Chemical Weapons: Acid Attacks

By Kate O’Brien, Anna Hehediush and Laurentia Bulbuc

Acid attacks are on the rise

Alarming statistics have revealed a shocking surge in acid attacks, with the number of incidents spiking by a staggering 69% within just a year. This distressing trend took a further alarming turn as, for the first time, the number of female victims exceeded that of their male counterparts. The figures compiled by Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI) disclosed that a total of 710 acid attacks were recorded across England and Wales in the year 2022, in stark contrast to the relatively lower count of 421 incidents registered in the year 2021. This disconcerting rise in acid attacks has brought widespread concern and heightened the need for urgent action to this form of violence.

Police in the United Kingdom have issued a grave warning regarding the alarming surge in acid attacks, declaring that the country now possesses one of the highest ratios of recorded incidents per capita globally. Disturbingly, law enforcement officials anticipate that this trend is set to escalate in the near future. Senior officers express deep concern over the fact that numerous acid attacks are going unreported.

Consequently, the staggering number of acknowledged assaults involving corrosive substances may only represent a small fraction of the actual occurrences, signifying an unprecedented crisis in the nation. Although these figures represent a UK-wide trend, the people of Glasgow share the nationwide concern Brendan Barclay, 24, a Glaswegian security guard, said: “I think if it is so easy to buy something like this, without having any sort of proof what you’re intending to use it for, I think it should be banned all together or you would have to get some sort of credentials.” Lucy Lamort, 27, a store manager from the city, said: “If certain substances are used in attacks, I do not understand why the government does not make it a controlled substance. Why is it okay to have it for domestic use? They control boric acid which is banned in the EU and is not nearly as harmful as sulphuric or alkaline acid. If they can ban vapes, they can ban this.”

Stuart Bland, 31, a student from Glasgow, said: “There should be more regulations in place surrounding the purchase of these substances, but I would be curious to find out why there aren’t already those in place and if the reason for it is because there are other uses besides business and commercial.”

So what should you do if you witness an acid attack? Immediate action is crucial. If you witness someone being sprayed with an unknown substance, it is essential to prioritise their safety and wellbeing. The first step is to dial emergency services by calling 999/112 or any local emergency number, reporting the attack and providing the exact location.

Once emergency services have been contacted, it is important to focus on the affected individual. Carefully removing contaminated clothing should be done in a meticulous manner. It is recommended to use gloves or any other protective material available to safeguard your own hands from coming into contact with the hazardous substance. If feasible, it is advisable to cut away clothing such as T-shirts rather than pulling them over the victim’s head. This precautionary measure can minimise the risk of further contact between the substance and the victim’s face or eyes. To prevent the substance from causing more harm, immediate rinsing of the skin is crucial.

The affected area should be thoroughly rinsed with running water. It is important to note that wiping the skin should be avoided, as it may inadvertently spread the substance to unaffected areas. By rinsing the skin instead of wiping, the risk of spreading the contaminant further is significantly reduced. Throughout this process, it is essential to remain calm and focused. Providing emotional support to the victim can help alleviate their distress in such a traumatic situation. Timely communication with emergency services ensures that professional help will be on its way to provide appropriate medical assistance.

Remember, in an acid attack, every second counts. Acting swiftly and following the recommended steps can potentially minimise the impact of the attack and contribute to the victim’s recovery.

Aeron Smith, 18, a student from Glasgow, said: “People that are over 18 can buy knives and cleaners. Both of which can cause serious harm. Even if the government restricts, we can’t stop people from purchasing these substances. Only legal adults should be allowed to purchase harmful substances and knives. Crimes should have larger fines. Alkalines should have a lot more caution around them.”

Sasha McMillan, 35, a local care worker, said: “Even when you prevent it you can still buy it online and illegally like you can drugs. Many acids are available over the counter at supermarkets, like drain cleaners. It is important that law and government work closely with retailers, reducing the accessibility of corrosive substance. There should be more responsibility on retailers.”