(Created 12/02)
UNL Environmental Health and Safety · (402) 472-4925 · http://ehs.unl.edu
• sulfuric acid. In addition to its acid properties, it simultaneously removes water
and generates heat.
• picric acid and tannic acid. No difference in damage they produce in entire range
of acidic pHs.
• hydrochloric acid. Severe damage at pH 1, but no effect at pH 3 or greater.
• Alkalies: Damage that appears mild initially but can later lead to ulceration, perforation,
and clouding of the cornea or lens. The pH and length of exposure have more bearing on
the amount of damage than the type of alkali. Some problem alkalies are:
• sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and potassium hydroxide.
• ammonia penetrates eye tissues more readily than any other alkali; calcium-oxide
(lime) forms clumps when it contacts eye tissue and is very hard to remove.
• Organic solvents: Organic solvents (for example, ethanol, toluene, and acetone) dissolve
fats, cause pain, and dull the cornea. Damage is usually slight unless the solvent is hot.
• Lacrimators: Lacrimators cause instant tearing at low concentrations. They are
distinguished from other eye irritants (hydrogen chloride and ammonia) because they
induce an instant reaction without damaging tissues. At very high concentrations
lacrimators can cause chemical burns and destroy corneal material. Examples are
chloroacetophenone (tear gas) and mace.
In addition, some compounds act on eye tissue to form cataracts, damage the optic nerve, or
damage the retina. These compounds usually reach the eye through the blood having been
inhaled, ingested or absorbed rather than direct contact. Examples of compounds that can
provide systemic effects damaging to the eyes are:
• Naphthalene: Cataracts and retina damage.
• Phenothiazine (insecticide): Retina damage
• Thallium: cataracts and optic nerve damage.
• Methanol: Optic nerve damage.
