Doctors advise local people to strictly and carefully follow the instructions when using the liquid peroxy acetic acid to disinfect rooms, so as to avoid being burnt by the chemical.
In recent days, quite a number of locals have been sent to hospitals with their hands or bodies showing burns by the strong chemical following misuse or inadequate protection.
"Peroxy acetic acid, as an effective, cheap, easy to use disinfectant, is widely used. But the chemical damages the skin after prolonged exposure," said Professor Yuan Kejian, from the Burns Department at Ruijin Hospital.
Some patients don't follow the right dilution process and their hands can then be seriously hurt by the chemical.
Another patient was hurt when he sat on a chair where the strong peroxy acetic acid had not volatilized.
In one company, the peroxy acetic acid liquid was put in used drinks bottles. But an employer mistook it for the drink and the chemical burnt his mouth seriously.
So doctors suggest the public put the chemical in a safe place with a clear warning label on the bottle.
(Shanghai Star May 15, 2003)
