Airbag injuries
Background
Airbag deployment can cause caustic injuries from aerosolized ALKALI including sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate
Clinical Features
Burns to skin
- Usually minor
- Related to direct contact with skin or heat from melted clothing
Eye injury
- Chemical keratitis
Differential Diagnosis
Workup
Physical Exam, slit lamp
Management
- Skin: basic burn care
- Eye: copious irrigation, pH testing, ophthalmology consult
Disposition
See Also
Caustic Keratoconjunctivitis Burns
Sources
Tintaneli 7th ed p1297, 1385