The thermal burns in young women in India specially in Hindi
heartland(J&K,Punjab,UP,Bihar,Madhya Pradesh and Rajsthan)is
frequently blamed on faulty kerosene stove and vengeful mother-in-law.But
someone who works in a burn department notices that if carefully study the
pattern of wound and circumstances,it is always not the true story.In my
job as M.Ch.trainee for Plastic and Burn Unit in Patna Medical College I
found that cheap synthetic cloths made of Polyester has a big role in
burns.These polyester cloths are cheap and last longer and are easy to
clean.Women who wear a petticoat(Usually of cotton)underneath thier saree
get less burn on thighs and legs and more on abdomen and chest and
face.Polyester melts and clings to body and burns very fast.So it doesn't
give much time for putting off the fire.
The kerosene stove is not all that unsafe.And if you study the
mechanism of hot kerosene vapour spray,it is directed upwards at high
presuure while some one lighting it sits beside the stove.The likelyhood
of burn should be face rather trunk in such situation.Bursting of stove is
a myth spread by interested parties in dowry disputes.
A cheap way prevention would be educating people against hazards of
polyester clothing and use of fire resistant blanket in case of accidents.
Rapid Response:
Kerosene stove and mother in law-Villains
The thermal burns in young women in India specially in Hindi
heartland(J&K,Punjab,UP,Bihar,Madhya Pradesh and Rajsthan)is
frequently blamed on faulty kerosene stove and vengeful mother-in-law.But
someone who works in a burn department notices that if carefully study the
pattern of wound and circumstances,it is always not the true story.In my
job as M.Ch.trainee for Plastic and Burn Unit in Patna Medical College I
found that cheap synthetic cloths made of Polyester has a big role in
burns.These polyester cloths are cheap and last longer and are easy to
clean.Women who wear a petticoat(Usually of cotton)underneath thier saree
get less burn on thighs and legs and more on abdomen and chest and
face.Polyester melts and clings to body and burns very fast.So it doesn't
give much time for putting off the fire.
The kerosene stove is not all that unsafe.And if you study the
mechanism of hot kerosene vapour spray,it is directed upwards at high
presuure while some one lighting it sits beside the stove.The likelyhood
of burn should be face rather trunk in such situation.Bursting of stove is
a myth spread by interested parties in dowry disputes.
A cheap way prevention would be educating people against hazards of
polyester clothing and use of fire resistant blanket in case of accidents.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests