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PubMed1991

Planning replacement of natural gas distribution systems under constraints on acceptable risk from explosions.

Natural gas distribution systems in the United States were developed primarily in the first half of this century, utilizing materials such as cast iron and then steel. Over time, cast iron and steel pipe sections became weak from corrosion and are subject to failure which in turn can lead to explosions and possible injury and loss of life. Gas utilities maintain system integrity through repair-replacement programs where pipe sections are prioritized for replacement in any given year through cost-benefit analysis; however, the total annual amount to be budgeted for replacement is left to engineering judgment. This approach has left some utilities vulnerable to criticism that their current replacement rate on cast iron pipe is not great enough and that public safety is being compromised. This paper addresses the problem situation by formulating a linear programming replacement decision model which augments cost-benefit analysis with explicit constraints on acceptable risk to human life from fire/explosion. The model is illustrated for a hypothetical utility.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗
PubMed1967

Single fallout particles and zirconium-95 from the Chinese nuclear explosion of 9 May 1966.

Daily fluctuations of the number of single fallout particles and activity of zirconium-95 in the groundlevel air were measured at Fayetteville (94 degrees W, 36 degrees N), Arkansas, for a period of about 3 months after the Chinese nuclear explosion of 9 May 1966. We found a cyclic pattern of variations for both zirconium-95 and fallout particles; this indicated that they were airborne for a long period and traveled far. Apparently, some of the particles circled the world more than once.

China↗
PubMed1975

The Tower of London bomb explosion.

After the detonation of a bomb in the Tower of London 37 people were brought to St. Bartholomew's Hospital. The explosion caused numerous severe injuries of a type rarely seen in peacetime.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed1994

Tympanic membrane perforation in survivors of a SCUD missile explosion.

On February 25, 1990, an Iraqi SCUD missile exploded inside a building housing United States military personnel in Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. One hundred seventy-two individuals who were near the impact site at the time of the blast were interviewed and examined to determine blast injury to the ear. Tympanic membrane (TM) perforation was used as the clinical marker for aural blast injury. Thirty-four personnel had unilateral TM perforation and 28 had bilateral TM perforation. Eighty-six sustained sufficient injury to be hospitalized. Fifty-nine of hospitalized personnel (70%) had TM perforation. Of a total of 90 TM perforations, 39% were estimated to be 25% or less of the tympanic membrane surface area, 36% were 26% to 50%, 16% were 51% to 75%, and 10% were greater than 75%. Morphology of the perforations and estimated proximity to the blast were documented. Personnel distant from the blast, in open doorways or wearing headphones, had relative protection from TM perforation. Historic nuclear blast data were used to estimate the SCUD blast waveform based on measurements of the SCUD impact crater. A mathematical model based on the estimated waveform was validated against the actual field data by comparing the proximity and incidence of TM perforations in the SCUD missile explosion.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

11 March 2004: The terrorist bomb explosions in Madrid, Spain--an analysis of the logistics, injuries sustained and clinical management of casualties treated at the closest hospital.

