Mechanism of Induction of Asthmatic Attacks Initiated by the Inhalation of Particles Generated by Airbag System Deployment

Abstract

We conclude that the amount of soluble particulate contained in the aerosol discharged into the passenger compartment by dual frontal airbag deployment is largely the cause of the observed evoked asthmatic attacks. The alkaline pH of the airbag and carbonate aerosols may have added an additional degree of provocation.

Sodium Azide-Associated Laryngospasm After Air Bag Deployment

“…Although there are reports of air bags causing traumatic head and neck injuries that result in airway emergencies, there is a paucity of airway complications in an atraumatic neck (7,8). There are rare case reports of acute new-onset asthma attributed to air bag deployment; however, the pathophysiologic explanation for new-onset asthma is unclear (19,20). Many laryngologists argue that these reports represent the inception of paradoxical vocal fold dysfunction (PVFD) rather than asthma.…”

Pneumothorax, without chest wall fracture, following airbag deployment

“…Secondly relative compression can occur by direct jet insufflation with an open glottis squeezing the lung tissue against the relatively rigid chest wall that cannot expand quickly enough to accommodate the change in force, creating a bursting effect. 31 Anaesthetists are acutely aware of this scenario to avoid setting mechanical ventilatory support inflation pressures too high.…”

Injuries caused by airbags: a review

“…There are a number of reports of acoustic damage (Buckley et al, 1999;Kastanioudakis et al, 2003;Lee et al, 2003), premature rupture of membranes (Gimovsky et al, 2000), and dermatitis (Wu et al, 2002). There is also evidence that the chemicals released by airbags can precipitate asthma attacks (Gross et al, 1995).…”