Acid Related Injuries In Children; On Rise

KARACHI- Eminent Plastic Surgeon and Head of Burns Center, Karachi, Dr. Ehmer-Al-Ibran revealed that acid injuries in children are increasing in Pakistan, majorly across the province of  Sindh, as citric acid is being sold in cold drink’s bottles by sellers; meanwhile the concerned authorities have failed to stop the sale of acid, from within the open markets.

Dr. Ehmer Ibran explained that,  acid related attacks are commonly seen in females and males but now, acid injuries are also rising in children due to unnecessary use of certain products containing high quantities of acid, at homes, such as  for cleaning of toilets. These harmful products pose a serious threat to the users, particularly children, if such products are not used or stored sensibly at homes.

According to Dr. Ehmer, many cases have been reported to the Burns Units, where children were admitted due to ingestion of acid, mistaking them as beverages due to their packaging. He also mentioned that, acid is not only harmful for the residents, but it also damages the sewerage pipe lines, creating further issues.

He shed light upon a similar incident, reported in Shikarpur District, where a young boy Abdul Rasheed became a victim, when accidently a small bottle of acid fell on him while he was asleep. The youngster was badly injured and was immediately shifted to the Burns Centre Karachi, after getting initial treatment from a local hospital in Sukkur.

Dr. Ehmer, discussed the examples to educate families and to encourage them to adopt preventive measures to save their children. Acid victims should be washed gently for an hour, and then shifted to a nearby hospital for proper treatment.

He also emphasized upon implementing laws regarding selling of acid. It should only be sold to people who show a valid identity card to reduce acid related attacks, injuries and deaths in Pakistan. He demanded of Federal and Provincial Governments to regulate the sale of acid in an attempt to reduce attacks on women and also prevent children from injuries; and that the acid attacker should face rigorous imprisonment.