Department of Biology
Corrosive Hazards
Corrosives (liquids, solids, and gases) are chemicals that cause visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. Corrosive effects can occur not only to the skin and eyes, but also to the respiratory tract through inhalation and to the gastrointestinal tract through ingestion. Corrosive liquids have a high potential to cause external injury to the body, while corrosive gases are readily absorbed into the body through skin contact and inhalation. Corrosive solids and their dusts can damage tissue by dissolving rapidly in moisture on the skin or within the respiratory tract when inhaled.
Specific corrosive chemicals include strong acids and bases, dehydrating agents, non-metal chlorides, halogens and other compounds that hydrolise to acids.