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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
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Research and Development of High-performance Explosives
Published on: February 20, 2016
Burns due to aerosol can explosions
1Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.
Summary
Exploding aerosol cans caused burn injuries in 18 patients over five years. Increased public awareness and clearer warning labels on aerosol cans may prevent future burn incidents.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Burn Surgery
- Public Health
Background:
- Pressurized aerosol cans pose fire and explosion risks.
- Burn injuries from aerosol can explosions are an underreported hazard.
- A 5-year review of burn injuries from aerosol can explosions was conducted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the experience of a burn service with aerosol can explosion injuries.
- To analyze the characteristics and outcomes of patients with these specific burn injuries.
- To recommend preventative measures for aerosol can-related burns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis.
- Review of 18 patient cases over a 5-year period.
- Data collection on burn characteristics, severity, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Eighteen patients sustained burns from aerosol can explosions.
- Burns were primarily superficial flash burns.
- Affected body surface area ranged from 5% to 45%; no fatalities occurred.
Conclusions:
- Aerosol can explosions can cause significant burn injuries.
- Enhanced public education on aerosol can hazards is crucial.
- Improved warning labels on aerosol cans are recommended to prevent injuries.
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