At 07:39 on 11 March 2004, 10 terrorist bomb explosions occurred almost simultaneously in four commuter trains in Madrid, Spain, killing 177 people instantly and injuring more than 2000. There were 14 subsequent in-hospital deaths, bringing the ultimate death toll to 191. This report describes the organization of clinical management and patterns of injuries in casualties who were taken to the closest hospital, with an emphasis on the critically ill. A total of 312 patients were taken to the hospital and 91 patients were hospitalized, of whom 89 (28.5%) remained in hospital for longer than 24 hours. Sixty-two patients had only superficial bruises or emotional shock, but the remaining 250 patients had more severe injuries. Data on 243 of these 250 patients form the basis of this report. Tympanic perforation occurred in 41% of 243 victims with moderate-to-severe trauma, chest injuries in 40%, shrapnel wounds in 36%, fractures in 18%, first-degree or second-degree burns in 18%, eye lesions in 18%, head trauma in 12% and abdominal injuries in 5%. Between 08:00 and 17:00, 34 surgical interventions were performed in 32 patients. Twenty-nine casualties (12% of the total, or 32.5% of those hospitalized) were deemed to be in a critical condition, and two of these died within minutes of arrival. The other 27 survived to admission to intensive care units, and three of them died, bringing the critical mortality rate to 17.2% (5/29). The mean Injury Severity Score and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores for critically ill patients were 34 and 23, respectively. Among these critically ill patients, soft tissue and musculoskeletal injuries predominated in 85% of cases, ear blast injury was identified in 67% and blast lung injury was present in 63%. Fifty-two per cent suffered head trauma. Over-triage to the closest hospital probably occurred, and the time of the blasts proved to be crucial to the the adequacy of the medical and surgical response. The number of blast lung injuries seen is probably the largest reported by a single institution, and the critical mortality rate was reasonably low.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Ineffective communication and alcohol bottle explosion: nursing observations].

The main goal of this descriptive exploratory study with a quantitative approach is to present the number of patients severely burned in alcohol plastic bottle explosions that have been cared for between 2000 and 2002 by the nursing staff of a Rio de Janeiro hospital that is a reference for the treatment of this kind of accident. The data was gathered from the nursing note book. The authors emphasize that the media refers to these victims as "burned by alcohol" rather than "burned by a bomb", since alcohol plastic bottles are potential bombs. The authors conclude that much suffering could be avoided through an effective, clear, and above all responsible communication.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

PTSD, depression, and health status in Lebanese civilians exposed to a church explosion.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effect of stressors on PTSD, depression, and health status in a sample of Lebanese civilians exposed to a church explosion and their comparison groups (33 victims, 30 family members, and 30 neighbors) one year after the event. METHOD: This descriptive study used interviews that were conducted with the participants in their homes. The main outcome measures were the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale Version I, Beck Depression Inventory, and change in health service utilization in the past year. Multivariate analysis was done using logistic regression to predict the study outcomes. RESULTS: PTSD was present in 17.2% of the total sample, depression in 41.9% and the mean increase in doctors' visits was 2.05 +/- 2.97. In the victims' group, 39% met PTSD diagnostic criteria, 51% were depressed, and 45% reported deterioration in their health status. These rates were significantly higher than those in the comparison groups. Also, females were 2.62 times more at risk than males for depression. Victims were 7.35 times and those with financial problems 2.67 times more at risk of having increased doctor's visits than their family or neighbor comparison groups. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that PTSD, depression, and health status deterioration in trauma victims may persist over time. Resources such as social support can help attenuate the symptoms of those at a higher risk.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Contamination of the air with mineral fibers following the explosive destruction of buildings and fire.

Mineral fibers, including asbestos, are ubiquitous contaminants of the environment. Asbestos fibers are generally present at levels below 1 fiber/L in air though 10 fibers/L may be found in cities; these levels do not appear to be high enough to present a hazard to health. These fibers come mostly from the use of fibrous materials as thermal and acoustic insulation in buildings, and their use as friction materials. Historically, occupational air levels were often very high and as a result there was a high incidence of fibrosis and also cancer in exposed workers, mostly among those in the industries concerned with the winning or processing of asbestos fiber. Levels high enough to produce disease have also occurred paraoccupationally in the families of asbestos workers. The effect of fire and explosion in a building is to disrupt its structure and vastly increase the level of airborne fiber for a considerable distance (kilometers) around it. Air levels of fiber can remain high for months, and as a result the earliest occupational experiences are likely to be repeated. The greatest danger is from exposure to blue and brown asbestos, and it is known that even a single high exposure can be responsible for the development of a tumor decades later.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed2005

Barotraumatic perforation of pharyngoesophagus by explosion of a bottle into the mouth.

