Popping corn: A hot-air ordeal

Doctors at Townsville Hospital treated a 21-month-old boy for severe burns to his right thigh sustained while held by his parent a metre from a popcorn machine.

Townsville Neonatal Paediatrician, Dr T H H Guan Koh, said there are few reports of injury and, to his knowledge, this is the first reported case of paediatric injury, highlighting the potential hazards of popcorn machines for home use.

"It is important to note the warnings in the instruction booklet that accompany popcorn machines," Dr Guan Koh said.

There are concerns also that some popcorn machines are designed so that they may be operated by children.

Corn kernels contain a small amount of water (14%) and, when heated above 200?C, the water expands, creating pressure within, until the casing gives way. The kernels explode and pop, allowing the water to escape as steam.

Kernels that do not pop, otherwise referred to as "old maids", are more dense than popped kernels, and can, as occurred in this case, be thrown further.

There are three known reports of injury in adults who suffered corneal burns caused by steam from microwave popcorn.

Dr Guan Koh said that with the increased use of popcorn machines, consumers must be aware of the potential dangers of injuries.

"Our case emphasises the importance of keeping children at a safe distance while preparing hot food, including apparently harmless, fluffy popcorn," Dr Guan Koh said.

The Medical Journal of Australia is a publication of the Australian Medical Association.

CONTACT: Dr T H H Guan Koh

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