In addition to incurring burns from fire and hot liquids or steam, it is also possible to obtain burn injuries from chemicals, radiation, and electricity. These injuries can be just as severe and painful as typical burns, but can sometimes be more dangerous because of the additional effects of toxic substances on the body, electricity on the heart, and radiation on the risk of developing cancer.

Chemical burns occur when someone is exposed to a corrosive chemical. Common chemicals that can cause burns are strong acids, such as hydrochloric or sulfuric acid; strong bases, such as sodium hydroxide; and other corrosive chemicals like oxidizers and reducing agents. These types of burns are often incurred in industrial, medical, or laboratory settings. Chemical burns can also be caused by certain types of chemical weapons, for instance, the mustard gas that was used during World War I. Chemical burns can occur when the substance is first in contact with the skin, or have a delayed onset after initial exposure. In order to prevent chemical burns, people who work with hazardous chemicals on a regular basis must follow strict safety protocols and be aware of the hazards of specific chemicals ahead of time so the proper safety precautions can be made. Materials Safety Data Sheets are provided by the manufacturers of chemicals and contain information on properties, hazards, safety precautions, and proper disposal of the chemical.

The most common radiation burns are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, and are commonly called sunburns. Sunburns can be mild and slightly tender or severe, extremely painful, and blistering. The sunburn does not usually appear immediately after exposure to intense UV light, but as much as 30 minutes to several hours afterwards. It takes a week or more for a sunburn to fully heal, and during this process it peels and itches. Prevention of sunburns is much more effective than any treatment, and prevention also reduces the risk of developing skin cancer. To prevent sunburns, use a sunscreen with the proper Sun Protection Factor (SPF), minimize the amount exposed skin, and minimize exposure.

Radiation burns can also be caused by other types of radiation, including x-rays, gamma rays, microwaves, high-frequency radio waves, and beta particles. Radiation is especially dangerous because it is invisible, but it can cause DNA mutations that can lead to various types of cancer. Not only is radiation exposure an acute problem that can cause burns, but chronic exposure is cumulative.

Electrical burns are another type of burn that is commonly incurred in industrial jobs. Electrical burns can also be caused by accidents such as lightning strikes, or be caused by using a defibrillator without using a gel that conducts electricity. Electrocutions can occur at home, but at the typical voltage of household appliances, 110 Volts, the electricity can cause heart fibrillation but rarely causes severe burns. One problem with electrical burns is that external burns may be minimal, but internal burns can be severe. An electrical shock can stop the heart without much sign of external injury. To minimize the risk of electric shock and possibly burns, always be cautious when working with electricity and follow electricity safety protocols.

Electricity, radiation, and chemicals can cause burns that are not only painful, but can have additional complications. It is important to treat these things with respect and follow the safety procedures of your workplace to prevent an accident from occurring.