Pictogram 5: Corrosion - Eye Damage

Pictogram 5, the Corrosion pictogram, identifies chemicals that cause eye damage. The HCS definition for eye hazards is "'chemicals which affect the eye or visual capacity." The primary toxic effects from direct exposure of chemicals to the eye are conjunctivitis or corneal damage. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the delicate membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the eyeballs. The cornea is the transparent front surface of the eyeball."

Acids and strong alkalis (like lye) can splash onto the face or into the eyes, in some cases causing severe corneal corrosion or even blindness. Organic solvents (like acetone) can cause temporary vision cloudiness.

Eye damage can also occur without direct contact with the eye: One may accidentally ingest a chemical that later causes eye damage. For example, 2-4-Dinitrophenol (a wood preservative) may cause cataracts upon ingestion, and thallium salts (used in some pesticides) can damage the optic nerve and causes blindness. Furthermore, arsenicals and carbon disulfide cause retina damage.

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