The result of a radiator exploding while the patient was working on his car, leaving his left hand with serious burns! His hand was covered in huge blisters which were extremely painful. A blast or explosion happens when a chemical conversion occurs that changes a solid or liquid to highly pressurized gases in an extreme manner with substantial instantaneous release of gas and heat. This rapid expansion of gases compresses the surrounding air, creating incredible waves of pressure that move out from the point of explosion. This blast wave dissipates and disperses as it encounters more stable air and moves across solid or liquid surfaces. The friction of the blast wave encountering the stable air and other stationary objects aids in slowing and dispersing it. However, the closer an object or person is to the point of the explosion, the more likely this incredible energy (which includes a thermal component) will be absorbed by that person or item. Though certain chemical reactions are hotter than others, all blast waves include a thermal component, causing extensive 2nd and 3rd degree burn injuries.