Propane gas dangers and strategies for prevention of injuries.

Although the overall incidence of thermal injuries continues to decrease, the incidence of certain types of burns is alarmingly high. Approximately 3000 propane fires and explosions are reported yearly. More than 9% of these cases result in bodily injury, and the mortality rate is more than 7% of the injured. Most of the accidents are felt to be the result of a lack of knowledge among the general public in regard to the use of liquid petroleum (LP) gas, which is a low-cost and widely used fuel source. A series of accidents that resulted in several injuries in the midsouth area heightened our awareness of the problems associated with LP-gas storage, transportation, and use. A review of the incidence of use and injury, warning systems, product liability status, and prevention strategies are reported to help educate health care providers and increase public awareness of the problems associated with propane gas.