Dangerous chemicals are everywhere
In many jobs, businesses and industries, there is a risk of being exposed to serious wound and eye injuries caused by chemicals e.g. in chemical factories, the recycling industry, on construction sites and in the mining industry. You need a neutralizing eyewash to minimize the impact of the accident.
Acids and alkali can break down the structure of skin and mucosa membranes. The severity of corrosion injuries depends primarily on:
- The concentration of the chemical – Strong acids and alkali are extremely
corrosive - The temperature – A high temperature increases the corrosive properties of the
chemical - The duration of contact – The longer the duration, the deeper the harmful
substance will penetrate
A few seconds can make the difference
In case of skin and eye injuries involving acids and alkali, it is crucial to neutralize the chemical as quickly as possible to a pH level of approximately 7.4, corresponding to the normal pH level of the eye’s fluid – before the acid or alkali has penetrated the cornea or skin.
To optimize safety where there is a risk of acid and alkali injuries, the wound and eyewash solution must be:
- Easily accessible
- Quick to use
- Effective
Quick and effective wound and eyewash is the key
Plum Wound and Eyewash pH Neutral 4.9% phosphate is a buffer which quickly and effectively neutralizes even strong acids and alkali. The liquid consists of phosphate salts that are present in the body. The hydrogen phosphate buffer is effective against acids, whereas the dihydrogen phosphate buffer reacts against alkali. The effect of Plum Wound and Eyewash pH Neutral 4.9% Phosphate has been documented in scientific studies.1) 2)
We have tested the neutralizing effect of Plum Wound and Eyewash pH Neutral 4.9% Phosphate for both strong acids and alkali compared with the effect of saline eyewash with 0.9% sodium chloride. The test clearly shows that Plum Wound and Eyewash pH Neutral 4.9% Phosphate quickly neutralizes both acids and alkali to a harmless pH level. Saline eyewash dilutes the liquid, but only small changes to the pH value are obtained (Figure 1).
1) Prof. Dr. med. Schrage N.F., Facharzt für Augenheilkunde an der Augenklinik Merheim, Ostmerheimer Str. 200 in 51109 Köln, in Kooperation mit dem Aachener Centrum für Technologietransfer in der Ophthalmologie ACTO, Geschäftsstelle Karlsburgweg 9 in 52070 Aachen, Vortrag: Augenverätzungen. Was gibt es Neues? Regionalforum Arbeitsmedizin, Stuttgart 23.02.2006, Folien 44 ff.
2) Prof. Dr. med. Schrage N.F., Facharzt für Augenheilkunde an der Augenklinik Merheim, Ostmerheimer Str. 200 in 51109 Köln, in Kooperation mit dem Aachener Centrum für Technologietransfer in der Ophthalmologie ACTO, Geschäftsstelle Karlsburgweg 9 in 2070 Aachen, Vergleichsergebnisse von Plum pH Neutral an verätzten Augen, Spülversuche an mit NaOH verätzten Kanichenaugen im Vergleich von Plum pH Neutral mit physiologischer Kochsalzlösung, 24.05.2005.
Figure 1
Neutralizing effect of Plum Wound and Eyewash pH Neutral 4.9% Phosphate and 0.9% sodium chloride
Important
Do not use this product for incidents with splashes containing hydrofluoric acid, calcium. or sodium hypochlorite (bleaches substanses).
Warning
Hydrofluoric acid is toxic and highly corrosive to eyes, skin, and bones. Plum Eyewash pH Neutral 4.9% Phosphate is not intended as first aid for eye accidents involving hydrofluoric acid, because it does not limit the corrosive effect of HF.
Warning
Substances containing calcium such as: calcium hydroxide, cement, and lime, may increase the risk of adverse effects if corneal damage occurs, which may lead to corneal calcification.
Warning
NaClO can be found in cleaning agents(bleaches). Although the irritating effect of alkali will be reduced by the use of buffer, the irritating effect of chlorine will be increased. Therefore, it is not recommended to use the product in case of such splashes.
