> In 1995, some colleagues here reported another part of the air-bag face burn
> story - Sodium Hydroxide burns. Some air-bags are powered by Sodium Oxide
> propellant, which inconveniently reacts with moisture to create NaOH. The
> patient reported by Leung and Lau (HKJEM 1995; 2(1): 44-5) received alkali
> burns to the eye (pH was still strongly alkaline in A&E) and thermal burns
> to his left hand due to hot gases from the deployment. Interestingly, he was
> wearing gloves at the time, which melted at the site of the burn.
>
> The high humidity in Hong Kong probably contributes to the risk of NaOH
> burns, but this feature is worth bearing in mind anywhere if patients
> complain of skin or eye irritation.
>
Good point Rob. The Fire Service in the UK is very aware of "airbag stings" that
occur when they wash their hands back at the fire station as the dust from the
airbag propellant reacts with the water. I knew this, but must admit that I have
never thought to say anything to patients!
Tim.
Timothy J Coats MD FRCS FFAEM
Senior Lecturer in Accident and Emergency / Pre-Hospital Care
Royal London Hospital, UK.
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