Causes and Prevention of Domestic Burning Accidents

Abstract

Since the previous survey eight years ago both annual deaths from burns and admissions to the Burns Unit have increased. The main increases have been among persons aged 15 to 65 years. Just under half the cases in Birmingham were due to direct or indirect contact with domestic heating appliances. The unguarded open coal-fire was responsible for almost half of the accidents due to these causes and half of the deaths. Accidents due to unguarded electric fires have shown a dramatic fall from 24 % to 4 % in the present study. There is also a downward trend in the national mortality figures due to this cause. Ignition of flammable liquid causes an increasing number of injuries to schoolboys and men. Accidents where clothing caught fire caused 90% of the deaths, but there has been a change in emphasis in the present Birmingham series. The accidents due to children's nightdresses catching fire have fallen by half and are outnumbered by those due to the ignition of dresses. Accidents involving clothing of females aged 15–64 are now more common. There has also been an increase in accidents in which trousers caught fire. Cotton fabrics were involved in four-fifths of accidents where clothes caught fire. Preventive action has had success in improved guarding of gas and electric fires, elimination of • the more dangerous oil burners, and encouragement of safer nightwear for children. Further action is recommended for improved guarding of open fires and the wider use of safe fabrics for both day and night wear. © 1964, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.