Burns following cigarette lighter fluid abuse.
Seven patients with burns associated with butane cigarette lighter fluid abuse, in a group setting within an enclosed space, are presented. In all patients there was a reluctance to admit that butane vapour was in use as an intoxicant immediately prior to the injury. It is obvious from the circumstances of these injuries that the hazardous nature of cigarette lighter fluid is not fully appreciated. Since the resultant injuries are usually minor (all patients recovered spontaneously with conservative management, the hospital stay averaging 2 days), it is probable that many more occur, but do not present to accident departments as the victims are wary of repercussions should they admit to intoxicant vapour abuse. In view of the medical sequelae that can follow butane inhalation, burns unit staff should be aware of the problems, their recognition and treatment.
Scerri
G V
GV
Nuffield Burns Units, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, UK.
Regan
P J
PJ
Ratcliffe
R J
RJ
Roberts
A H
AH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D002073:Butanes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005107:Explosions; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*
D002073:Butanes