Burn Awareness Week - Hot Water

When people hear of someone getting burned they usually think it was most likely a result of some sort of direct fire/flame contact. The older you are, the more likely that is the case.

However, the younger you are the more likely the burn was a scald type burn from hot water, or other hot liquids, that caused the burn injury. Below, please find some interesting statistics from our partners in safety at the National Scald Prevention Campaign.

Did You Know:

• Scald burns (from hot water, other liquids, and steam) comprise 34% of overall burn injuries admitted to U.S. burn centers. However, 62% of these occur to children less than 5 years old.


• Hot water will burn skin at temperatures much lower than boiling point (212°F/100°C). In fact, it only takes 2 seconds of exposure to 148°F/64°C water to cause a burn serious enough to require surgery! Hence, set water heaters at 120°F/48°C or just below the medium setting. A safe bathing temperature is 100°F.6,8


• Dangerously high water temperatures were found in 41% of inspected urban homes, with rental properties at greater risk for unsafe levels. Actual tap water temperatures can vary from the heater thermostat settings. Therefore, test water temperatures at the faucet with a candy/meat thermometer after allowing the hot water to run for 1 – 3 minutes. Adjust the heater setting accordingly. Re-test in 24 hours.