Burn accident statistics show that at least 50% of all burn accidents can be prevented. For example, one of every 13 structure fire deaths in the United States was caused by a child setting a fire. Children playing with fire account for more than one-third of preschool child deaths by fire. The following information regarding burn injuries has been compiled:

• The winter season increases the number of children who suffer burn-related injuries. A study by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital estimates that there are approximately 10,000 pediatric burn injuries annually in the United States. The study found that children aged two years and younger were more likely to be hospitalized for burns to their hands and wrists due to coming in contact with hot liquid or objects. Children aged three to seventeen were more likely to be injured by fire. Children two years and younger accounted for half the children who were hospitalized with burn injuries. Source: Burn Injuries Take Devastating Toll on Nation's Children from Medical News Today
• In the United States, approximately 2.4 million burn injuries are reported per year. Approximately 650,000 of the injuries are treated by medical professionals; 75,000 are hospitalized. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 have major burns involving at least 25% of their total body surface. Between 8,000 and 12,000 of patients with burns die, and approximately one million will sustain substantial or permanent disabilities resulting from their burn injury. (Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation, May/June 1992)

  (Note: These statistics are for the United States only and only take into account burn injuries that are reported. Many burns, for which people seek relief, go un-reported, such as sunburns, minor scalds, match burns, iron burns, curling iron burns, burns from coffee, etc.)

• Burn injuries are second to motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of accidental death in the United States.

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics published the following burn statistics for 1992:

  • 41,000 heat burns resulted in an average of four lost days of work each. Breakdowns of industrial burns were as follows: 16,500 retail trade; 9,500 manufacturing; 8,600 service industry (such as restaurants).

  • 15,700 chemical burns resulted in an average of two lost days of work each. Breakdowns were as follows: 5,800 manufacturing (such as chemical manufacturers); 3,200 service industry; 2,600 retail industry.

• Children, ages newborn to two-years-old, are most frequently admitted for emergency burn care in a hospital. The kitchen is the most frequent area in the home where burn injuries occur for children newborn to four. The next most frequent area is in the bathroom.

• From ages 5 to 74, most burn injuries occur outdoors with the next most frequent area being the kitchen.

• From ages 75 and above, the kitchen is the most frequent area for burn injuries to occur, with outdoor fire accidents being next.

• Burns and fires are the leading cause of accidental death in the home for children 14 and under and the third leading cause of accidental death for adults.

• Scalds are the leading cause of accidental death in the home for children from birth to age four and are 40% of the burn injuries for children up to age 14.

• The National Burn Information Exchange indicates that after the age of 60, the risk of burn injury is greater than at any time since childhood and the average size of the burn is larger than for any other age group.

• The most common burn accidents for older adults are from flame or scalding, lighting trash fires or a furnace, bathing or falling asleep while smoking.

• The National Fire Protection Agency found that the age group most likely to die in house fires are those 75 and older. High-voltage electric injuries account for approximately 3% of hospital admissions for burn injuries.

• Burns are one of the most expensive catastrophic injuries to treat. For example, a burn of 30% of total body area can cost as much as $200,000 in initial hospitalization costs and for physicians fees. For extensive burns, there are additional significant costs which will include costs for repeat admission for reconstruction and for rehabilitation.