Spray-induced frostbite in a child: a new hazard with novel aerosol propellants.

Abstract

A case of deep frostbite occurred in an 8.5-year-old child. The lesion was due to the improper use of a toilet air freshener and was severe enough to require a skin graft. The propellants contained in the spray were propane and butane. We measured the temperature of this aerosol during spraying (-40 degrees) in comparison with an ethyl chloride spray (-3 degrees) widely used for local skin anesthesia. This difference is mainly due to the much lower evaporation temperature of propane (-42.2 degrees) and butane (-0.6 degrees) compared with ethyl chloride (12.5 degrees). This child aimed the spray directly toward his skin, thus producing a deep frostbite. We wish to draw the attention of clinicians to this potential hazard with new propellants, since they should soon replace chlorohydrofluorocarbons throughout the world for ecologic reasons.

• Authors: M Lacour, C Le Coultre
• Journal: Pediatric dermatology (Pediatr Dermatol) Vol. 8 Issue 3 Pg. 207-9 (Sep 1991) ISSN: 0736-8046 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1745629 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Aerosol Propellants
• Butanes
• Propane

Topics

• Aerosol Propellants (adverse effects, analysis)
• Butanes (adverse effects, analysis)
• Child
• Frostbite (chemically induced)
• Humans
• Male
• Propane (adverse effects, analysis)