WASHINGTON — Based on a study conducted by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries, a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found new evidence that chemicals commonly used in carwashes can be dangerous for workers, according to Pulse Headlines and News.
The research evaluated workers’ compensation reports from 2001-13, stated the article, and found that 48 employees suffered burns from carwash products containing hydrofluoric acid (HF).
One investigated case revealed that a worker died after accidentally ingesting some of the product, added the article.
“Exposure to hydrofluoric acid causes corrosive chemical burns and potentially fatal systemic toxicity,” informed the CDC report. “Because HF exposure can result in potentially severe health outcomes, efforts to identify less hazardous alternatives to HF-based industrial wash products are warranted.”
HF is used in some carwash chemicals to remove road grime and brighten aluminum, the article continued.
Workers reported suffering burns to the eyes, head or hands after handling the chemical, noted the article, and seven of the 48 employees studied were hospitalized, with two requiring surgery for their burns.
You can find the article here.
