Accidental chemical burn injury associated with recreational thinner inhalation

Abstract

Inhalation of thinners is known to have systemic toxic effects on the human body. Despite this, thinners have been abused for mood alteration. Accidental injury following thinner inhalation includes burns from the ignition of volatile substance or secondary trauma (as the patient loses consciousness). Chemical burn from prolonged contact with thinner-containing toluene may occur, although rare. We present a case of accidental burn injury resulting from prolonged contact with spilled thinner.

Keywords

• chemical burn
• thinner inhalation
• toxicity