Pharmacists

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Pharmacists touch and handle hundreds of different chemicals everyday day. One harmful chemical that they work with is TRICHLOROACETIC ACID. This chemical will melt through all rubber gloves.

Chemical formula: C2HCl3O2

Trichloroacetic acid is used for cosmetic treatments, such as:

• ·      chemical peels
• ·      tattoo removal
• ·      treatment of warts

Trichloroacetic acid causes a controlled inflammation of the exposed skin, causing the skin to peel and shed after a week of being treated. There are serious risks in using this chemical, as patients are advised to have this procedure done by a licensed professional.

Before                                                          After

Effects on Humans:

Trichloroacetic acid is a corrosive and irritating chemical to the skin, eyes, and mucous. The skin does not absorb this chemical however, it can denature most proteins (rubber gloves) and cause chemical burns to exposed tissue. The severity of the chemical burns depends on the concentration of trichloroacetic acid.

Short Term Effects of Exposure:

When exposed to trichloroacetic acid, many harmful effects may occur such as:

• Severe irritation to the skin
• Chemical burns to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes
• Coughing, dizziness, choking, weakness, swelling of throat and lungs

Long Term Effects of Exposure:

• Scars from chemical burns
• Digestive tract disturbances

Exposure Prevention Methods:

To avoid contact with trichloroacetic acid, personal protection equipment must be warn at all times while handling this chemical. Goggles, masks and gloves are to be warn at all times to avoid contact with the eyes, skin and inhalation. Lab coats are also necessary, to avoid any contact with the skin. Ventilation is also necessary in order to keep the air at the lowest concentration possible of tirchloroacetic acid.

References:

“Safety data for trichloroacetic acid”. PTCL Safety Web Site. N.p., n.d. January 26, 2006.

Olberding, Matt. “Side Effects of TCA Removal”. The Lance Armstrong Foundation. N.p., n.d. March 9, 2010.

“Occupational Safety and Health Guideline for Trichloroacetic Acid”. United States Department of Labor. N.p., n.d.

“TCA PEEL BEST SKIN PEEL”. Estheticians Choice. N.p., n.d.