Burns
Burns are serious injuries because they can cause permanent damage to the skin, producing ugly scars and contractions affecting normal function.
Children, having more sensitive skin than adults, are particularly at risk from scalding due to hot liquid. Because water at a temperature of 68°C can produce a full thickness burn in about a second, treatment to prevent scarring is virtually impossible in many cases.
Common causes of scalds in children are spilling hot drinks, pulling saucepans and kettles on to themselves, and turning on hot taps — especially when left on their own in the bath.
It is possible to install special controls onto hot water systems which limit the maximum temperature in the system. Families with young children should consider installing such controls. Lowering the maximum temperature in your hot water system by only 10°C could prevent a tragic accident.
Last Reviewed: 21 May 2002
