Airbags are widely recognized as one of the most important automotive safety innovations. They reduce fatalities and serious injuries by cushioning occupants during collisions. However, airbags are not without risks. Beyond the immediate trauma of impact, deployment can cause hidden health consequences that are often overlooked in accident claims.

Chemical Burns and Skin Irritation

Airbags deploy using a rapid chemical reaction that produces nitrogen gas. This reaction involves sodium azide and other compounds, which can leave residue inside the vehicle.

• Burns: Contact with hot gases or chemicals can cause first- or second-degree burns.

• Skin Irritation: Residue may lead to rashes or allergic reactions.

• Eye Injuries: Chemical particles can irritate or damage the eyes.

These injuries may not be immediately obvious but can worsen over time if untreated.

Hearing Damage

Airbag deployment is extremely loud, often exceeding 160 decibels — comparable to a gunshot.

• Temporary Hearing Loss: Many occupants experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus) after deployment.

• Permanent Damage: Repeated exposure or severe deployment can cause lasting hearing impairment.

• Balance Issues: Inner ear damage may affect equilibrium, leading to dizziness.

Hearing injuries are frequently overlooked in accident reports, yet they can significantly affect quality of life.

Respiratory Problems

The dust and gases released during airbag deployment can cause respiratory issues:

• Asthma Triggers: Individuals with asthma may experience severe attacks.

• Shortness of Breath: Even healthy occupants may feel difficulty breathing immediately after deployment.

• Long-Term Effects: Prolonged exposure to chemical residue may contribute to chronic respiratory conditions.

These risks highlight the importance of medical evaluation after any airbag deployment, even if no visible injuries are present.

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Airbags deploy with tremendous force, which can cause injuries beyond the crash itself:

• Fractures: Wrists, arms, and ribs may fracture from the impact of the airbag.

• Joint Damage: Shoulders and elbows are particularly vulnerable.

• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains and strains often occur when the body is forced against the airbag.

These injuries may complicate recovery from the crash itself.

Psychological Impacts

Airbag deployment can also affect mental health:

• Post-Traumatic Stress: The sudden explosion-like event can trigger anxiety or PTSD.

• Driving Anxiety: Some victims develop fear of driving after experiencing airbag deployment.

• Sleep Disturbances: Stress and trauma may lead to insomnia or nightmares.

Psychological injuries are harder to prove in court but can be just as debilitating as physical ones.

Legal Implications

Hidden health consequences of airbags complicate accident claims:

• Documentation: Victims must document all symptoms, even those that appear minor.

• Expert Testimony: Medical experts may be needed to link injuries to airbag deployment.

• Manufacturer Liability: In rare cases, defective airbags may increase risks, opening the door to product liability claims.

Courts increasingly recognize these hidden injuries, but victims must be proactive in pursuing claims.

Connection to Other Legal Issues

Airbag-related injuries often intersect with broader legal debates:

• Sensor data from vehicles can help prove deployment timing and force, tying into The Legal Issues Behind Sensor-Generated Crash Data.

• Motorcycle riders face similar challenges with protective gear failures, as discussed in Why Motorcycle Airbag Vests Fail — and When Riders Can Sue for Defects.

These connections show how technology designed for safety can also create new legal and medical risks.

Strategies for Victims

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care: Even minor symptoms should be evaluated.

2. Preserve Evidence: Keep records of medical visits and photographs of burns or rashes.

3. Consult Attorneys: Lawyers experienced in accident injury claims can identify hidden damages.

4. Challenge Insurance Denials: Insurers may dismiss hidden injuries as unrelated; persistence is key.

Airbags save lives, but their deployment can cause hidden health consequences beyond impact trauma. Chemical burns, hearing damage, respiratory issues, musculoskeletal injuries, and psychological effects all complicate recovery. Victims must recognize these risks, seek medical care, and pursue legal claims when necessary. By understanding the full scope of airbag-related injuries, drivers can better protect their health and rights.