Pharyngoesophageal perforation from an exploding bottle is an extremely rare injury. To date, twenty-four cases have been documented in English literature. In this study, we reported two additional cases of pharyngoesophageal perforation by a bottle exploding in the mouth. Explosion of the bottle occurred when the patients removed the cap of a home-made wine bottle with their teeth, which resulted in pharyngoesophageal perforation. The patients were managed by conservative treatment and operative repair, respectively. Both patients had an uneventful recovery. Possible mechanisms and preventive measures are discussed in this study, along with a review of the literature.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Tire explosion injuries.

Twenty-five patients hospitalized with injuries sustained from tire explosions from 1980 to 1987 were reviewed. Injuries occurred directly from the tire rim or parts of its assembly, from the patient being thrown against adjacent unyielding structures, or a combination of these. Lethal or life-threatening injuries do occur, so these patients initially must be triaged as polytrauma patients. Resuscitation and expeditious attention to life-threatening injuries must be provided when necessary. Serious head, facial, eye, and upper extremity injuries occurred frequently. Pelvic and long-bone fractures, particularly those of the femur, are stabilized primarily as part of the overall treatment of the polytraumatized patient. Open fractures and fractures with arterial injuries and/or compartment syndromes are primarily decompressed, debrided, and appropriately stabilized. After life-threatening and limb-threatening injuries are attended, eye injuries that threaten sight should be addressed. While hand, wrist, and other upper extremity injuries that do not fall in the above categories may not require immediate or primary treatment, they are often critical in determining the patient's final outcome. This is particularly true since most patients are manual workers, often mechanics. Therefore, hand, wrist, and upper extremity injuries should be treated as early as possible and in parallel with other injuries to achieve optimal results and minimize impairment, disability, and time and economic loss from work. Strong emphasis should be placed on education and safety training in preventing this severe form of civilian trauma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed1998

Effect of epidermal growth factor and dexamethasone on explosive deafness.

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on cochlear hair cells of normal and explosion-stricken guinea pigs and the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and dexamethasone (DXM) treatment for blast hearing loss. METHODS: Immunohistochemical technique and auditory brainstem response (ABR) test were used. RESULTS: Scattered expression of EGFR was seen in inner hair cells (IHCs) and outer hair cells (OHCs) in normal guinea pigs. Segmentally distributing positive reaction was also located in stereocilia of hair cells. Distribution of EGFR reaction was seen in the cytoplasm of IHC 24 hours after exposure to blasts, and in the stereocilia of IHC and the cuticular plate of OHC 72 hours postexposure. At one week EGFR reaction in hair cells increased obviously and part of OHC stereocilia also showed positive reaction. EGFR reaction reduced at two weeks, though positive reaction could still be found in the stereocilia of hair cells at one month. Combination of EGF and DXM administrations promoted hearing recovery significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The healing of injured hair cells may be related to EGF.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Ensuring prehospital care in thermal injuries: experience from an explosion in a textile factory.

The objective of this work was to inform about the performance of the rescue service, in collaboration with other members of an integrated rescue system, in responding to an event in which several subjects suffered burn injuries. Proper organization of the work by a doctor of the rescue group at the site of the explosion, the work of the rescue service dispatchers, and the coordination of the activities of the different rescue teams are the prerequisite for the successful avoidance of the sequelae of mass disasters.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2002

Photocatalytic degradation of explosives contaminated water.

This study was undertaken to examine the degradation of TNT, RDX and HMX in a circular photocatalytic reactor with TiO2 as a photocatalyst. We examined the impact of parameters such as the initial concentration, initial pH of solution on rates of photocatalized transformation, and the mineralization. The results showed that photocatalysis is an effective process for the degradation of TNT, RDX and HMX. They could be comoletely degraded in 150 min with 1.0 g/L TiO2 at pH 7. An increase in the photocatalytic degradation of HMX was noticed with decreasing initial HMX. The rates of RDX and HMX degradation were greater in neutral pH than in acidic and alkaline conditions. In case of TNT degradation, the rate of degradation was the fastest at pH 11. Approximately 82% TOC decrease in the TNT degradation was achieved after 150 min, whereas TOC decrease in RDX and HMX was 24% and 59%, respectively. Nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium ions were detected as the nitrogen byproducts from the photocatalysis, and more than 50% of the total nitrogen was recovered as nitrate ion in every explosives.

