Cryogenic Dangers: Prevention and Treatment of Liquid Nitrogen Burns

Abstract

There exists a wide variety of corrosive chemicals having either acidic or alkaline nature which have the potential to cause chemical burns. Besides them, oxidative agents, solvents, vesicants, desiccants, toxic gases etc., are also implicated in causing chemical burns. Exposure can occur both in workplaces as well as personal environments. Most of the paediatric cases are secondary to accidental ingestion or spillage of household products like phenol, bleaches, dyes etc. Domestic cases can be due to improper labelling, storage and handling of household chemicals like toilet cleaners, sink openers, nail polish removers etc. Intentional assaults, suicides, and chemical warfare are some of the darker aspects of chemical misuse. Chemical burns are nearly 1. 4 to 8. 5% of all types of burn injuries. Through this article, we would like to shed light on one of the most commonly used chemical liquid nitrogen, which is widely used in agriculture, aerospace, food industry, healthcare, automobiles etc. But contrary to its immense usage, the available literature fall short of data regarding safety pitfalls and potential hazards it poses to people dealing with it. Though liquid nitrogen induces 'frostbite' like changes in tissues, its management is different. The adverse effects of this obnoxious chemical have a wide spectrum ranging from ulcerations in limbs, perioral skin and gastrointestinal tract to peritonitis, asphyxiation, barotrauma, permanent eye damage etc.

Conclusion: Liquid nitrogen can be said to act as a double-edged sword. Despite it having usage in innumerable work sectors, one cannot overlook the health risk it poses to its users. Considering it as an emerging occupational hazard, it needs to be addressed in terms of establishing and implementing safety protocols, guidelines for management in cases of mishaps and the creation of public awareness by the governing bodies.