Question

If a few drops of a concentrated acid accidentally spills over the hand of a student, what should be done?

• A. Wash the hand with saline solution
• B. Wash the hand immediately with plenty of water and apply a paste of sodium hydrogen carbonate
• C. After washing with plenty of water apply a solution of Sodium hydroxide on the hand
• D. Neutralise the acid with a strong alkali

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Wash the hand immediately with plenty of water and apply a paste of sodium hydrogen carbonate

Explanation for correct option:-

Option (B) Wash the hand immediately with plenty of water and apply a paste of sodium hydrogen carbonate

• When an acid accidentally spills over the hand, we should immediately wash the hand with plenty of water.
• This will reduce the concentration of the acid.
• After this, we should apply a paste of Sodium hydrogen carbonate $\left({\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3\right)$, over the affected area.
• Also, sodium hydrogen carbonate$\left({\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3\right)$ is a mild base, as a result, it will not cause any harm upon adding it.
• This will neutralize the acid that is remaining and would minimize the effect of the damage and acid to the skin.
• Hence it is the correct option.

Explanation for incorrect option:-

Option (A) Wash the hand with saline solution

• The mixture of water and salt is called a saline solution.
• And also the pH of the saline solution is less than 7, which means it cannot neutralize the effect of the concentrated acid.
• Hence it is the incorrect option.

Option (C) After washing with plenty of water apply a solution of Sodium hydroxide on the hand

• Sodium hydroxide$\left(\mathrm{NaOH}\right)$despite being a base is very corrosive in nature.
• Thus when it is applied to the skin directly, it will cause more damage to the skin alongside the effect of the concentrated acid.
• Hence it is the incorrect option.

Option (D) Neutralise the acid with a strong alkali

• Neutralizing the acid with a strong alkali won't do any good.
• It will only worsen the situation, as the reaction between the acid and base will cause more damage to the skin.
• Hence it is the incorrect option.

Therefore, Option (B) Wash the hand immediately with plenty of water and apply a paste of sodium hydrogen carbonate is the correct answer.