Chemical Exposures to the Body

• Quickly remove all contaminated clothing and footwear.
• Immediately flood the affected body area in cold water for at least 15 minutes. Remove jewelry to facilitate removal of any residual material.
• Wash off chemical with water only. Do not use neutralizing chemicals, cream, lotions or salves.
• Get medical attention promptly.
• Call for assistance.

It should be noted that some chemicals (phenol, aniline,) are rapidly adsorbed through skin. If a large enough area of skin is contaminated an adverse health effect (systematic toxicological reaction) may occur immediately to several hours after initial exposure depending on the chemical. If more than 9 square inches of the skin area has been exposed to a hazardous chemical, seek medical attention after washing the material off the skin. If the incident involves hydrofluoric acid (HF), seek immediate medical attention. Provide the physician with the chemical name.