Airbag Burns: Types, Causes, and First Aid Awareness

When an airbag deploys, it releases rapidly with heat, pressure, and chemical inflation agents. Although airbags significantly reduce the risk of serious injury in collisions, they can occasionally cause mild to moderate skin irritation or burns. Airbag-related burns may be thermal, chemical, or friction-based, and the approach to care depends on the type and severity.

Workplace, road safety, and first aid relevance (Canada)

Drivers, passengers, first aid responders, and workplace safety personnel may encounter airbag-related injuries during motor vehicle collisions. Awareness of how airbag burns happen can support safer handling, reduce confusion during first aid responses, and help determine when professional assessment is needed.

Scenario story

During a winter collision on a city street, Alex’s car airbags deployed. After the vehicle came to rest, Alex noticed redness and irritation on the forearms where the airbag made contact. The area was cooled with running tap water once home, and the discomfort lessened. A healthcare provider later confirmed it was a mild thermal/friction burn.

How airbag burns happen

Airbags deploy at high speeds and generate heat through chemical inflation. This can produce three main types of irritation or burns:

• Chemical burns from inflation agents or residue

• Thermal burns from heat generated during deployment

• Friction burns from rapid contact with skin or clothing

The severity varies based on proximity, deployment angle, clothing, and duration of contact.

Chemical irritation and burns

Chemical burns may happen when powders or gases from the airbag make contact with the skin or eyes. Public-safe first aid considerations include:

• Moving away from further exposure once the scene is safe

• Removing contaminated clothing when possible

• Rinsing the affected skin with cool running water

• Avoiding rubbing residues deeper into the skin

Eye involvement should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare professional.

Thermal burns

Heat generated during deployment may cause redness, warmth, or mild blistering. General first aid awareness includes:

• Removing the heat source (airbag contact) once safe to do so

• Cooling the affected area with cool running water

• Avoiding direct ice application

• Keeping the area clean and protected

Deep or extensive burns require emergency assessment.

Friction burns

Friction from airbag contact can irritate or blister the upper arms, forearms, chest, or hands. Many friction burns are superficial. Blisters can help protect the skin underneath as new tissue forms. Avoid intentionally opening blisters, as this may increase infection risk. Seek assessment if blistering is extensive or uncertain.

When to seek medical assessment

A healthcare professional should assess burns that:

• Are deep or affect a large area

• Involve blisters, eyes, face, hands, or joints

• Result from chemicals or uncertain causes

• Persist or worsen over time

Emergency services should be contacted after a collision whenever there are additional injuries or concerns beyond burn irritation.

Prevention and vehicle safety considerations

• Airbags remain essential for reducing severe crash injuries

• Keeping hands positioned correctly on the steering wheel may reduce wrist/forearm contact

• Seat belt use works together with airbags to limit forward motion

• Proper vehicle maintenance supports safe deployment

FAQ

Are airbag burns common?
Minor irritation and friction burns are relatively common, while deeper burns are less frequent.

Why do airbags cause chemical irritation?
Airbags use inflation compounds that release heat and powder residue, which may irritate the skin or eyes during deployment.

Do airbag burns need emergency care?
Most are mild, but chemical, deep, blistering, or eye-involved burns should be assessed by a professional.

Do airbags still provide a safety benefit despite burns?
Yes. Airbags significantly reduce risk of serious head and chest injuries and are a key vehicle safety feature.

Can friction burns blister?
Yes, friction burns may blister. Blisters provide a protective layer and typically heal over time if kept clean and undisturbed.

Educational note

This content supports public first aid learning and vehicle safety awareness and does not replace professional assessment or emergency care following a collision.