Burn injuries resulting from (accidental) airbag inflation

Abstract

Introduction: Airbags are intended to minimize facial injuries, alone and when used in combination with seatbelts in high-velocity motor-vehicle accidents. They may occasionally perforate, resulting in the release of sodium azide or sodium hydroxide, which result in chemical burns when in contact with skin. The force of deployment may itself result in significant blunt trauma, and there is a temperature rise during the inflation causing thermal burns, possibly as a separate and unnecessary consequence of a relatively minor accident.

Method: A case report is presented. The literature on such injuries was reviewed and the mechanism of airbag deployment commented.

Conclusion: Alternative designs and mechanisms of linking the activation of the device to the velocity of travel or to add a switch which is activated when accessing a motorway are recommended.