Can you get frostbite from air can?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for frostbite and tissue damage from exposure to the propellant in an air spray can, particularly after an incident where the spray was used in a playful manner. Participants explore the implications of such exposure on sensitive tissues, especially in the ear, and the appropriate responses to potential injuries.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern about the potential for serious ear damage from the spray, particularly if it comes into contact with delicate tissues.
  • One participant notes that the propellant can cause tissue damage and emphasizes the importance of using such sprays correctly, without agitation.
  • There is a suggestion that any suspected damage to sensitive tissues should be checked by a medical professional as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
  • Another participant humorously references the risks associated with using high-pressure gas, likening the situation to other reckless behaviors.
  • Participants discuss the distinction between potential damage to the inner ear versus the outer ear, with some suggesting that damage to the outer ear might be less concerning.
  • One participant mentions that the co-worker did not complain of pain on a subsequent day, indicating possible false alarm regarding the severity of the situation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of concern regarding the potential for injury, with some advocating for medical evaluation while others downplay the severity of the situation. There is no consensus on the extent of the risk or the necessary actions to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding the potential for tissue damage and the need for medical assessment, but specific medical advice or definitive outcomes are not provided.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in safety protocols for using aerosol sprays, those concerned about potential injuries from household products, or anyone curious about the effects of low-pressure gas on human tissue.

mcknia07
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Ok, so the title is pretty catchy, lol, but anyways...

I was at work the other day and we had a rubberband fight (just playing around) and my boss joined in, and he got the spray air can (like the kind you spray your computers with to clean) and he shook the can and got the liquid stuff on me and the other lady I work with. I know on the can it says it can cause frost bite, but some of it got in our ears. Well, the other lady says her ear still kinda hurts, and it's been over a week now.

Do you know if there is anything either one of us can do?
 
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The propellant can cause tissue damage if it comes in contact with skin or even more delicate tissues. Such sprays are never agitated, and are used in the proper orientation (usually with the base of the nozzle up and the nozzle horizontal) to blow away contaminants. I won't make judgments, but I would never agitate such a spray and then squirt it onto another person.
 
Could there be serous ear damage done to her? She told me as we were leaving today, that its agitated still. I know a doctor will be able to tell for sure, but she doesn't want to do that yet, she wants to wait a bit, I think. I think she really needs to get it checked out/
 
mcknia07 said:
Could there be serous ear damage done to her? She told me as we were leaving today, that its agitated still. I know a doctor will be able to tell for sure, but she doesn't want to do that yet, she wants to wait a bit, I think. I think she really needs to get it checked out/
Any suspected damage to sensitive tissues should be checked out ASAP. The longer that tissue-damage is neglected, the more chance for scarring or worse.
 
Ok, I'll text her ASAP and tell her to get it checked soon.

Thanks for your help turbo!
 
Can you say Darwin Awards?

Like people messing around spraying each other with fire extinguishers -- what happens when gas goes from high pressure to low pressure? What adverse tissue effects can result from exposure to that low-pressure gas?
 
Hmm, I'm willing to bet, it's not all that good.
 
inner ear or outer ear?
 
Well, He only meant to spray it on the outer part of the ear (just messing around) and well...he might have got some on the inner ear. Though my co-worker didn't complain of her ear hurting today, so maybe a flase alarm.
 
  • #10
ah, well, outer ear damage, i'd just suck it up as tax for goofing off.
 

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