Both active and passive prevention measures are beneficial in reducing this serious health hazard. Physicians are in a unique position to disseminate information on the danger of hot tap water and on ways to eliminate the risk to vulnerable populations. Not only do physicians have contact with these populations, they also have credibility as a source of health information for the public. Les br lures caus es par l'eau du robinet sont vitables. Reduction of tap-water scalds is best achieved through the involvement of a variety of professionals, including physicians.
Physicians play an important role in injury prevention.
Young children may not be able to respond quickly to a situation involving contact with hot water because their physical condition is underdeveloped, and elderly people may not be able to respond because of a physical impairment. The resulting increased time of contact with hot water increases the risk of significant injury. Risk is further increased in young, active, curious children because they cannot comprehend the dangers of hot water. There is a similarly increased risk for children and adults with cognitive impairments. In older children with developmental disabilities, parents and caregivers may expect age-appropriate rather than developmentally appropriate reactions.