Citation

Feldman KW, Schaller RT, Feldman JA, McMillon M. Pediatrics 1978; 62(1): 1-7.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1978, American Academy of Pediatrics)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

683765

Abstract

Tap water scald burns account for 7% to 17% of all childhood scald burns that require hospitalization. Often the burns are severe and disabling. Toddlers and preschool children are the most frequent victims. In 45% of the injuries, the unsupervised victim or peer turned on the tap water; in 28% the cause was abuse. Eighty percent of the homes tested had unsafe bathtub water temperatures of 54 C (130 F) or greater, exposing the occupants to the risk of full-thickness scald with 30-second exposure to hot water. Such burns may be prevented passively by limiting household water temperatures to less than 52 C (125 F). New water heaters could be preset at this temperature and families could be taught to turn down the temperature on existing units.

Language: en