National Burn Awareness Week 2009: Focus on Scalding
Each year during the first week of February, the American Burn Association selects a relevant topic to kick off their media campaign to educate the general public about burn prevention. For 2009, the focus is on scald prevention and treatment. According to the American Burn Association’s Scald Prevention Information, nearly 24,000 children are treated for scald injuries in emergency rooms annually. The highest at risk groups for scald injuries are “young children, older adults and people with disabilities."
According to Consumer Reports Health, the following are most common sources for scalds:
- “Boiling water from pots, pans or kettles
- Very hot drinks, such as freshly brewed tea or coffee
- Steam from steamers or kettles
- Hot plates, hot rings, oven doors
- Hot irons
- Hot baths
- Hot faucets.”
