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Butane Hash Oil Burns: A 7-Year Perspective on a Growing Problem
Kathleen S Romanowski1, Alura Barsun, Peter Kwan
1From the *Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento; †Firefighters Regional Burn Center at University of California, Davis; and ‡Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis.
Summary
Butane hash oil (BHO) production is causing a rise in severe burn injuries, particularly among young males. Increased public awareness and legislation are crucial to prevent this growing public health crisis.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Marijuana legalization and decriminalization have increased access to cannabis products.
- The production of butane hash oil (BHO), a concentrated THC product, involves hazardous processes.
- Burn centers are observing a rise in injuries associated with BHO production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update the experience of a burn center regarding BHO-related injuries.
- To highlight the increasing public health problem associated with BHO burns.
- To analyze patient demographics, injury characteristics, and outcomes for BHO-related burns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of patients with suspected BHO-related burn injuries from January 2007 to December 2014.
- Data collection included demographics, injury details, treatments, and outcomes.
- Analysis of trends in patient presentation over the 7-year period.
Main Results:
- 101 patients with BHO-related burn injuries were identified.
- The average patient age was 30.5 years, with 93.1% being male.
- Patients sustained significant burns (mean 26.8% TBSA), with 14.3% third-degree burns; three deaths occurred.
Conclusions:
- There has been a sharp increase in BHO burn injuries over the past seven years.
- BHO burns represent a significant and growing public health concern.
- Increased public awareness and legislative action are needed to prevent these injuries.