Airbag
From BME Encyclopedia
Recently, an IAM member (stompyboy), was in a car accident. The automobile's airbag deployed, and his labret spike caused the airbag to tear. Airbags are inflated with what amounts to a small explosive charge, and if the bag is compromised, burns are not uncommon.
Stompyboy writes:
- Although not likely to happen, the airbags of older model cars can be ripped open (it's happened on at least one occasion), by long spikes on facial jewelry. Since airbags work based on small controlled combustion, if the airbag comes apart, it can release hot air and combustible materials too early, causing facial burns. Also a factor in facial injury by older model airbags, are large seams. They can cause extensive friction burns during deployment, leaving interesting facial scars.
Another reader writes us with a similar story:
- I had a not-so-severe case of this when I was involved in a car crash. I was driving, and, upon impact, my airbag inflated. I'm glad because it (along with my seatbelt) saved my life, but in the ambulance the paramedics noticed that I had a lot of blood running down my chin. My vertical labret had been knocked back and made a small tear in my lip which caused it to bleed. It wasn't a bad tear, however, so despite the soreness over the next few days, I was able to keep the piercing. I've also had a similar experience in a mosh pit; I was knocked in the face and started bleeding.
