
  • Another participant recommends flushing the skin with a copious amount of cold water as the best approach for chemical burns.
  • A follow-up inquiry seeks clarification on whether using vinegar is an acceptable method for treating sulfuric acid exposure.
  • Some participants argue that using vinegar is not beneficial and may not help in alleviating the injury caused by sulfuric acid.
  • One participant suggests that while vinegar may not cause further damage due to its weaker acidity, it does not provide any significant benefit either.
  • A reference to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for sulfuric acid is provided, outlining recommended first aid procedures, which emphasize flushing with water and seeking medical attention.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that flushing with water is the preferred method for treating sulfuric acid exposure. However, there is disagreement regarding the use of vinegar, with some asserting it is not helpful while others suggest it may not cause additional harm.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the effectiveness of vinegar in treating chemical burns and rely on external sources like the MSDS for guidance. The discussion does not resolve the question of vinegar's appropriateness in this context.

gotjrgkr
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Hi!

I write this letter to confirm the safety of a reation.
I've heard that one of my friends made his hands injured because he touched it without knowing that it is the sulfuric acid. And, he told me that he washed his hands with the vinegar.
Do you think it is right to use vinegar to cope with such an emergence situation.
I thought that since both of them; sulfuric acid, vinegar are acids, it would be more dangerous. Isn't it?/
If so, then what do you think is the best way to cope with such a dangerous situation.
In fact, I don't know about chemistry well. But, I couldn't find any place to ask about this kind of problem.
I hope to get an answer from you.

Thank you!
 
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Best approach is to flush with a copious amount of a cold water.
 
Thank you for your recommendation.
But, I have one thing to check.
Do you mean that using vinegar to wash hands is wrong way??
Or, do you think is it okay to wash hands by vinegar when injured by sulfuric acids??
 
It is not going to help and I can't think of a single reason to do it.
 
I really appreciate your help!
 
As Borek says, I can't think of a single reason to do it either. Weak acids like vinegar (a solution of acetic acid and water) probably wouldn't damage him further because they are in the presence of a strong acid like sulfuric acid, but I couldn't really see it benefiting him.

Any time you are worried about something like that just look up the MSDS (material safety data sheet). You can find one for sulfuric acid here: http://www.ee.iitb.ac.in/~nanoe/msds/sulphuric%20acid.pdf

From above link:

"Skin Contact:
In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Cold water may be used. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention immediately.

Serious Skin Contact:
Wash with a disinfectant soap and cover the contaminated skin with an anti-bacterial cream. Seek immediate medical attention."
 
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