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“Dry ice” CO2 induced frostbites

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Abstract

CO2 is one of the substances used in extinguishing fires. It is stored in metal containers or specially designed systems as compressed dry ice. In case of fire it is decompressed either manually or automatically. On contact with human skin it causes frostbite. The severity of the injury varies with the skin surface involved and the duration of action. The cases presented are all superficial frostbites (first/second degree) and were treated conservatively. The pathophysiology of frostbite is reviewed. The danger for personnel who may be trapped in places where “dry” ice CO2 extinguishing systems are activated is emphasized.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic Surgery, Metaxa Memorial Hospital, Piraeus, Greece

    E. Porfiris, P. Georgiou, C. V. Popa, G. Harkiolakis & N. Sgouras

Authors
  1. E. Porfiris
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  2. P. Georgiou
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  3. C. V. Popa
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  4. G. Harkiolakis
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  5. N. Sgouras
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Porfiris, E., Georgiou, P., Popa, C.V. et al. “Dry ice” CO2 induced frostbites. Eur J Plast Surg 20, 48–50 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01366528

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01366528

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