Rare chemical burns: Review of the Literature.

There are many chemicals that can cause burns. Although they are generally acidic and basic in nature, there are more than one million known chemical compounds, of which 300 have been declared highly hazardous chemical substances by the National Fire Protection Society. Chemical burns account for approximately 10.7% of all burn injuries and 30% of deaths because of burns. Chemicals can be classified as acid, alkali, organic, and inorganic compounds. Acids act by denaturing and coagulating proteins. Alkaline burns cause deeper burns than acid burns.