Contact with hot tap water, undetermined intent Save
ICD-10 code: Y27.1
Chapter: External causes of morbidity and mortality
Contact with hot tap water, undetermined intent
Hot tap water can cause severe burns and scalds, and it is a common cause of injury in many households. According to the American Burn Association, hot tap water is responsible for more than one-third of all burn injuries in the United States.
Unfortunately, many of these injuries are the result of undetermined intent, which means that the cause of the injury is unknown. This can make it difficult to prevent such injuries from occurring in the future. However, there are some steps that you can take to reduce the risk of hot water burns in your home.
- Lower the temperature of your water heater: Most hot water heaters are set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause severe burns in just a few seconds. You can reduce the risk of burns by lowering the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
- Install anti-scald devices: These devices can be installed on faucets, showerheads, and other hot water sources to prevent the water from becoming too hot. Anti-scald devices are inexpensive and easy to install.
- Teach children about hot water safety: Children are at a higher risk of hot water burns than adults. Teach your children to stay away from hot water sources, and never leave them unsupervised in the bathroom or kitchen.
- Be cautious when using hot water: Always test the water temperature before getting into a bath or shower. Never leave hot water running while you are not in the room. And be careful when using hot water to clean or cook.
If you or someone you know has been burned by hot tap water, seek medical attention immediately. Burns caused by hot water can be very serious and require prompt treatment to prevent infection and scarring.
By taking these simple steps, you can reduce the risk of hot water burns in your home. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.