An airbag is an explosion meant to counter the G-forces of a car accident. You better believe it is going to bruise you! Seatbelts also cause significant bruising and often broken ribs.Originally Posted by Bulldoggie
The powder in airbags is often just cornstarch or talc. Irritating, but not toxic. The explosives that deploy the bag are often somewhat toxic, depending on the design of the air bag.
In any case, the injuries from an airbag components are totally secondary to the immediate life threatening injuries from the accident itself. You might as well say, "I'm going skydiving, but I'm not going to use a parachute because I heard that some people break their legs when they land."
In other words, please do not disconnect your air bag -- not for this reason, at least. I'd rather you avoided the accident all-together.
Sources
PS: I'm sorry about your accident. I'm VERY happy to hear that your insurance didn't t***l it. The T-word is all-too common.