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Tap water scald burns are a severe risk for young children, often caused by unsupervised access or abuse. Lowering household water temperature to below 52°C (125°F) can prevent these disabling injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Burn Prevention
- Public Health
Background:
- Tap water scald burns represent a significant cause of hospitalization for children, frequently resulting in severe and disabling injuries.
- Toddlers and preschool-aged children are the most vulnerable demographic for these types of burns.
Observation:
- In a majority of cases, unsupervised children or their peers initiated the hot water, while abuse was a contributing factor in over a quarter of incidents.
- Testing revealed that 80% of homes had unsafe bathtub water temperatures (≥54°C or 130°F), posing a risk of full-thickness scalds within 30 seconds.
Findings:
- Household scald burns from tap water are a serious pediatric injury concern.
- High water temperatures in homes are prevalent, increasing burn risks.
Implications:
- Preventing childhood scald burns is achievable by setting household water heaters to a maximum of 52°C (125°F).
- Public health initiatives and education on adjusting water heater temperatures are crucial for child safety.
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.