Reducing the incidence of scalds Tap-water scalds are preventable. Effective passive prevention methods to limit the temperature of tap water include reducing the temperature set on the thermostat for home water heaters or installing antiscald devices that regulate the maximum water temperature at the faucet. Depending on the device and the skill level of the purchaser, the assistance of a plumber may be required to install it. Strategies for physicians During patient visits, physicians can discuss the danger of hot tap water while identifying steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of injury in vulnerable populations. Active prevention steps include educating parents that young children should always be supervised when they are in the bathroom or kitchen.
Physicians can also display educational materials such as pamphlets and posters in waiting areas.
Heaters were reported to be functioning satisfactorily. Reducing scalds results in considerable savings in health care expenditures as well as a significant decrease in the emotional and physical trauma suffered by scald victims. Concerns have been raised about lowering home water-heater temperatures. Among these concerns are the effect on the functioning of automatic dishwashers and the risk of colonization of heaters with Legionella pneumophila . Incidence of legionnaires' disease Another issue raised when considering lowering water temperature is the risk that water heaters will be colonized by L. pneumophila , the organism that causes legionnaires' disease.