PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - W. J. Peters
TI  - Alkali burns from wet cement
DP  - 1984 Apr 01
TA  - Canadian Medical Association Journal
PG  - 902--904
VI  - 130
IP  - 7
4099  - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/130/7/902.short
4100  - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/130/7/902.full
SO  - CMAJ1984 Apr 01; 130
AB  - When water is added to the dry materials of Portland cement calcium hydroxide is formed; the wet cement is caustic (with a pH as high as 12.9) and can produce third-degree alkali burns after 2 hours of contact. Unlike professional cement workers, amateurs are usually not aware of any danger and may stand or kneel in the cement for long periods. As illustrated in a case report, general physicians may recognize neither the seriousness of the injury in its early stages nor the significance of a history of prolonged contact with wet cement. All people working with cement should be warned about its dangers and advised to immediately wash and dry the skin if contact does occur.