If an acid is splashed in your eyes, you should wash it immediately with?
A More acid
B Oil
C Water
D Base
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Water.
When an acid splashes into the eyes, it can cause severe damage to the delicate tissues of the eye. Immediate action is essential to minimize injury. The primary goal is to dilute and neutralize the acid, which is why water is the best option. Washing the eyes with copious amounts of water helps to wash away the acid, dilute it, and reduce its contact time with the eye’s tissues.
Here’s why water works best:
- Neutralization and dilution: Water helps to dilute the acid, reducing its concentration and thus its ability to cause damage. The faster the acid is diluted, the less severe the injury will likely be.
- Reduced irritation: Water doesn’t introduce additional irritants or compounds that could worsen the situation. For example, oil or base could worsen the injury or create a more harmful reaction with the acid.
- Access to medical care: After flushing the eyes with water, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention, especially if the acid was particularly strong (such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid).
Using oil (option B) is not advised because it may trap the acid in the eye, prolonging exposure. More acid (option A) would further aggravate the situation, making the injury worse. A base (option D) is not recommended because it could cause a chemical reaction with the acid, producing heat or releasing harmful compounds, leading to additional damage to the eye.
In the case of an acid splash in the eyes, it’s crucial to use water and continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes or longer if possible, making sure the water runs continuously to flush out as much of the acid as possible.