Ammonia↗
PubMed1992

Anatomy of a burns disaster: the Miri Bank explosion.

A bank explosion in a neighbouring country over 1000 km away resulted in ten badly burned victims being airlifted to the Burns Centre, Singapore General Hospital (BCSGH) for treatment. The severely injured included patients with 90%, 80%, 74%, 66%, 45%, 33% and 31% burns. Nine had respiratory burns (four severe, one moderate, four mild). One patient died, thus, the mortality rate for the six most severely injured was 16.7%. This differs from predicted mortality rates of 78% according to McCoy or 54% according to Thompson, Herndon et al. The factors contributing to this result were the small size of the disaster, the use of an established Burns Mass Disaster plan and an individual management policy that incorporates carefully monitored fluid resuscitation, recognition of respiratory burns with early treatment by intubation thus pre emptying complications, early surgery and a multidisciplinary approach to complications such as infection and renal failure. The average length of stay was 43 days (range 5-122 days). The cost of the hospitalisation of the ten casualties was $312,317.00.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Genotoxicity and toxicity assay of water sampled from the underground nuclear explosion site in the north of the Perm region (Russia)].

The results of our study revealed a local biologically relevant surface water contamination in the radionuclide anomaly in the north of Russia (Perm region) by means of Allium shoenoprasum L. the anaphase-telophase chromosome aberration assay. This radionuclide anomaly was formed in 1971 as a result of an underground nuclear explosion with soil excavation. Specific activities of main dose-forming radionuclides in all examined reservoirs are below intervention levels officially adopted in Russia for drinking water. We found that 90Sr significantly contribute to induction of cytogenetic disturbances. Our previous and described here data suggest that metal ions and radionuclides combined exposure on the various biota species (with the dose below permissible exposure limits for human) may cause substantial biological effects in part be due to synergic response. The findings described here indicated that development of a new concept of radiation protection for humans and biota should be based on the clear understanding of biological effects of low doses of radiation in chronic exposure to multi-pollutant mixtures.

Allium↗
PubMed2005

A field diagnostic test for the improvised explosive urea nitrate.

A sensitive, specific and simple color test for the improvised explosive urea nitrate is described. It is based on the formation of a red pigment upon the reaction between urea nitrate and p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (p-DMAC) under neutral conditions. Urea itself, which is the starting material for urea nitrate, does not react with p-DMAC under the same conditions. Other potential sources of false positive response e.g., common fertilizers, medications containing the urea moiety and various amines, do not produce the red pigment with p-DMAC. Exhibits collected from 10 terrorist cases have been tested with p-DMAC. The results were in full agreement with those obtained by instrumental techniques including GC/MS, XRD and IR.

Colorimetry↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Primary lesions caused by explosions].

The lesions produced by the expansive wave are characteristic of severe injury produced by explosion. This type of injury is being classified as primary lesion. We report a 28 years old male patient who suffered amputation of both lower extremities associated with hypovolemic shock. The patient presented primary tympanic perforation and pneumothorax after initiation of mechanical ventilation at positive pressure. In the discussion section we analyze the physical mechanisms leading to this primary lesion and we indicate the organs most commonly affected. We rise general considerations dealing with the management of these patients and we remark the advantages of a coordinated medical attendance policy.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Suicide by detonation of an explosive placed in the oral cavity].

The object of this analysis was a suicide case of a young male (aged 33) who placed and subsequently detonated an explosive in his oral cavity. Medical inspection of the suicide scene at a recreational site, autopsy and results of criminal analysis are discussed. The skull of the corpse was heavily damaged. The characteristic body position featured crossed lower limbs with the right limb overlying and hands positioned regularly on the abdomen.

Adult↗