Burn accidents and the elderly: what is happening and how to prevent it

Individuals over 60 and children under 2 form the two most burn-prone age groups in the United States. These figures are confirmed in other western cultures. The majority of injuries sustained in these two groups are preventable and relate to inadvertent scalding from hot water at the tap or spilled liquids in the kitchen and ignition of fabrics by faulty heaters or cigarettes. These injuries among the elderly lead to permanent change in health care status in over 40% of such accidents, and their prevention could significantly reduce morbidity associated with aging. Recommendations to promote burn prevention include reducing the temperature of hot water at the tap, introducing self-extinguishing cigarettes, and placing smoke detectors in all residences.