Patterson et al evaluated burns associated with explosions of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs). They classified the burns based on site and mechanism. The authors are from the University of South Alabama in Mobile.
Mechanism of burn injury:
(1) direct - due to device explosion itself
(2) indirect - due to fire triggered by device explosion
Type
Location
Mechanism
1
hand
direct
2
face
direct
3
waist and/or groin
direct
4
house or car fire
indirect
5a
inhalation injury from device
direct
5b
inhalation injury from fire caused by device
indirect
where:
• A burn of the waist or groin occurs when the e-cigarette is carried in pants. A burn to the chest could occur if it is carried in a shirt.
• The eyes may be involved in facial burns.
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