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Your skin can be contaminated by contact with dangerous chemicals, including some common household and lawn products; biological agents such as anthrax powder; or dust, dirt, or other substances that contain radioactive fallout. In many cases, immediately removing all traces of the harmful substance from your skin can minimize any damage.
Watering or burning eyes and stinging or burning skin are signs that you may have been exposed to something harmful. If you know or suspect a hazardous exposure has occurred, take immediate action:
These are general guidelines for removing contaminants and are appropriate for many—but not all— hazardous substance exposures. Poison Control or other local authorities may have more specific instructions for you depending on what you were exposed to.
Current as of: September 20, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Thomas M. Bailey MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
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