Emäsvauriot
Emäsvauriot, in Finnish, refers to damage caused by alkaline substances. These substances, characterized by a pH greater than 7, can be found in various household and industrial products such as cleaning agents, drain cleaners, and certain fertilizers. When alkaline materials come into contact with biological tissues, like skin or eyes, they can cause significant harm through a process called saponification. This reaction breaks down fatty acids in cell membranes, leading to tissue liquefaction and deep, penetrating burns that may not be immediately painful, making them particularly dangerous.
The severity of an emäsvaurio depends on the concentration of the alkaline substance, the duration of exposure,
First aid for emäsvauriot typically involves immediate and copious flushing of the affected area with clean