What is a primary cause of burns?

The primary cause of burns is indeed related to chemicals, which can result in serious damage to the skin and underlying tissues upon contact. Chemical burns occur when the skin comes into contact with acidic or alkaline substances, such as strong cleaning agents or acids. These substances can cause tissue destruction and irritation, leading to varying degrees of burns depending on their concentration and duration of exposure.

Burns from chemicals are different from thermal burns, which are caused by heat sources, or radiation burns, which occur from exposure to radiation. Additionally, while cold temperatures can cause frostbite or hypothermia, they do not cause burns in the traditional sense. Wet conditions, on the other hand, do not directly cause burns but may contribute to other hazards such as slips or falls. Thus, chemical exposure stands out as a distinct and critical category of burn causation, highlighting the importance of handling chemicals with care to prevent injury.