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Pavement temperature and burns: streets of fire
W Z Harrington1, B L Strohschein, D Reedy
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Pavement temperatures can cause serious burns during summer days. Asphalt surfaces pose a burn risk from 9 AM to 7 PM, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Burn Medicine
- Public Safety
Background:
- Outdoor pavement surfaces can reach extreme temperatures during hot weather.
- Understanding temperature thresholds is crucial for preventing heat-related injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure pavement temperatures over 24 hours to identify burn risks.
- To analyze cases of pavement burns and associated predisposing factors.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study measured pavement temperatures (asphalt, cement) hourly over 24 hours.
- A retrospective case series reviewed 23 patients admitted for pavement burns (1986-1992).
Main Results:
- Asphalt pavement reached burn-inducing temperatures from 9 AM to 7 PM in summer.
- Second-degree burns could occur within 35 seconds between 10 AM and 5 PM.
- Burned patients were categorized as incapacitated, restrained, or sensory deficient.
Conclusions:
- Desert pavement temperatures frequently cause burns during summer in the southwestern US.
- Prolonged contact with hot pavement, even briefly, should be avoided to prevent burns.