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Caustics MeSH Descriptor Data 2025


MeSH Heading
Caustics
Tree Number(s)
D27.720.185
D27.888.569.185
Unique ID
D002424
RDF Unique Identifier
http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D002424
Annotation
caustic injury: index CAUSTICS /‌tox + BURNS, CHEMICAL + organ /‌inj; see also note on ESOPHAGEAL STENOSIS
Scope Note
Strong alkaline chemicals that destroy soft body tissues resulting in a deep, penetrating type of burn, in contrast to corrosives, that result in a more superficial type of damage via chemical means or inflammation. Caustics are usually hydroxides of light metals. SODIUM HYDROXIDE and potassium hydroxide are the most widely used caustic agents in industry. Medically, they have been used externally to remove diseased or dead tissues and destroy warts and small tumors. The accidental ingestion of products (household and industrial) containing caustic ingredients results in thousands of injuries per year.
Entry Term(s)
Caustic
Corrosive
Corrosives
NLM Classification #
QV 612
Date Established
1966/01/01
Date of Entry
1999/01/01
Revision Date
2020/05/27
Caustics Preferred
Corrosives Broader
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