If skin is exposed to a harmful chemical, how long should you wash the affected area?

• A. 15 minutes
• B. 5 minutes
• C. 1 minute
• D. 30 minutes

Answer: (A)

When skin is exposed to a harmful chemical, the priority is to remove the chemical as quickly as possible to reduce irritation and help prevent absorption. Rinsing with plenty of running water physically washes away the substance and dilutes it, which lowers the chance of ongoing damage. About fifteen minutes of continuous washing is the widely recommended minimum in first aid guidance because it gives enough time to flush away residues that might not be removed in a shorter rinse. Shorter times can leave traces behind, while much longer rinsing isn’t typically necessary unless the chemical is particularly persistent or the instructions say so. While rinsing, remove contaminated clothing and avoid rubbing the skin; after rinsing, seek medical advice if irritation continues or if you know the chemical is especially harmful.