Static electricity sparks household cleaning agent causing facial burn

Static electricity is the build up of an electrical charge secondary to the redistribution of electrons between two non-conducting materials as they rub against one another. In the domestic setting, a static discharge rarely causes significant injury, as although the voltage can be higher than normal domestic voltage (240V), the current is relatively low. However, in cases where highly flammable substances are used, the risk of a static charge causing a flash is much greater. Our institution presents the first documented case of static electrical ignition of a substance causing facial burns. While cleaning a large plastic bin sprayed with 'Ambersil', a highly flammable mould-removing aerosol spray that can be purchased for domestic use, the 60-year-old female patient placed her face inside the bin to reach the bottom and received a large flash burn to her face and right arm that was 2.5% TBSA (total body surface area) and superficial dermal in nature. She was treated conservatively and discharged. Despite advances in electrical safety in the domestic and industrial settings, there are still real risks of significant burn injuries, which manufacturers, employers and the general public should be made aware of.