Every day, 300 young children with burn injuries are taken to emergency rooms. They were not even near a flame. These children were victims of scalds. Clearly, scald burns are a real danger and are the most common burn injury among children age 4 and younger. In 2003, U.S. hospitals treated an estimated 16,000 children under 5 for scalds, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. And, mortality rates from scalds are highest for children under age 4. 



While the injuries and the numbers are distressing, even more disturbing is the fact that many of these burns could have been prevented through simple, cost effective techniques and a more informed public. 

 

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How Scalds Happen

 

Ninety-five percent of scalds occur in residences. Scald burns are typically related to ordinary activities – bathing, cooking and eating – and often happen to children because of a lapse in adult supervision or a lack of protective measures. Youngsters may not understand or even be aware of potential dangers of hot liquids (especially water) and foods; they simply trust adults to keep them safe.



In addition, young children have thinner skin that burns more quickly than adults’. People of all ages can be burned in 30 seconds by a flowing liquid that is 130° F; at 140° F, it takes only five seconds; at 160° F, it only takes one second. For children under 5, these temperatures can cause a burn in half the time.





Bathroom safety

The bathroom is one of the most hazardous rooms in the house for a baby or child. Scalds and burns can occur here, as well as falls and drowning. Most hot tap water scalds occur in the bathroom. There are a number of ways to protect your child against serious injury in the bathroom. Some suggestions include:



1. Use a bath thermometer to ensure the bath’s water is always a safe and comfortable temperature. The recommended maximum water temperature for bathing young children is between 98.6ºF and 105ºF.
2. A soft bath spout cover and non-slip suction mini bath mats can help prevent falls in the bath.
3. Keep the bathroom door closed when not in use. You may wish to put a lock or restraint on the outside of the bathroom door (out of reach of children, but accessible to adults in case of emergency).
4. Always remain within arm’s reach of children in the bath and never leave a child unattended. 

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Preventing Scalds



According to the National Safe Kids Campaign, 4,000 to 5,000 children are scalded each year, most while bathing. Continuous supervision of young children is the most important factor in preventing tap-water scald burns, but there are additional simple preventive measures that can be taken, including:

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1. Lower the temperature settings on water heaters to 120° F (49° C) or less.
2. Install anti-scald devices on water faucets and shower heads.
3. When filling the bathtub, turn on cold water first. Mix in warmer water carefully.
4. Use knob covers on faucets.
5. Scalds also occur in the kitchen and dining room. Many of these can be prevented by:
6. Using oven mitts or hot pads when cooking.
7. Turning pot handles inward.
8. Thoroughly stirring all microwaved food.
9. Never heating baby bottles in a microwave.

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Laws and Regulations​

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All code-making bodies on the national and regional level have established plumbing standards for newly constructed homes and residential units requiring anti-scald technology and a maximum water heater temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.