Thinner burns in Qatar

ABSTRACT

Thinner is a substance used as a solvent for paint. It is frequently used by cleaning companies for cleaning tiles. The substance is highly flammable and the electric spark of a cleaning machine is enough to cause a disaster. This study was carried out in the Burns Unit at Rumailah hospital, Hammad Medical Corporation where 12 victims had thinner burns between 1999 and 2004 in 3 separate incidents. The first incident involved six laborers, two were involved in the second incident and three were involved in the third. Ten burns were found to be extensive TBSA [Total Body Surface Area] range 30-80%, mean 28.5%, while only 2 patients had minor burns involving mainly the upper and lower limbs, All patients were young men; the majority needed surgical treatment and had a mean hospital stay of 41 days [range 10-90 days]. Patients outcomes were good and no mortalities were recorded. It was concluded that this type of burn is avoidable if no ignition source is used and preventive measures are taken